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Czech Republic

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Accommodations and Accessibility

The IFSA team is ready to help you plan for various accommodations you might need abroad. We’re here to support you and help you prepare for a successful study abroad experience.    

Early planning is key. First, it’s important to know that options for accommodations vary by country, city, and university. This makes it important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.   

The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our Prague team as needed.   

Academic accommodation. Keep in mind that accommodations might be different in Prague than at your home university. We have more flexibility with classes taught by IFSA instructors. If you’re enrolling at a Czech university, know that many have the supports students need for success. Our team is here to help you navigate the process of setting up support at local universities.  

Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both.  

Mental health. Your IFSA student insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) provides coverage for counseling and medical care for pre-existing mental health conditions. Students who are in therapy or counseling can choose to continue video calls with a home counselor or arrange to work with a mental health provider in Czech Republic. Keep in mind that Czech clinics might not offer services in English. If you’re enrolled at Prague City University or Charles University, you’re eligible to receive their services.  

Before you go, learn about our Health Safety and Wellness team. In the meantime, your IFSA Enrollment Counselor is also an excellent resource.   

Mobility. Prague has improved accessibility for people with mobility limitations in recent years, but parts of Old Town with cobblestone surfaces or narrow streets could be hard to navigate. It’s best to explore near public transportation links.  

Sports and fitness. Many of our students stay active while in Prague. IFSA students have free access to a gym at Grebovka Villa, home of our IFSA Center in Prague, in the heart of the city.  

Many athletic activities take place in clubs that are part of the country’s national sports association. Any IFSA student can also join sports clubs or teams at Charles University or Prague City University.  

Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition. 

Students can also explore the city’s gym options (including CrossFit) and take advantage of the local passion for outdoor recreation. Running/walking, hiking on extensive trail systems, skiing, snowboarding, soccer (football), hockey, cycling, and volleyball are some of the local favorites.  

More to explore:  

Faith Communities

Studying abroad will likely introduce you to new religions and faith communities around the world. If you plan to practice your religion abroad, consider researching the customs, laws, and places of worship at your destination.  

Churches and cathedrals throughout the city keep Christianity top of mind, though most citizens are not religious. Prague observes Saint Wenceslas Day on September 28 in honor of Czechia’s patron saint. Prague is home to one Europe’s oldest Jewish communities, which includes a Jewish Quarter. Pinkas Synagogue is now a museum, honoring the history of the Jewish community here.   

IFSA team members can provide resources to help you find places of worship in Prague. 

More to explore:  

Considerations for Women

Gender typecasting is easing, but the historical legacy of traditional gender roles remains. Because higher education in the Czech Republic is free, the country is well educated, though women are underrepresented in parliament and government. Czech laws against sexual violence are strictly and fully enforced.  

While dress norms are like those in the U.S., people are slightly more formal in Prague. Smart casual is a good way to go. You can dress casually for class, but sweatpants, shorts, and leggings are uncommon.  

Prague is considered one of the safest cities in Europe. There is little to no reported violent crime against tourists. Petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing often occur, especially in high-traffic areas. Watch for scams (including petitions for fake causes, tickets to fake events, and taxi drivers who don’t start the meter, then charge an inflated flat fee).  

More to explore:  

Race and Ethnicity

Czech Republic’s history is heavily influenced by dynamics between Moscow and the West. Czechs make up most of the population, followed by Germans, with smaller percentages of Poles and Slovaks. Many left the country late in the 19th century and during periods of war and societal upheaval. Learning about the history, culture, and politics of this region can help you understand this. Take part in the IFSA excursions and cultural activities included in your program fee (yes, free!) to learn more about local traditions. 

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Czech law bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Registered partnerships are legal for same-sex couples, though same-sex marriage is under debate. Eastern Europeans tend to be homophobic, but Prague is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Most of the city’s gay bars and clubs and queer-welcoming cafes and restaurants are in Vinohrady in Prague 2. 

More to explore:  

More Support

From help managing money abroad to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you. 

 On a budget? Czech Republic is more affordable than many European counties.  

  • Ask your IFSA team in Prague for a list of free and more affordable activities  
  • Use your student ID to take advantage of discounts at museums and more. 
  • Check out the Prague Cool Pass, with access to 70+ attractions for 1 to ten days.   

(Though the Czech Republic is member of the European Union, the Euro is not widely accepted here.)  

Student Perspectives

Read about living and learning in Czech Republic: Student Stories.