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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
History, Culture & Politics
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Location
Prague
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Host University
Charles University
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Term
Academic Year 1 2024
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Program Dates
Aug 31, 2024 - May 16, 2025
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
Apr 25, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 10, 2024
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Credit
360 - 450 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$28,490
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Take your pick from a variety of interesting humanities-based courses during your semester or academic year in Prague. ISA works closely with faculty at Charles University to develop coursework that is exclusively designed for ISA students.
Start your program off right by taking a 2-week intensive Czech language course that will help you learn some key phrases to use during your time abroad. Semester-length class options include subjects such as history, art and architecture, cinema, business, European studies, Czech language, political science, and more. All courses are instructed in English, with the exception of the Czech language courses, and are taught by Charles University faculty. Enjoy small class sizes that consist of other students on your ISA program.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
360 - 450
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
24 - 60
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
36 - 45
Academic Information
- Course Availability
- Course availability is based on enrollment numbers. You should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event that your initial course choices are closed due to low enrollment.
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Course Selection
- You are required to take a 2-week Beginning Czech Intensive Language Course during your fall semester.
- In addition to the Beginning Czech Intensive Language Course, you can choose 3-4 semester-long courses per semester from the list below.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the ISA Prague Site Specialist.
- Alternate Courses
- You are required to select 3 alternate courses in the event of top course choices conflicting on the timetable, course cancellations, or registration issues.
- You should get your alternate courses pre-approved by your academic advisor.
- Course Credit
- ISA recommends 12-15 U.S. semester credits (3 U.S. semester credits per class) be awarded per semester. However, transfer credits earned will be decided entirely by your home university. It is important to be in touch with your university about course approvals and transfer credit pre-departure.
- According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home university.
- Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. These ISA recommendations are intended to help with the determination of course equivalencies at U.S. home institutions.
- Transcript Information
- The transcript from Charles University will reflect contact hours, U.S. grade equivalency recommendations, and U.S. semester credit recommendations. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
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Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Drew Beasley
Program Manager, Czech Republic, Germany, & the Netherlands
Drew's journey in experiential education all started while traveling through Indonesia and Fiji on his gap year. Feeling refreshed and transformed, Drew embraced every opportunity to study abroad while attending DePaul University. Drew has studied film in Rome, received a teaching certificate in Prague, backpacked through Patagonia, and lead diving trips in Belize. When not abroad, Drew works closely with the Gap Year Association and currently serves on their board of directors. At ISA, Drew is thrilled to help students study abroad and fall in love with new cities and countries around the world.
PRAGUE TEAM
Daniela Procházka
Resident Director, Czech Republic
Daniela Procházka
Resident Director
Daniela has been ISA's Resident Director in Prague since 2008. She graduated from the University of Economics in Prague with a Master's degree in Human Relations Studies and International Trade. In 2004, Daniela spent 6 months on the Work and Travel Program in the USA in New Jersey. In order to improve her knowledge of economics and HR, she also studied at the University in Zurich in 2006. She has taught English at the Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies of the Charles University since 2002. Daniela enjoys spending time with her family and friends, loves playing beach volleyball, traveling, learning languages and likes good coffee. Her professional background and energetic personality make her a great asset to the ISA team.
Jáchym Vyčítal
Student Services Coordinator, Czech Republic
Jáchym Vyčítal
Student Services Coordinator
I am currently studying English language and Literature at the faculty of Education at Charles University to get my bachelor’s degree. I spent the last fall semester in Norway studying the English Language and American History and Culture at the University of South-Eastern Norway. Among my previous job experiences belong Comic Book translator, Gym Reception Manager, or a Bartender. I also frequently travel around Europe, usually to Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Poland and soon I will be going on my third trip to America in 2023. In my free time, I like to do all kinds of outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, regular skiing, or snowboarding. I love interacting with new people, especially foreigners around my age and I am really excited about this opportunity.
Lucie Smitkova
Student Services Coordinator, Czech Republic
Lucie Smitkova
Student Services Coordinator
Lucie joined the ISA family during the summer of 2009. In spring 2010, Lucie graduated from the Faculty of Education at Charles University with a Master's degree in English Language and Literature and German Language and Literature. Lucie provides Czech language tutorials for ISA students wanting to improve their language skills, and is dedicated to making the student experience in Prague an excellent one. She loves traveling and has been to almost every country in Western Europe. In an effort to improve her language and teaching skills, Lucie spent one year in Germany attending the University of Bonn specializing in German, American, and English literature. She also spent time in Florida where her interactions with American and international students showed her the unique opportunity to help students join two worlds together and while sharing the beauties of the Czech Republic.
