Study Abroad in Prague...

Prague (or Praha), the capital city of the Czech Republic, is the heart of the country's social, economic, political, and cultural life. Located in Central Europe and bordering Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia, the Czech Republic also makes an ideal base for students seeking to explore other parts of Europe.

Unlike many other European cities, Prague did not suffer extensive destruction during the modern wars, and its splendid architecture remains today unscathed. Known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," Prague's historic center was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage List in 1992. This includes the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town, which were built between the 11th and 18th centuries. Amongst the city's most famous architectural treasures are Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Wenceslas Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge. Though much of the city's architectural splendor can be attributed to Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, architectural styles range throughout the city. Strolling the streets of Prague, students will see examples of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Art Noveau and ultra-modern styles. In addition to majestic architecture, the city is also home to 81 museums, 108 art galleries, and 71 resident theaters and concert halls.

Prague's history stretches back thousands of years to Celtic and later Germanic tribes who inhabited the area. Prague Castle was built in the 9th century and served as a seat of power for generations. Of course, as the country transformed, so did the Castle's architecture and students studying in Prague today will find a very different structure than the original wooden fortress.

During the 19th century, Prague remained the capital of the Czech lands as part of the Hapsburg monarchy and proved to be one of the strongest parts of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Czech, German and Jewish cultures all met and mingled as the city continued to grow. During World War II, the country was occupied by Nazi Germany and later fell under communist influence until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today Prague serves as the capital of a parliamentary democracy. The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004 and it is also a member of NATO. Students interested in politics and history will be fascinated by both the city's varied past and vibrant future.

Prague provides students with much more than history. One of the cornerstones of Prague's modern appeal is its excellent higher education system which includes eight universities, educating approximately 70,000 students. Founded in 1348, Charles University (CU) is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Of its 42,000+ students, more than 4,300 of them are international students, many of whom study in English language programs. Czech Technical University draws engineering students with its excellent faculties in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, nuclear, and physical engineering. Students in other fields may want to consider the University of Economics, Czech University of Agriculture, the Academy of Fine Arts, or the Academy of Performing Arts.

In addition to programs at Czech universities, a wide variety of study abroad programs are available to students studying in Prague offering courses in business, communications, international relations, sciences, literature, and psychology. These programs allow students to take core classes in English enabling them to fulfill degree requirements of their home universities. Many of these students also take Czech language courses. Students who are already fluent in Czech may want to consider pursuing an internship.

In the decade following the end of Communism in 1989, Prague experienced significant changes as it transitioned to a market economy and reestablished private ownership. In city districts such as Smíchov and Karlín, students will observe the construction boom that accompanied the country's sudden economic growth. New office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and shopping make Prague an exciting place to live, work, and study. Today, the capital generates more than 20 percent of the country's national gross domestic product. Significant industries including tourism and business services in addition to the country's core industries of printing, food, chemicals, and engineering. Almost 75,000 manufacturing, trading, and financial businesses operate within the city.

Literature students interested in Prague's native son, Franz Kafka, will want to be sure to stop by the Franz Kafka Museum, which features most of the writer's first editions, a variety of letters, diaries, manuscripts and drawings, and interesting audiovisual arrangements created for the museum. A few of Kafka's most famous and influential pieces include "In the Penal Colony" ("In der Strafkolonie"), "The Judgment" ("Das Urteil") and "The Metamorphosis" ("Die Verwandlung").

With its excellent universities, fascinating history, complex politics, dynamic economics, and influential position in the country and the region, Prague provides a multifaceted study abroad experience. Students who choose to study abroad in Prague will no doubt enjoy living in the "golden city."

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ONLINE RESOURCES
Charles University in Prague: http://www.cuni.cz/
Czech Technical University: http://www.cvut.cz/
City of Prague: http://www.praha-mesto.cz/
UNESCO World Heritage Center, Prague: http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=616
Interesting Prague Timeline: http://www.praha-mesto.cz/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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