prague rooftops and spires
Prague, Czech Republic

Summer Central European Studies

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Located in the heart of Europe, Prague provides students with many opportunities to immerse themselves in the beauty of architectural styles, explore rich contemporary art scenes, and discover countless dramatic facets, including those related to the two major totalitarian regimes of the 20th century.

This program is designed for students who want to explore different aspects of the Central European political and cultural space, including art, history, political science, and film. Hands-on and out-of-classroom activities, such as attending events at the MeetFactory, visits to the headquarters of Czech and international companies, and a day trip to Terezín, a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp on the Czech territory.

Ready to make “The City of a Hundred Spires” your classroom? Join us!

Unique Experiences

Get a new perspective

on Central European issues with one, two, or three four-week sessions.

Live in Prague

like a Czech student, exploring the city and its many varied neighborhoods.

Head to class

amidst a fairy-tale castle and hundreds of church spires.

56

Percentage of Prague Is Green Space, Making It One of Europe’s Greenest Cities

993

first year beer was brewed at the Benedictine Brevnov Monastery

1.3 M

residents

Experience
  • prague river bridge church hill
  • Prague girls on bridge with their hands out

Your Destination

Cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, and a hilltop castle help lend the City of a Hundred Spires its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful. Prague is unique in Europe, having shed its communist past and still brimming with carefully preserved monuments from every period and style in its millennial history. There’s plenty of quirky, too, like the Žižkov Tower adorned with climbing babies, and the distinctly nontraditional Dancing House. Easy to explore on foot, the city boasts a rich cultural life that includes concerts, festivals, operas, and more – many of which you can access on a student budget.

CIEE Prague is located in the central neighborhood of Vyšehrad, in a beautiful park-like setting atop one of Prague’s highest hills about 15 minutes from the Old Town area.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Prague.

The Culture

Prague student at Terezin museum

Excursions & Activities

Explore more of the region with excursions. Destinations change annually, and have included 

  • Terezín (Theresienstadt), former Jewish ghetto and Nazi concentration camp. 
  • Sychrov, home of a beautiful neo-Gothic castle and famous gothic fortress built in Roman times. 
  • Litoměřice, where the Ploskovice castle and historical structures date back to the 13th century. 
  • Karlovy Vary, a noted spa town. 
  • Plzeň, home of Europe’s second largest synagogue, the Pilsner Urquell brewery, and the George Patton Museum. 

Make your visit official by traversing the Charles Bridge, constructed to cross the Vltava River in 1357. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

3 Classes I Took on CIEE's Central European Studies Program in Prague

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Summer Ellis When going abroad, a general stereotype that I heard from so many past students was how classes might be easy and uninteresting. Instead, the sole reason for... keep reading

From CIEE

Top 10 Study Abroad Volunteer Opportunities with CIEE

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Have you ever wondered if you could volunteer abroad? Perhaps you're looking into study abroad programs that provide international volunteer opportunities. If you’re itching to study abroad and truly make... keep reading

From CIEE

How to Adapt to Public Transport Abroad: Prague Edition

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Isabella Pereira Transitioning from not having public transport or using it very little to being highly dependent on it can be a big change, but with some time you’ll... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students choose one, two, or three 4-week sessions and examine the Czech Republic’s role in Europe and in the world today. In addition to the area course, they may choose to take an optional Communicative Czech Language course (1 credit). Courses are taught by specialists in their respective fields from Charles University and other reputable higher education institutions. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings. 

CIEE Prague is located in a beautiful park-like setting atop one of Prague’s highest hills in the Vyšehrad neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the Old Town area. It features classrooms, a library, student lounge, staff offices, café, and a large garden and patio area. 

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in one 3-credit CIEE course per session. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • Communicative Czech Language course (optional): 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Students are expected to demonstrate a proactive and independent approach to study. Active participation in class as well as outside of class is essential for a satisfactory academic performance and attendance is strictly enforced. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation for each hour in class. A class typically includes lectures as well as discussions and group projects. 

Class Format

Summer classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday, with varied weekly structure, i.e., in different weeks the classes may be in session for a different number of days per week. Session-specific class schedule will be distributed during orientation. Our classes are taught in a standard setting of small groups of 10-20 students. In addition to in-class instruction, students can benefit from field trips, guest teachers, and other co-curricular events designed to supplement the course content and enhance students’ firsthand experience. 

Grading

Students receive numerical grades which are converted to U.S. letter grades. Assessment is continuous and is based on overall performance, including class participation, homework assignments, papers, presentations, projects, and exams. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes
Students studying in Prague for multiple sessions may only take the Communicative Czech Language course once.

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session III 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session III 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,730
Program Summer Session II and III 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,730
Program Summer Sessions I, II and III 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $12,610
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,550
Program Summer Session III 2024 4 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,550
Program Summer Session II and III 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,190

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,150**

Housing = $1,200***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $119

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $25

Personal expenses = $140†††

Total Costs = $1,329

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,150**

Housing = $1,200***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $119

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $25

Personal expenses = $140†††

Total Costs = $1,329

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,150**

Housing = $1,200***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $119

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $25

Personal expenses = $140†††

Total Costs = $329

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $5,830**

Housing = $2,400***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,730

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $238

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $280†††

Total Costs = $1,613

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $5,830**

Housing = $2,400***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,730

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $238

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $280†††

Total Costs = $1,613

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $8,510**

Housing = $3,600***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $12,610

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $357

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $75

Personal expenses = $420†††

Total Costs = $1,897

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $2,853**

Housing = $1,200

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,550

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $119

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $25

Personal expenses = $140

Total Costs = $1,329

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $2,853**

Housing = $1,200

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,550

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $119

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $25

Personal expenses = $140

Total Costs = $329

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $5,293**

Housing = $2,400

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,190

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $238

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $45††

Books & Supplies = $75

Personal expenses = $280

Total Costs = $1,638

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $400^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $800^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Will Barnard

Center Director

Will Barnard heads CIEE Prague. Originally from the U.S., Will has lived and worked in the Czech Republic for over twenty years. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University...

Petra Key

Academic Director

Petra Key is in charge of CIEE Prague course portfolio. She manages the CIEE Prague faculty and courses, and is responsible for the cooperation with academic partner institutions. Petra Key...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info