Description
Study abroad in Prague, a city that has earned the nickname, “The Jewel in the Heart of Europe.” Charles University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Yet it is also renowned as a modern, dynamic, cosmopolitan, and prestigious institution of higher education. This program allows you to enroll in a variety of relevant arts and social science courses at the oldest university in the Czech Republic, alongside locals and students from around the globe.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Academic Programs International (API)
This program is facilitated by UCSC in collaboration with API. Therefore, program information indicated on the API website may differ from the program details indicated here.
API is an organization that UCSC has partnered with to provide students with this opportunity. API stands for Academic Programs International which is an organization that was founded in 1997 to connect U.S. college students to the world. API has staff in the United States and abroad to support students through every step of their journey.
Minimum GPA – 3.0
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester: late August – mid-December
Spring Semester: late January – mid-May
- Students must miss both winter and spring quarters at UCSC to participate in this session
Cost
Location
City & University
City & University
The Czech Republic (or Czechia, as it has been referred to since 2016), has a rich history as an independent kingdom, an important part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and a democratic republic. Its capital Prague retains one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, and attracts students and tourists from all over the world.
Accommodations
Students at Charles University will usually stay in the Komenského kolej (dormitory) near the Prague Castle, a 10-minute walk to the castle, a 30-minute walk to the main university building, and a twenty-minute tram ride to the historic Old Town. The dormitory offers conveniences that any student would need to live and study abroad. The residence hall includes in-room kitchenettes (with larger, shared kitchens available), as well as a laundry room, community room, study room, small gym (fee required), wi-fi, housekeeping (on a limited basis), gated entry with student ID access, and breakfast served Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).
Included Excursions
Included excursions for this program are:
- Brno
- Český Krumlov
- Karlovy Vary
- National Park (Cesky Raj)
Note: excursions vary by term.
If you would like more detailed information about the excursions, please reach out to globallearning@ucsc.edu or studentoutreach@apiabroad.com
Student Support
API teams will support your study abroad journey from application through re-entry. API staff will help guide you through the final phases of the application process after you have been nominated by UCSC, then upon arrival in-country, you will meet the API onsite team who will provide assistance during your time in-country. API staff is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social, cultural, health, and safety questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.
Please contact API directly if you have any concerns about disability accommodations abroad at studentoutreach@apiabroad.com.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As a Charles University exchange student, enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students.
- Students at Charles University can choose from courses in art and culture, economics, film studies, history, literature, music, political science, psychology, sociology, theater, and Czech language. All courses, with the exception of Czech, are offered in English.
- All students who have not previously studied Czech language are required to take a 3 semester credit (4.5 quarter credit) language course. This language course is taught for two weeks at the beginning of each semester.
Course Search
- View commonly available courses available at the host university.
- For syllabi/course description, click on the “View” button at the bottom of each course title.
- If “VIEW SYLLABUS” is not available, please email studentoutreach@apiabroad.com and request the course syllabus.
- Term availability is noted under “Sessions.”
- NOTE: Do not change search parameters, as it will offer locations/terms/programs not approved by UCSC.
- If you have any questions or need to request syllabi please contact API advising team at studentoutreach@apiabroad.com.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- A typical course load is equivalent to 18-24 quarter credits
- Most courses are 6 ECTS credits and students usually take around 5 courses
- Students must take 5 courses (each at least 6 ECTS credits) in Spring semester
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At Charles U, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 12 UCSC quarter credits in fall semester and at least 24 UCSC quarter credits in spring semester after conversion (see below).
If you are not enrolled in the minimum number of quarter credits required, then you will fall out of Satisfactory Academic Progress. This could lead to financial aid and academic repercussions.
If you are unable to enroll in the minimum number of quarter credits through courses at your host university, you may be able to fill in the gap by enrolling in one remote course through UCSC or UC online.
Credit Conversion
Charles U uses ECTS credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 5 ECTS credits = 4 quarter credits at UCSC
- 10 ECTS credits = 8 quarter credits at UCSC
- 15 ECTS credits = 12 quarter credits at UCSC
- 20 ECTS credits = 15 quarter credits at UCSC
Academic Restrictions
Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by API, and work with assigned API program manager, to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.