Is ECES a study abroad agency or program provider?
No. ECES is a program facilitated directly by Charles University, Faculty of Arts. You will receive the same services that Charles University students receive, with some additional support provided by the International Relations Office specifically for ECES students.
Academics
When are courses offered?
ECES courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms. Charles University, Faculty of Arts runs regular classes during the fall and spring terms, which ECES students may also take during their studies in Prague.
When is the course schedule posted?
The ECES course schedule is posted online approximately two months before classes begin.
How do I register for courses?
Once accepted to the ECES program, you may choose your courses online. The course registration period begins at the same time for all ECES students, and spaces in courses are assigned on a first-come, first-served principle.
How many courses can I take?
During the fall and spring terms, you may take up to seven courses, 21 credits, including the mandatory Intensive Czech language course during the orientation period. During the summer term, you may take up to 3 courses per 3-week session. If you’re enrolled in Session A, the 7-week summer term, you may take a total of 6 courses (3 in each session).
Can I transfer ECES credits to my home university?
Typically, yes. Courses are worth three U.S. academic credits or six ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Please check with your home university to ensure the credits can be transferred. It is highly advisable that you have at least one extra course pre-approved in case a class you choose is cancelled, full, or you decide not to attend one of your choices.
Can I take ECES courses pass/fail?
The only course which can be listed as pass/fail on your Charles University transcript is the mandatory Intensive Czech Language (CZE 100) course during the semester program. All other courses will be assigned a letter grade on your final transcript.
Are there Czech students in ECES courses?
There may be Czech students in some ECES semester-program courses, specifically those courses marked “Department”. In other ECES courses, there are spaces reserved for Erasmus (European exchange) students, so most ECES classrooms are diverse. ECES students participating in the fall or spring semester terms may also take courses at the Faculty of Arts outside of the ECES program with Czech students.
When are classes scheduled?
During the semester program, classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday. All classes meet for at least 180 minutes per week (expect film classes, which meet for 270 minutes per week). The pre-semester Intensive Czech language courses meet Monday-Friday in the morning or afternoon during the first three weeks of the semester program.
During the summer program, classes are scheduled Monday-Friday.
Is class attendance mandatory?
Yes. As you are studying in Prague for a limited amount of time, all classes are mandatory and will count towards your final grade. Each student is allowed to miss one 180-minute class, or two 90-minute classes per course. Absences may be excused if a medical note is provided or it is approved by ECES staff. For each additional unexcused absence of 90 minutes, your final grade will be reduced automatically (i.e. A to A-).
Are ECES courses different than the ones taught at my home university?
More than likely, yes. The Czech education system is different from many education systems around the world, and ECES courses act as a hybrid. ECES professors are aware that their students are largely not Czech, but there will still be some key differences. For example, students will be expected to complete a large amount of independent work, including readings, for their courses. Students may find that there are only one or two graded assignments on the syllabus, but they should still expect to spend several hours each week (minimum) preparing for their courses. Additionally, students may find that the style of learning in the Czech Republic is much more independent than at their home universities. ECES students are expected to work independently, and should they need help, to approach their professors to ask. Professors will typically not reach out to provide additional assistance or clarification unless a student is to approach them first. This is all typical of the Czech education system. ECES staff will assist students with this transition, if needed.
Housing
Does ECES provide housing?
Yes. ECES offers single and double rooms at Komenského dormitory within walking distance to the Prague Castle. It is a 20-minute tram ride from the main university building and Old Town Square. It has convenient access to public transportation and is close to mini-markets and restaurants. If you do not wish to stay in the dorm, you may find off-campus housing on your own. Students who choose to live independently are responsible for arranging their housing on their own, including obtaining any visa requirements (proof of accommodation).
Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels?
No. Sheets and towels are provided at the dorm. However, many students either bring their own sheets or purchase towels at a store once they arrive because they are often used to a different standard than what is provided.
Is internet available at the dorm?
Yes. There is a university wifi network (Eduroam) at the dormitory. ECES students will receive their Eduroam connection details after the first week of orientation. Until that time, internet connection is available via an Ethernet cable.
Is the dormitory in the Old Town center of Prague?
No. The university dorm is located in a residential area in Prague 6. The dorm is about a 10-minute walk to Prague Castle and 20 minutes by tram to the Old Town.
Most Czechs do not live in Prague 1 where most tourists stay and living in this dormitory provides ECES students with a more authentic residential experience. Additionally, residing in Prague 6 is generally safer.
Are guests allowed to stay in the dorm with me?
Yes. Guests may stay in the dormitory, but they must reserve their own room or bed with the reception desk and pay the required nightly rate (375 CZK with an ISIC card, 500 CZK without). Guests may stay in your dorm room only if there is an empty bed available there (ie. if you’re assigned to a double room but do not have a roommate). Guests may not sleep on the floor of your dorm room with you due to safety concerns.
Are kitchen utensils provided?