Tomas Uher
Academic and Housing Coordinator, Czech Republic
Tomas Uher
Academic and Housing Coordinator
Tomas joined ISA Prague team in 2016. He graduated from the Faculty of Education of Charles University with a Master’s degree in English and History. To expand his horizons Tomas went to study abroad in Dublin for one semester and also spent a working summer in Maine, USA. For 3 years he worked for Charles University in the Information and Advisory Center where he was in charge of communication with foreign prospective students. In ISA Tomas deals with matters related to Academics and Housing. He is a passionate climber and the best way for him to re-charge his batteries is hiking in the mountains. Tomas follows a healthy lifestyle, but he can never say no to a sweet pastry. Therefore you can find him both in a climbing gym or a café or bakery with a delicious cake in his hands.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Czech lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Prague. Uncovering the uniqueness of your neighborhood and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. Housing is located either within walking distance from campus, or near public transportation (metro, bus, tram) that can take you to class. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing requests with our available accommodations, however, housing requests cannot be guaranteed.
Apartment
Apartments are furnished, centrally located, and within walking distance to the University or public transit routes. While apartments are standardized in terms of basic amenities, they can vary greatly in terms of both aesthetics and proximity to the university.
Bedrooms are typically double occupancy with a shared living area, kitchen and bathroom. Each apartment is equipped with basic furnishings and supplies, including one single bed per occupant, a closet/clothing storage space, basic cookware and kitchenware, a table and chairs, desks, and furnished sitting area.
Student Accommodations
You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the unique, enticing, breathtaking landscape of the Czech Republic that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on trips to the following destinations.
Cesky Krumlov
A UNESCO World Heritage site, south Bohemia's Cesky Krumlov is one of the region's prettiest towns. Made up of elegant Renaissance buildings that house charming cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries, Cesky Krumlov is surrounded by picturesque countryside. On this day trip, you will explore the quaint town center, visit the castle, and a walk along the serine Vltava River.
Cesky Krumlov
A UNESCO World Heritage site, south Bohemia's Cesky Krumlov is one of the region's prettiest towns. Made up of elegant Renaissance buildings that house charming cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries, Cesky Krumlov is surrounded by picturesque countryside. On this day trip, you will explore the quaint town center, visit the castle, and a walk along the serine Vltava River.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Spend the day exploring and relaxing in this peaceful spa town in west Bohemia. This small Czech town is famous for its thermal baths, which are believed to have many healing properties. Take a dip in one of the curative mineral springs and tour the unique spa architecture.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Spend the day exploring and relaxing in this peaceful spa town in west Bohemia. This small Czech town is famous for its thermal baths, which are believed to have many healing properties. Take a dip in one of the curative mineral springs and tour the unique spa architecture.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city dripping in culture. The city is full of museums, galleries, concert halls, and top-notch shopping. Wander through this historic-yet-modern city and discover hidden alleys and shops as street musicians play lovely Mozart tunes. Tour the beautiful gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace, visit the Hofburg Palace, and revel in the many musical and culinary delights of this worldly city.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city dripping in culture. The city is full of museums, galleries, concert halls, and top-notch shopping. Wander through this historic-yet-modern city and discover hidden alleys and shops as street musicians play lovely Mozart tunes. Tour the beautiful gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace, visit the Hofburg Palace, and revel in the many musical and culinary delights of this worldly city.
Kutna Hora
This UNESCO World Heritage city once competed to be the capital seat of the Czech Republic and is one of the most historically important cities in the country. Visit the "Bone Church," a small chapel decorated with over 40,000 human skeletons. Down the road lies St. Barbara's Church, one of the most famous Gothic churches in Central Europe.
Kutna Hora
This UNESCO World Heritage city once competed to be the capital seat of the Czech Republic and is one of the most historically important cities in the country. Visit the "Bone Church," a small chapel decorated with over 40,000 human skeletons. Down the road lies St. Barbara's Church, one of the most famous Gothic churches in Central Europe.
Berlin, Germany
This major metropolitan city boasts countless art galleries, numerous museums, and architecture to amaze the eyes. Completely devastated at the end of WWII, Berlin has sprung back as a bustling Mecca of young minds and hip culture. Learn lessons from the past at Checkpoint Charlie, view the colorful East Side Gallery painted on the Berlin Wall, and spend time at one of the many top-quality museums around the city.
Berlin, Germany
This major metropolitan city boasts countless art galleries, numerous museums, and architecture to amaze the eyes. Completely devastated at the end of WWII, Berlin has sprung back as a bustling Mecca of young minds and hip culture. Learn lessons from the past at Checkpoint Charlie, view the colorful East Side Gallery painted on the Berlin Wall, and spend time at one of the many top-quality museums around the city.