Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Explore Czech culture and society through courses in history, media, art, religion, literature, psychology, and political science. The program’s primary courses are specially designed for students from the US and taught in English by local faculty. You also have the option to take a Czech language course to fully immerse in local culture. Courses feature guest lectures by leading social figures in Czech politics, business, and religion. Class field trips and activities are an integral part of the courses to help you further integrate into Czech culture. ​

Unique study opportunities

  • Opt to take some courses alongside local Czech and international students at Charles University.
  • Access practical courses in cinema, Czech documentary film-making, or the performing arts at the prestigious FAMU film school.
  • Gain intercultural communication and leadership skills for your career.
  • Get involved locally with political conferences, film festivals, human rights nonprofits, and other sectors of Prague society through an academic internship.
  • Compare cultural psychology from Czech and American perspectives.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Czech Language Study: Optional

All instruction is in English, but you have the option to take a survival Czech language course to help you navigate grocery shopping, ordering out, reading signs, and talking with locals. Beginning to advanced Czech language courses are available.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Five to six courses for a total of 22.5–27 quarter/15–18 semester UC units.
  • You may take up to 40 percent of your total unit load per term on a pass/no pass basis.

Current Program Courses

On this program, you can access courses at five study locations. You must take a minimum of three courses at the CIEE center in Prague, and at least one course taught in cooperation with Charles University from a list of options available through CIEE and Charles University. Offerings cover a wide variety of subjects with a focus on Prague, Czech Republic, Central Europe, or Europe generally.

If you choose, you can then supplement your coursework with up to six semester units at the other study locations. 

CIEE Prague Center
  • Take a minimum of three CIEE courses: 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units each.
  • Course options include Czech language courses, an internship, a directed research project, and courses focusing on topics including economics, political science, media, art, literature, society, history, etc.
Charles University
  • Courses are 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units each.
  • Take courses alongside Czech and international students through the Eastern and Central European Studies department. Courses focus on Czech history, culture, politics, film, etc.
Prague Film and Television School (FAMU)
  • Most courses are 2 quarter/1.3 semester UC units each.
  • Access practical courses designed for US students in film focus on topics including acting, dance, film, animation, editing, directing, photo imaging, script writing, and production.
Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP)
  • Courses are typically worth 1-1.5 U.S. semester credits.
  • Lecture, seminar, or workshop courses in architecture, urbanism, and sustainability.
Art & Design Institute (ADI)
  • Studio courses are worth 4-4.5 semester credits and lecture/seminar courses are worth 1-2 semester credits.
  • Studio courses require a submitted portfolio of artwork at the time of course selection.


UCEAP students may not enroll in the Arizona State University (ASU) online courses through CIEE as these courses do not receive UC credit or count toward the minimum program requirements.

Catalogs and resources

  • Central European Studies: Review program highlights and current courses (scroll to the bottom) on the CIEE website.
  • Courses taught in cooperation with Charles University: All students take one course from a list of options offered through the CIEE Prague Center and Charles University.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

The Central European Studies courses at CIEE are primarily offered to students from the United States; however, they are open to Charles University students and Erasmus Program students studying in Prague. Classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes, or once a week for three hours, with the class size ranging from five to twenty students.

In addition to taking the Central European Studies courses, you’re encouraged to take classes at Charles University or FAMU. Enrolling in a local school, you’ll get to experience a new learning environment and culture. The Czech educational system requires a high degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and a proactive approach to study. Independent learning and active participation in class are a key succeeding in your classes.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in mid-March. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in August.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.