Overview
As the gateway to Western and Eastern Europe Prague is a grand city, full of cultural activities including museums, castles, theaters and an active nightlife. In this capital city students attend the Undergraduate Program in Central European Studies (UPCES) at Charles University. The UPCES organizes a variety of day excursions and a long weekend trip to Poland. Minimum GPA required by host program: 3.0 GPA, but exceptions can be made.
Academics
Find UPCES classes here: ( Classes are called "Courses")
At UPCES all students take an elementary Czech language class plus four other classes. The classes are taught in English, except for the Czech language class. All humanities majors but especially Politics, History and Economics majors should consider this program. More course information.
Internships
UPCES also offers non-credit internship opportunities in the following areas: Business/Marketing, Teaching, NGO/Development, and Journalism. For more information concerning the internship possibilities, please see their internship website.
Housing
Students live in flats with other UPCES students. Upon arrival to Prague students will stay in a residential hotel for several days. UPCES staff will place students in flats that have been selected with the assistance of trusted realtors. Students will pay rent directly to landlords while in Prague.
Dates
The Prague program is available during either the fall or spring semester. Fall semester starts in early September and ends mid December; spring semester starts in January and ends late May.
Cost
Please see the Willamette Sponsored Programs Cost Matrix for detailed explanation of the cost of each program.
Pre-departure Resources
- Undergraduate Program in Central European Studies (UPCES)
- UPCES course information
- Housing information
- Application information (do not start the UPCES application process until instructed by the OIE)
- Czech Republic student visa information (do not start the visa processes until advised by UPCES)
- Willamette World News: Czech Republic
- News
- Local Weather
- Embassy of the Czech Republic: historical and government information
- CIA World Factbook
- Lonely Planet Guide