Czech Republic: Charles University (USAC)

Students will enroll in 12-18 credits per semester, which equals out to be 4-6 classes total. An advantage of studying through USAC is that most courses are offered in English. All students are required to take a two-week Intensive Czech Language and Culture course worth 3 credits, which allows students to choose 3-5 additional courses for major, minor, UNIFI, or university elective credit. There are a variety of subjects for students to choose from, some of which are listed below:

• Business
• Economics
• Photography and Film
• European Politics, Culture, and Arts
• History

Students will have the option to choose between two complexes in the most culturally rich area of Prague. There are not only accommodations in this area, but all the services an inhabitant of the city may need, including shops, restaurants, music bars, art galleries and more! For this reason, bus and train stations are a short walk away, making it easy for students to explore the rest of the city and country.

Each apartment contains a bedroom(s), bathroom(s), shared kitchen and living space. USAC students will be placed in an apartment building with other university students.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to the Czech Republic, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance. 

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Czech Republic.

Immigration Information

Students going to Czech Republic for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa.

Your Study Abroad Advisor and USAC will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Courses

USAC's program to Czech also offer's a handful of courses for students to take during the Winter Session, also known as J-Term. Students will take one course for 3 credits. Course options are listed below:

• Czech Cinema - Image and Memory
• From Medieval to Contemporary: Exploring the Great Art and Architecture or Prague
• Postwar 2.0: Central Europe from WWII to Today
• Sustainable Development: Key Dimensions and Challenges

Dates

This program runs from the end of December - mid January. Students will be required to move into their housing and attend the mandatory orientation a day before classes start. Please schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad Center using the links at the bottom of the page to learn more information about the courses, cost, and/or housing for J-Term in Czech.

USAC also offers a summer school option to Czech. This program is divided into two sessions, Summer Session I being offered mid-May through mid-June, and Summer Session II from mid-June through the end of July. Students can choose to participate in one or both Summer Session I & II, and will take 1-2 courses per session for 3-7 credits total. There are a variety of course options for students to choose from including (but not limited to) history, music, language, business, photography, and field studies. Unlike their semester program, students will not have any required courses to take. Internships are not available during the summer program.

Semester Internship

Enhance your semester abroad through an internship in Prague. This is a great way for students to gain valuable skills through a hands-on experience while learning about the workplace culture, norms, and expectations of the Czech Republic. Through interning abroad, students will expand their professional network, develop cross-cultural understanding, and intercultural communication and language skills. Placements are avaiable in the following fields:

• Business
• Digital Marketing and Social Media Management
• Grant-writing and Crowd Funding
• International Relations
• Journalism and Communications
• NGO and Social Services
• Research - Humanities and Social Sciences

*Internships require an additional fee for USAC to help students secure a placement

Field Studies

Students can participate in a 1-credit field study course during their semester or summer abroad in Czech. Field studies are carefully planned overnight excursions that allow students to explore cultural, historical, and natural features of the Czech Republic. An academic component such as readings, research, and written assignments will increase the understand of the sites and people visited. This is a unique, hands on approach to complement the larger academic program, and provide a way for students to learn in new ways, and connect classroom learning to the world around us. 

Field studies have an additional fee and are subject to meeting minimum enrollment requirements to run. Therefore, they may not be available every summer session.

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.