ISA in Prague, Czech Republic - Liberal Arts

  Czech Republic

• Prague: 
Prague

Term: Fall, Summer, Trimester, Winter 
Dates: Please refer to the ISA website

Description: Prague is cropped out from the banks of the Vltava River, and has been the political, cultural, and economic hotbed of Eastern Europe for over 1000 years. With over 1.2 million local inhabitants residing in the city proper, and many international travelers crossing streets during busy summer travel, Prague is a bustling capital of global importance. Since 1992, Prague has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason: The city is an unaltered, hands-on museum full of famous theatres and opera houses performing Mozart's Don Giovanni, open parks with political protest history, and centuries-old buildings converted into late-night discothèques. The galling years of communist rule linger in the minds of Czechs, and striking conversation on the subject brings out a history and culture lesson that could only be learned from the source itself.

Highlights: Czech mythology cites Princess Libue of the 7th century saying she saw many prophecies from her castle in central Bohemia. One day she had a vision of what was to come of Prague: "I see a vast city, whose glory will touch the stars! I see a place in the middle of a forest where a steep cliff rises above the Vltava River. People will bow to the castle and to the city around it. It will be honored, favored with great repute, and praise will be bestowed upon it by the entire world."

Her mythical prophecy rings true today; that is just what Prague has become. The history of the land is heard from the locals decrying years of communist rule that tore at the lives of the Czechs. But the abuse felt by the people affected the physical structure of the city less. Dubbed the "city of a thousand stars" for its flickering lights in centuries-old cathedrals and mountainside homes, Prague is a painter's paradise. The bustling downtown is full of all walks of life and has an array of entertainment, but just walk one street over to a quiet café, or take the convenient and far-stretching underground metro or above-ground trolley to a park for a game of soccer. And if you get lost, no sweat! Many locals and travelers speak English, so if your Czech is rough, that's no problem. Someone will help if you ask, and they might learn a new English word as you learn a Czech one in the process. With a city of two million people, there's bound to be someone willing to suggest the metro stop you need or tell you which street vendor sells the best Czech sausage.

Points of interest in the City

Kampa Park: Famous and great-tasting cuisine can be found here at many restaurants dotted along the River. A scene from Mission: Impossible was filmed here.

Franz Kafka Museum: See the life and work of Prague's literary giant.

National Museum: A beautiful, grandiose building full of Czech Republic's relics and history.

Mala Strana: The Small Quarter leading up to the Prague Castle.

Old Town Square: The hustle and bustle of Prague from the 10th to the 20th Century, where the working class traded and bartered goods.

Reduta Jazz Club: Prague's oldest jazz club.

Petrin Hill: Atop a network of eight parks, a good lookout onto the city during the day.

Melnick Chateau: A short jaunt outside of the city, there is a magnificent castle with a restaurant and local winery.

Skiing: With many well-established resorts, skiing through the Bohemian mountains is a joy for all. The most frequented areas for downhill skiing are in the Krkonosÿe (Giant Mountains) in northern Bohemia, where Pec pod Snezkou, Spindlorov Mlyn and Harachov are the main resorts. It is a 3 hour bus ride from the city, and the bus station is accessed from Florenc bus station in downtown Prague.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please refer to the ISA website

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Czech Republic Independently

Scholarships are Available. Thousands of dollars in ISA scholarships are available! Please visit the ISA website for scholarship information.

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement: ISA's mission is to provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries. Our programs are designed to maximize our participants' learning abroad, and we understand that most college students need support and expert guidance before, during and after their time abroad. ISA is a Global Partner of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and supports NAFSA's efforts to advance international education and exchange.

Year Founded: 1987