Prague Summer Program

  Czech Republic

• Prague: 
Prague

Term: Summer 

Description: The culmination of a decade of cooperation with Prague's Charles University, the Prague Summer Program offers writers, photographers and students of culture, history and political science from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to be mentored by some of the biggest names in contemporary English-language literature and world photography, as well as by luminaries of Central European culture. Past faculty and guests have included such literary talents as Ann Beattie, Marvin Bell, Mark Doty, Carolyn Forche, William Gass, Donald Hall, Edward Hirsch, Miroslav Holub, Mary Karr, Tracy Kidder, Carolyn Kizer, Ivan Klima, Sydney Lea, Philip Levine, Valery Martin, William Matthews, Christopher Merrill, Grace Paley, Jayne Anne Phillips, Francine Prose, Gerald Stern, Amy Tan, Jean Valentine, Michael Waters and many others.

Undergraduate and Graduate academic credit available (3-7 hours). Scholarships for writers and photographers. See website for details.

Highlights: The eager novice and the seasoned professional alike are mentored with equal seriousness and respect. For the month of July participants will be members of a unique and vital community of artists and students of art and culture. Unmarked by the wars and brutal occupations it has suffered, Prague is considered by many the most beautiful European city. If indeed Prague has been "the Left Bank of the '90s," as has been asserted in the world media, the Prague Summer Program has contributed significantly to that lofty designation.

Program fee includes PSP Czech Film Series, PSP Lecture Series, faculty readings twice weekly, literary walking tours, Prague walking tours, a day trip to Terezin, and a public transportation pass good for Prague's Metro, tram, and bus lines.

Cost in US$: $3,775

The Prague Summer Program offers a variety of activities beyond the classroom that provide opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Czech Republic and view its natural beauty. For an orientation to Prague, we offer walking tours on the first Sunday of the program. In addition, participants will be offered the opportunity to visit the former Nazi holding camp of Terezin, and take part in other weekend excursions throughout Bohemia. Participants are encouraged to attend ongoing PSP events, including the Czech Film Series, the Reading Series (offering readings by faculty and guests, as well as students), our famous PSP Lecture Series, as well as the Czech Language Class. Program fee also includes transportation pass for Prague's metro, tram, and bus lines.

Experience Required: yes

Students taking courses for academic credit are required to submit work samples.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Czech Republic Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. - PSP named full-tuition fellowships and John Woods Scholarships for writers and photographers from $500 to $1,500 for a 4-week enrollment. Competitive.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Prague Summer Program--Western Michigan University's Mission Statement: The culmination of more than a decade of cooperation with Prague's Charles University, the Prague Summer Program offers writers, photographers and students of culture from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to be mentored by some of the biggest names in contemporary English-language literature and world photography, as well as by luminaries of Central European culture. Past faculty and guests have included such literary talents as Ann Beattie, Marvin Bell, Mark Doty, Carolyn Forche, William Gass, Donald Hall, Edward Hirsch, Miroslav Holub, Mary Karr, Tracy Kidder, Carolyn Kizer, Ivan Klima, Sydney Lea, Philip Levine, Valery Martin, William Matthews, Christopher Merrill, Grace Paley, Jayne Anne Phillips, Francine Prose, Gerald Stern, Amy Tan, Jean Valentine, Michael Waters and many others. The eager novice and the seasoned professional alike are mentored with equal seriousness and respect. For the month of July participants will be members of a unique and vital community of artists and students of art and culture. Unmarked by the wars and brutal occupations it has suffered, Prague is considered by many the most beautiful European city. If indeed Prague has been "the Left Bank of the '90s," as has been asserted in the world media, the Prague Summer Program has contributed significantly to that lofty designation.

Year Founded: 1992