Though the Czech Republic is a fairly small and new country (you might remember when it was half of Czechoslovakia), its rich history far precedes its 1993 official establishment as an independent country, and its culture far exceeds its geographical size. Come for the majestic beauty of Prague, but stay for the people in the countryside, a taste of beer in the home of the Pilsner, or the sight of giant bears living in the moat of the the Český Krumlov castle.
Popular Cities & Universities in the Czech Republic
PRAGUE:
Arguably one of the world's most beautiful cities, this capital city is a "can't miss" for any traveler through Europe. Home of the famous Charles Bridge, the historic Jewish Old Town and the mythic Golem, as well as the "Dancing House" and the Lennon Wall (not Lenin), Prague also offers tourists and students alike modern amenities and lively pedestrian shopping districts.
- Charles University: Famous Charles University is *the* University to study abroad in Prague, and it's no wonder. CU is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in Europe, the first university in Central Europe and largest university in the Czech Republic.
Fact: The Czech national currency is the Czech Crown (Ceská Koruna; Kc). Crowns are divided into 100 smaller units, called hallers (halér).
BRNO:
Get off the beaten path and explore Brno, where the country’s second largest and fastest growing university, Masaryk University, is located. Brno is home to six higher educational institutions and over 75,000 students. Thanks to its strategic location at the heart of Central Europe, cities such as Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are within easy reach. The Moravian highlands surrounding Brno offer outstanding opportunities for hiking, bicycling and skiing.
- Masaryk University: The largest University in Brno and the second largest in the Czech Republic. University facilities include several new university and faculty libraries, sports facilities, and student clubs and cafes. Over 37,000 students from all over the world – over 60 countries in all – study at the university. Masaryk also offers a Cambridge-certified TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program as well as a specialized Central European Studies Program.
Fact: The Czech Republic is the country where modern beer (pivo in Czech) was invented (in Plzen). Czechs are the heaviest beer drinkers in the world, each year drinking roughly 160 litres per capita.
Student Visa/Residence Permit
All visas must be approved by the Czech Immigration Police, therefore the processing time is approximately 70 days from the date the embassy receives the completed application. The embassy recommends that applicants send their applications at least three (3) months before their intended departure from the U.S. There is absolutely no way to rush the process!
Student visa requirements and fees can change without notice! Before submitting your documents and fees, please verify this information with the respective embassy or consulate.
The information below is from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC. Please check with the consulate that has jurisdiction for your address before applying. These documents are required:
- Application form. To apply for a student visa, you must do so with an original application form (no copies)
- Fees
- Two (2) passport-size photographs
- Original Passport
- Document confirming sufficient financial resources
- Document confirming the purpose of stay. This document must be in the Czech language
- Document confirming accommodation. This document must be in the Czech language
- Application for Czech Criminal History Record
- Copy of the Birth Certificate
- Proof of insurance from Czech national health insurance company
- Criminal History Background
- A pre-paid, self-addressed Certified or Express Mail envelope
Please note: Some requirements vary according to the embassy or consulate applied to. All documents must be presented in their original form or as a notarized copy. No documents may be older than 180 days, except your passport and birth certificate. Some of the documents listed below must be submitted along with an official translation in the Czech language.
Fact: The actual King Wenceslas was the King of Bohemia and is now buried in Prague.
Understanding Academics in the Czech Republic
Czech higher education institutions use a six-point grading system. Vyborne (excellent) is the highest mark, while nevyhovující (failed) is the lowest. Classes are generally held from September to May, with a long vacation from July 1 to August 31. The most common languages of instruction include Czech, English, and German.
Social Life Beyond the Classroom
There is no shortage of things to do outside the classroom in the Czech Republic! Attend a festival or student party or enjoy a quiet night in a post-communist café. Join the International Student Club and sign up for the excursions offered at affordable prices. Grab a cup of coffee peruse the vendors on the Charles Bridge, take in a soccer game, or hop on the train for a day trip. See yourself living and studying where centuries of history have unfolded.
Ever heard of a "moat potato"? You won't believe it until you see for yourself. Brown bears laying in the moat at Český Krumlov—a beautiful old town in South Bohemia with the country's second biggest chateau and castle and a sight like no other!
Beer, the source of (and solution to) all problems! Discover where it all started in Pilsen—home of the original Pilsner Urquell beer, and the largest city in West Bohemia.
Relax in one of Eastern Europe's greatest gifts—the spa. In the city of Karlovy Vary you'll find mineral springs, green parks, healing treatments to cure what ails you, and all in a magical environment in the biggest and most famous spa town in the Czech Republic.
This guide was contributed by Alissa Kramer
Alissa Kramer is currently a Program Officer at the ISEP Network, administering student exchanges for students to and from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. She studied abroad for a year at the Karls-Eberhardt University in Tuebingen, Germany and now helps other students live the dream! You can find her on Facebook.
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