Czech Republic: Post-Communist Transition and the Arts

  Czech Republic

• Prague: 
Prague

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September to December/February to May

Description: Gain firsthand insights into the transformation of civil society in the Czech Republic. Nongovernmental organizations and arts programs are emerging to empower socially marginalized communities, revive rural towns, and revitalize damaged landscapes after 40 years of communism and some two decades of political and economic transition. At the same time, the open market and rising consumerism of the young democracy have created new challenges to the celebrated Czech tradition of literary, visual, and performing arts, which helped impel the collapse of communism.

As the capital city and economic center of the country, the program base of Prague stands in great contrast to the outlying regions where change is slow, and provides an inspiring setting for the study of arts and society in transition.

Highlights: 16 credits; Intensive Language Study: Czech, Academic Seminar, Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project. Seven-week homestay in Prague. One week in regional towns of Bohemia and Moravia.

The program includes excursions to neighboring countries for a comparative study of the arts and civic initiatives. Sites may include Krakow and Bratislava. Excursions to regions within the Czech Republic may include the South Moravian wine region, South Bohemia to examine renewal of crafts and rural traditions, and the UNESCO protected town of Ceský Krumlov with its restored baroque theater.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Czech Republic in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 7-15

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932