Study in Prague, Czech Republic (CIEE)
The Program
The program is ideal for students who are interested in psychology, politics, history, and the culture of the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
Students have the opportunity to directly enroll in courses at one of the top film schools, Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU) or at the very prestigious, Charles University (CU)! Internship and volunteer opportunities are available in both public and private-sector organizations such as NGOs, schools, and English language training programs.
Program Location
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the country’s largest city. Prague has a population of 1.2 million residents. It is nicknamed the City of One Hundred Spires because of the ample number of towers that define the city’s skyline. Here you will find some of the most beautiful examples of medieval, gothic, renaissance, baroque, neoclassical, nouveau, and cubist architecture. Not to mention Prague offers a wide range of riverside parks, museums, clubs and bars. Some of the must-sees in Prague include the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. Once you are in Prague, it will not take you too long to understand why it is considered one of the best cities in Europe.
Academics
Courses at CIEE Prague, Charles University, and the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) include Art History, Economics, Cinema, Communication, Cultural Studies, European Studies, History, Journalism, Literature, Politics, & Psychology. We strongly encourage you to take an optional Czech language course while studying in Prague, and four area studies courses. All area studies courses are taught in English.
Student may choose from the below 4 tracks. In order to have an idea of what classes are available, you should visit the CIEE website(s) below):
- Business, Arts, & Sciences
- Central European Studies
- Communications, New Media, & Journalism
- Film Studies (Production & Screenwriting)
The CIEE Prague Center features classrooms, a library, student lounge, staff offices, café, and a large garden and patio area. Courses are taught by faculty affiliated with Charles University, Prague University of Economics, the Czech Academy of Science, and the Academy of Performing Arts, among other institutions.
Charles University was founded in 1348 and is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic, ranking in the upper 1.5 percent of the world’s best universities. The university consists of 17 colleges and enrolls more than 50,000 students.
The Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) is the preeminent film school in Central Europe and the 5th oldest film school in the world.
Internship
For credit internship placements are competitive and cannot be guaranteed. You can choose from several pre-screened internship positions with local, mostly non-governmental organizations, which may be involved in education, local and global human rights issues, and the field of economics. You will maintain a journal, which is evaluated weekly during the internship, and complete a final research paper discussing what you’ve learned from your experience at the organization. Evaluation is completed by assigned CIEE faculty, the internship supervisor, and the Resident Director. Students interested in a CIEE Internship must complete applications upon admission to the program and get approval from their home institution and CIEE prior to the start of the semester.
You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to CIEE and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take at least 16-18 credits per semester. The credit translation system between CIEE and Rutgers University is 1:1, meaning a 3-credit course at CIEE will also be a 3-credit course on your Rutgers University transcript. You will receive 3-4 credits per class taken with CIEE. In some cases classes will only be worth 1-2 credits; however this is rare and usually related to art and culture electives. It is not possible to take classes as not-for-credit or pass/fail.
For information about Study Abroad credit transfer, registration, and transcripts please visit the Academics section of our website.
Housing and Meals
Students have the option of living in a homestay with a Czech family, in a dormitory at Charles University or at a CIEE-administered apartment.
Homestay with a Czech Family
Breakfast and dinner are provided based on individual family schedules. Families are carefully recruited and screened by CIEE.
Charles University Dormitory
Students have the option to live in a single or double room (singles are limited and at an additional fee) in a CU student dormitory in Prague. You will live with other CIEE students and a small group of Czech students. Dormitory facilities include in-room Internet access (separate fee) and modest kitchenettes. Breakfast is included in the dormitory option.
CIEE-Administered Apartments
CIEE apartments house CIEE as well as Charles University students. You will share double rooms in furnished apartments. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with apartment mates. Meals and Internet fees are not included in the apartment option.
It is important for you to be aware that commuting is a part of daily life in Prague and most housing options require daily use of public transportation. A transportation pass is provided by the program. Housing is not co-ed and housing allocations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Internet
You are encouraged to bring wireless-enabled laptops; Internet connections are available in the dormitory for a fee. Internet connections may be available in the apartments for an additional fee. You will have free access to a computer laboratory and wireless connection during the week at the CIEE Study Center and at other Charles University facilities. In addition, Internet cafés are readily available throughout the city.
Financial Information
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Cost | $19,500 | $23,400 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (for homestay option)
• Program excursions
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,100 |
| Meals | $2,000 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $125 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $50 |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Personal Expenses | $750 |
| CIEE Deposit | $300 |
| Total | $4,375.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Cost | $19,500 | $23,400 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (for homestay option)
• Program excursions
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,100 |
| Meals | $2,000 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $125 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $50 |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Personal Expenses | $750 |
| CIEE Deposit | $300 |
| Total | $4,375.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Scholarships
Student Spotlight
"One of my favorite moments while abroad was an event organized by CIEE Study Abroad, where we went paddle boating on the Vltava River at sunset. The Vltava River runs between Prague and while paddle boating, we were able to see both sides of the city and experience it in a different manner. It was so relaxing and it felt nice to paddle around the river while talking to friends. Not only that, but the sunset added another sense of beauty that made the experience so memorable."