This program offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses in a variety of disciplines including the Czech language; European, Central European, and Czech politics; Czech art and architecture; and Czech culture. All courses are taught in English except language courses. No prior Czech language study is required. The program is administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member. The USAC Resident Director and staff are present on-site full-time to welcome and support students during their term abroad.

USAC Highlights Tour: Prague, Czech Republic

Academic Program

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit USAC program webpage.

Students participating in semester length programs take an intensive two-week Czech language and culture course so they are able to communicate on a daily basis in their new host city. After the two week intensive course students begin their regular semester coursework in English.
For summer-length programs, students typically take between 3 and 4 credits, per session. Students opting for the combination session usually earn between 6 and 8 credits, total. (UIowa administrative fee is based on an 8 credit enrollment.) An optional field study course to Vienna and Budapest is also offered for both semester and summer options. There is an additional charge for this choice.

Embedded, Credit-Bearing Internships

Qualified students studying for at least one semester may apply for internships designed to complement the academic program. Interns receive a maximum of three credits but no financial compensation. The schedule and number of work hours will be determined by the schedule of USAC courses. The work will be done in an English-speaking environment but some knowledge of Czech language is helpful.

If interested, you will apply for an internship after you have been accepted into the USAC Prague program. Requirements are: minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and junior standing at time of internship.

More information can be found here: USAC Prague Internships.

Cultural Activities

Extracurricular activities include sports with Prague students— mainly soccer and playing in the world´s most unique city league “Hanspaulka,” jogging and running, “uphill running” to the tops of Prague towers, volleyball, cycling, and swimming. Winter weather permitting, there is ice skating on rivers and pond hockey. Singing in the student choirs will enrich the language skills: in Prague choirs perform in Czech as well as Latin, German, Italian, English, and French. Hiking and walking are also popular activities; every fall semester students may join the 35-mile night hike out of Prague. Besides the program field trips, each term offers plenty of smaller trips to the most interesting places in the Czech Republic as well as in the neighboring countries – the schedule is announced during the onsite orientation.

Students may volunteer and join groups working on immigrant integration and cultural heritage protection. Czech language does not belong among the world’s most widespread languages; the citizens of Prague therefore like learning and practicing major languages. Many students find life-long friends through the conversation exchange program. You are also encouraged to participate in the included program field trips. In addition to the program trips, each term offers plenty of smaller trips to the most interesting places in the Czech Republic as well as in the neighboring countries—you'll receive the trip plan during the orientation.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Intern with the Fulbright Commission in Prague, the National Library archives, or Erste Bank

Volunteer with the National Center for Volunteers or the Prague Jewish Community

Tutor English language at a local high school

Play basketball and other sports with Charles University intramural teams

Perform research with the Institute of International Relations

Play soccer or ice hockey with amateur or semi-pro teams

Many running, jogging, and hiking events take place every day in Prague; these popular events are open for anyone to meet others

Program Dates

More information can be found here: USAC Prague Calendars.

Students can study on this program for a semester, academic year, or summer session. Check with the Study Abroad office for specific dates for your intended session.

Typical session dates are:

Fall: Late August to mid-December

Spring: Mid-January to mid-May

Summer Session I: Mid-May to mid-June

Summer Session II: Mid-June to mid-July

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Charles University

The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, decided that Prague would become the capital of Europe in the 14th century and founded Charles University in 1348. USAC students have access to the computer facilities on campus during the week and all student apartments also have wireless internet. The USAC study center is located at the Charles University Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies.

Prague

Prague has existed for more than a millennium. Old and new features of the city form a unity of styles not seen anywhere else. You may see its beauty from the hills around the city, from old bridges and steamer ships on the Vltava River, and even from rowboats. With its narrow curved streets, marvelous courtyards and green parks that make up 30% of downtown, Prague is a city for those who love to walk or ride a bike.