No. The kitchen consists of a refrigerator and a “hot plate” or an oven burner. No utensils, plates, or pans are provided. Many students purchase cheap items at a store or second-hand when they arrive. Some items may be left in the ECES community kitchen for incoming students to use, but use of these items is not regulated by staff and is the responsibility of the students to manage and maintain.
Is it possible to arrive early or stay late at the dorm?
Yes. It may be possible for the dorm to accommodate requests to arrive earlier that the official start date and to stay after the official departure date. Should you wish to arrive early, you should contact ECES staff immediately, as spaces in the dorm for extra nights do fill up. You must pay the nightly fee to the dormitory directly (375 CZK with an ISIC card, 500 CZK without) in cash or by card. You may book extra nights after the program yourself once you arrive in Prague.
Living in Prague
What language do people speak in the Czech Republic?
The language spoken in the Czech Republic is unsurprisingly Czech. However, Prague is very diverse and you will often hear English, Russian, or German. Most of the restaurants and stores also have English signs and menus.
Do I need a voltage converter?
This depends on the types of electronics you intend to bring. Most laptops, phones, and cameras automatically convert voltage, so you will need only an adapter. If you intend to bring something that does not convert voltage itself, you will need a converter. We recommend purchasing items like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons once you arrive in Prague. Using these items even with a voltage converter may pose a fire hazard.
Should I bring traveler’s checks?
No. Traveler’s checks are becoming an item of the past. They are difficult to exchange and many establishments do not accept them. ECES recommends to bring a debit card and withdraw money from one of the many ATMs in Prague (KB, GE, CSOB, etc.). Although you will receive a withdrawal fee, this is the safest and most practical option. Credit cards (except AMEX) are also widely accepted in Prague.
How much does it cost to live in Prague?
Living in Prague is relatively cheap comparted to living in the U.S. or Western Europe, for example. The Czech Republic is not on the Euro, and its currency is Czech Koruna. Food and restaurants are cheaper, but items, such as electronics and clothing, cost the same. What you spend depends on your lifestyle, but students generally spend between $500-700 USD per month (living expenses and weekend trips).
Will I experience culture shock?
It is possible and most likely that you will experience some culture shock and even reverse culture shock when you return home. The lifestyle in Prague is different than what you may be used to. Do not expect complete modern amenities, air conditioning, or even credit card use in all establishments. What you can expect is excellent public transportation, beautiful architecture, and many cultural events that you may not have been exposed to before. It is normal to experience culture shock and we will do our best to help you with the transition.
Should I purchase an ISIC card before I arrive in Prague?
Yes. We recommend that you obtain an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) when you arrive in Prague, especially if you plan to travel outside the Czech Republic. While the Charles University student ID card that you will receive will entitle you to student discounts in Prague, you will need an ISIC card to receive similar discounts elsewhere. Student discounts very common in Europe and are often available for theater and concert tickets. For more information, look at the ISIC website: www.isic.org.
Visas
Do I need a visa to study in Prague?
Semester Program
Yes. Students that do not hold European Union member country passports must obtain a Czech national visa. If you are from the United States, Canada, or Mexico, then you need to apply for a visa. After your acceptance to the program, an admissions letter and housing confirmation letter will be sent immediately to you. These letters will accompany information on obtaining a long stay visa. Please do not hesitate and apply for a visa as soon as possible! The process can take up to 90 days! For questions about the process, please consult your local Czech Republic embassy or consulate.
Summer Program
No. The majority of students (U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong) participating in the ECES summer program do not need to apply for a visa.
My visa is valid only for the ECES program dates- does that mean I have to arrive on arrival day and leave on the departure day?
No, if you are an American citizen or a citizen of a country automatically allotted a Schengen tourist visa, you may travel for a total of 90 days before or after the ECES program. Many nationalities are allotted 90 days of visa-free travel in Europe (Schengen zone) in every 180 day period. Your visa covers only the time you are a student at Charles University. If you are not an American citizen, please contact an ECES staff member regarding this question.
Do I need to obtain insurance that is valid and authorized in the Czech Republic?
Yes. All foreign students are required to obtain insurance valid in the Czech Republic for the duration of the semester (does not apply to the summer term). This means that only health insurance companies that are authorized and licensed within the Czech Republic will be accepted for the visa application. Unfortunately, most U.S. health insurance providers do not meet the criteria and students will have their visa application denied if this condition is not fulfilled. Detailed instructions on how to obtain insurance are sent to accepted students.
How long does the visa process take?
The visa process can be tedious and bureaucratic, so we highly recommend that you apply immediately upon receiving your official Letter of Acceptance to Charles University. It can take approximately 90 days to process the visa. Students should submit their visa application and all supporting documentation to the Czech authorities no later than three months before the official arrival day. If you follow the instructions and recommendations, your visa should be issued in a timely fashion. The application form itself will not take more than 15 minutes to fill out, but gathering all the supporting documentation will require more time. ECES will provide detailed visa application instructions.