Prague, Czech Republic

IFSA Summer in Prague

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Program Overview

EXPLORE AN ICONIC EUROPEAN CITY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE OR GAMING

Prague is home to some of Europe’s most distinctive architecture—as well as some its most affordable prices. Get to know the city’s iconic buildings, from modern wonders like Dancing House to historic structures like Prague Castle—and the unique social and political factors that helped define them.

Studying computer science? Get a completely different view of Czech culture by exploring the city’s lively tech scene with a focus on the computer games industry, gaining valuable skills and insights with a combination of theory and practice.

This flexible program includes options for one or two four-week sessions. Take a class along with an eight-week internship with IFSA Summer Internships in Prague.

This is an exclusive IFSA-Designed Program. Learn more about these affordable programs here.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

2.00

Credit load

3–6

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn More.

Apply Now

Academics

During your IFSA Summer in Prague, opt to take a class during the four-week Session 1 or take a class during the four-week Session 2. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2.

SESSION 1 CLASS

Architecture and Design in Prague: From Fairytale Castles to Communist Blocks
The class introduces the European artistic architecture and design of the Czech capital. By examining artists, architects, and their works, students acquire a deeper understanding of the city’s character and how patronage, power, and politics have shaped the urban landscape. The class covers the periods of European architectural development from medieval to modern, distinguishing the various artistic styles and movements; the ways in which architects and designers conform to, or disrupt, artistic conventions; and how their work reflects and even influences the social and political dynamics of the city. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

SESSION 2 CLASS

Computer Games Culture and Industry
This class explores the computer and video games industry from an interdisciplinary critical culture and creative industry lens, with readings, resources, classes, guest speakers, and site visits focusing on the intersection of business and culture in the computer games industry. From mass culture multi-national corporations through to smaller ‘indie’ games developers, this class examines the evolving structure of the computer games industry with an in-depth exploration of industry innovation, investment, changing demographics, and cultural appeal and implications. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in Session 2 of this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.

Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.

INTERNSHIPS
IFSA internships include real-world work experience, along with developing intercultural skills and experiences that are key to personal, academic, and professional success. Expect to devote a total of 120 hours working with your host organization, with supervision from your seminar instructor, coordinated by on-site IFSA team members. In addition, interns complete the International Internship Seminar for 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Internships are not remunerated.

Students have interned at galleries and museums, business incubators, development agencies, religiously affiliated non-profits, marketing firms, and human rights advocacy groups in Prague.

Your goals are carefully considered, tailoring the placement process to ensure the best possible fit. Keep in mind that final placements depend on your skills, prior experience, and availability. Although every effort is made to match your placement with your preferred field or area of business, it can’t be guaranteed. Internships are conducted in English.

Application. After you submit your application, resume, and IFSA Internship Intent Form, an IFSA Enrollment Counselor and an on-site IFSA Team member will work with you to identify your professional strengths, review your goals, and refine your internship interests to establish a match. From there, you’ll have an interview with your potential internship host. You will be provided with tips and resources to prepare for your interview.

Sample Placements. The following are examples of internships IFSA students have recently completed. Placement options vary from term to term.

Organization: Business, communications, and marketing coaching institution
Potential Projects: You can assist with operations management, support community management and social media, conduct marketing research, advise on marketing strategies, or develop website content.

Organization: Non-profit, human rights organization
Potential Projects: You will engage in international research and write reports to support the fair migration policy project.

Organization: Not-for-profit legal advocacy institute
Potential Projects: You may collaborate on event organization, write research reports, and producing and editing content for the institute’s local and international activities.

Organization: International business consulting firm
Potential Projects: You may work in Human Resources assisting with recruitment support; in Marketing supporting communication management market analysis; in Computing reviewing code and helping with in-house software development; or in Finance helping with basic account and payroll services.

Organization: Language-training company
Potential Projects: You may review marketing strategies and a campaign for a teacher-training program; produce, edit, and review content for international target audiences in various media; assist with reestablishing alumni engagement; or develop strategy for implementing a new remote learning program.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

 

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.

Activities

  • Tour of Historic Prague: Let yourself be smitten by the beautiful historic downtown and learn about the story of a nation throughout 700 years of history.
  • Farmer’s Market: Join the social event of Saturday market shopping among locals, partly guided, partly for you to explore the smells, sounds, shapes, and colors of local products. And, of course, there’ll be a tasting!
  • Prague’s Story through Architecture: Your first dip into the local history will prepare you for wandering the streets of Prague with new appreciation and cultural awareness.
  • Cookout with Czech Peers: It is hard to meet Czechs among the tourist crowds of summertime. This activity is a great opportunity for you to do just that – and get a few tips and insights from locals. Plus, youll fall in love with chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches).
Excursions
  • Karlštejn Castle Tour: Just an hour outside of Prague, explore this jewel of a 14th century Gothic castle and spend the day enjoying the countryside.
  • Scenic Brewery Visit: Enjoy a short hike in Prague’s countryside to visit a brewery and tour one of the stars of the traditional beer-making industry (Únětice)!

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

Prague students typically live in apartments shared by four to six IFSA students in the city’s residential neighborhood. Home to Czech and international locals, this neighborhood is a short tram ride from the historic city center. Apartments vary but are generally in updated historic buildings, a 5- to 25-minute walk from the IFSA Program Center.  

Flats could be single-gender or mixed-gender. Bedrooms are shared by same gender students. Students can request single roomskeep in mind that private rooms include an additional fee to cover the higher cost. Students are responsible for their own meals, and often cook in their apartment kitchens, which are fully equipped. 

Sample housing 

Take a look at Slezska 23 to see what your Prague home might be like:  

  • Location: Vinohrady, an international residential neighborhood. 
  • Commute: A 15-minute walk to the IFSA Program Center at Villa Grébovka. 
  • Living space: Apartments for four to six students in older, historic buildings. Students share bedrooms with two single-gender students per room. Bedrooms include two beds, desks, and storage. Residents share bathroom, living space, eating area, and kitchen with oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and basic utensils. Duvet and pillow provided; students provide sheets and towels.  
  • Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare or purchase meals, and often tell us cooking together is a fun, social part of the day.  
  • Other details: Internet included. Washing machines and drying racks in each apartment 
  • Nearby: Cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, concert venues, farmers’ markets, tram and metro. Jiřího z Poděbrad Square. Žižkov TV tower. Riegrovy Sady. Náměstí Míru Square.    

Dates and Fees

Term
Term begins
Term ends
Program costs
Application deadline
Summer 2024 - Session 1
May 27, 2024
June 21, 2024
$5,225
Passed
Summer 2024 - Session 2
June 24, 2024
July 19, 2024
$5,225
Passed
Summer 2024 - Sessions 1 & 2
May 27, 2024
July 19, 2024
$8,225
Passed
Summer 2024 (Australia Outbound)
June 24, 2024
July 19, 2024
$7,475 AUD
Passed

Get Started

Eleni Katsarelas

Eleni Katsarelas

Enrollment Counselor