Prague’s hidden courtyards, winding streets, traditional pubs, and eye-catching architecture are uniquely juxtaposed with the city’s very modern business and academic opportunities. Walk to class past UNESCO World Heritage sites. Attend class in a 17th century palace. Immerse oneself into student life in one of central Europe’s most beautiful cities. With a growing economy, vibrant arts and music scenes, an influential intellectual community, and architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque to Art Nouveau, Prague is an ideal setting in which to explore Czech culture. Study abroad in the city that greats like Mozart, Kundera, Rilke, and Einstein called home.

The Czech Republic

Capital: Prague

Language spoken: Czech

Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)

Prague:

Population: 1.3 million

Prague is situated in the middle of the Czech Republic, and in just a few hours you could be in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, or Poland. Prague is rich in history and features old and new styles not seen anywhere else. With its narrow curved streets, marvelous courtyards, and green parks that make up 30% of downtown, Prague is a city for those who love to walk. Prague is an open textbook of modern and traditional literature, art, and culture surrounded by the remarkable architecture of its walls, castles, and frescoes.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

USAC students are placed in several apartment buildings located in central Prague, giving students a chance to submerse themselves in local culture. Shared rooms are standard. Student can opt to pay an additional fee, however, for a single room, based on availability. All buildings are located where the Old Town meets the Prague residential neighborhoods of Žižkov and Karlín. Within a few minutes, you can switch from the most prominent tourist sites to areas with real life; you will become a Prague insider quickly by knowing famous historical and artistic wonders of Prague but also being able to shop and live as native dwellers of Prague do.

The Žižkov and Karlín neighborhoods are some of the most culturally rich parts of central Prague; centuries-old streets host mostly small apartment buildings, shops, restaurants, music bars, alternative art galleries, and all services an inhabitant of the city may need and enjoy. The Prague City Transport Authority covers the whole city of Prague and includes trams, buses and subway(metro). All means of transportation run through these neighborhoods, and it is a matter of minutes to travel to any place in Prague. The long-distance bus and train stations are within a short walk from the housing.

Passport

US Citizens

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students without a valid passport should apply for a new passport or a passport renewal as early as possible.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students make their own travel arrangements to arrive in the Czech Republic by a designated date. Specific information will be provided in post-acceptance materials from USAC.

Local Transportation

Within Prague and around the country, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Excursions and general travel requires a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

Cumulative GPA of 2.5

Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa

Good academic and disciplinary standing - It is the policy of the UI Study Abroad office that all students who study abroad must be in both good academic standing and good disciplinary standing at the time of their application. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance and will not be allowed to study abroad. Any student who must forfeit their acceptance and/or attendance on a study abroad program due to a probationary status is wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fee- Includes program course fee, tuition, housing, meals, pre-departure advising, group flight airport pick-up, orientation, program-organized field trips, and host university student photo and ID card. (charged shortly before departure)
• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fee (charged shortly before departure)
• The mandatory Iowa Regents International CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Food (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Local transportation (paid at student’s discretion while abroad)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Consular and visa fees (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Textbooks, copyright permission fees, course packets, and other course-related materials (paid upoon arrival to your host country)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses and personal travel (paid by student as needed while abroad)
• Rental or purchase of required cell phone- does not include usage fees (paid as needed while abroad)
• Single Room(housing upgrade)
• Optional USAC Field Trips(paid directly to USAC by student)

Cost Sheets

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session.

Semester

USAC Studies in the Czech Republic - Fall 2024

Summer

USAC Studies in the Czech Republic Summer Session I - 2024

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options. Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

USAC has several scholarships and grants as well. You can find these on USAC Scholarships & Discounts website.

How to Apply

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Students will need to complete a University of Iowa Study Abroad application and a USAC Online application. Information on these applications will come from the study abroad advisor. Final admissions decision is made by USAC.

Application Deadline

Fall and Academic Year: February 24
Spring: September 24
Summer: March 4

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting the Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by USAC. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Czech Visa website for more information on Czech visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the Czech visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with USAC for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Predeparture Resources

USAC will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by USAC and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your USAC Account often.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu