Study Abroad in Prague: Academics

Faculty of Arts and Philosophy—East and Central European Studies Program

The East and Central European Studies (ECES) program is a semester-long program in which AIFS students participate. Courses are in English and designed for international students from institutions of higher learning. The program includes a mandatory 2-week intensive Czech language course followed by a wide choice of semester courses. All courses are taught by academic staff of Charles University.

AIFS students have access to libraries, sports, cafeterias and other facilities and activities at the University, which is located in the historical center of Prague. Most courses offered in the ECES program repeat each semester, so even students who come only for a semester have a wide variety of courses. Courses vary each semester.

The program is open to students in good standing who have a 2.5 or better GPA, and requires no previous study of the Czech language. All courses, with the exception of language courses, are taught in English.

Orientation/Czech language course

For the first two weeks at the start of the semester, students take an Intensive Czech Language course to help them acclimate to their new setting. This orientation is designed to give students a chance to settle into the life of the city and University, meet professors and staff and be introduced to Czech culture and language. Students receive three semester credits for the orientation Czech language course.

Credits/transcript

ECES courses are worth three credits. Twelve credits are recommended per semester. At the program’s end, students receive an official transcript from Charles University.

Course load

Students are encouraged to take an average of four and a maximum of five courses per semester plus the orientation course for a maximum 18 credits. Courses are taught in English (except Czech language courses).

Class time

ECES holds two weeks of intensive Czech language and 13 weeks of class. Classes meet 45 hours per semester.

Student advising

The Resident Director offers advice about academic programs and helps students integrate comfortably into the program. She also coordinates social and cultural activities and serves as a liaison between students and the University.

Attendance

To receive full credit for courses, AIFS students must attend all classes or provide valid excuses for absences. Failure to account for absences may result in mandatory withdrawal from the course.

Independent study option

Students wishing to explore a special area of interest have the option of earning extra credit hours through independent study. Individual arrangements should be made with professors at Charles University. The tuition fee does not cover the additional charge for the professor's extra time. Students who select an independent study will be charged $450 per credit hour to be paid to AIFS.

Students must request this option before the program begins. It cannot be confirmed until Charles University has found a professor to supervise the independent study option.

Czech students

Czech students also want the experience of practicing their language skills and exchanging ideas with international students. The mix of native and international students at the University fosters an atmosphere of intellectual and social exchange, which deepens the learning process for all students. While AIFS students do not attend classes with Czech students, they can meet at various clubs and functions through the university.

Faculty

Classes are taught in English by professors from Charles University. The instructors have first-hand experience with their subject matter and bring to their classrooms the enthusiasm and practical expertise of those who have been—and still are— involved in making living history.

Grades

The ECES program uses the scale of A, B, C, D, F, with pluses and minuses. Students who receive an F do not receive credit.