Study Abroad in Prague: Academics

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.

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.

Credits/transcript
ECES courses are worth 3 credits. 12 credits are recommended per semester. At the program’s end, students receive an official transcript from the University.

Course load
Students are encouraged to take four or a maximum of five courses a 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.

Intensive Czech Language orientation course
The Intensive Czech Language course meets four and a half hours a day, five days a week for two weeks, for a total of 45 hours. Recommended for 3 credits in the fall and spring. The course appears on the Charles University transcript. Students are automatically registered in this course.

Independent study
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 $475 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 the 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.