University of Economics
Prague

Central & Eastern European Studies Program

Introduction/Location
Read about two students' firsthand experiences in Prague! Ryan and Jessica share their stories and photos with MyCSU...

The Central and Eastern European Studies Program (CESP) at the Vysoka Skola Ekonomicka Vpraze (VSE, The University of Economics) in Prague was founded in 1992 as an optional one or two-semester program taught in English for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The objective of the program is to provide instruction in the economies, societies, and cultures of central and eastern European countries for international students. This program offers an experience and education you cannot receive at CSU: the opportunity to experience the exciting and dynamic conditions in central Europe, with professional insight and instruction by native Czech citizens. The international student mix leads to a truly multicultural experience.

The Czech Republic is a region rich in history and culture. Located in the center of Europe, it links east and west both geographically and culturally. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is an important economic and cultural center. Located on the Vltava River, Prague is considered one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. The city exhibits buildings of several architectural styles including Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Prague has been the home to kings, musicians, writers, and artists including Kafka, Kundera, Mozart, and Smetana. The city hosts many cultural events and performances including the annual Prague spring festival, which lasts the entire month of May. The central location of the Czech Republic makes it easy to travel to other European countries. Europe has an excellent public transportation system offering student discounts.

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Academics
Courses offered through CESP are worth three credits each. Classes are held at the VSE campus and are conducted in English by accredited professional teachers and business persons. Most courses are offered both semesters, so single semester students have a wide range of choices. A selection of four courses is normally offered for the summer sesssion.

CSU students are required to take at least four courses per semester for a minimum of 12 credits. Students are encouraged to take a Czech language course too, for a normal load of 15 credits. The typical courseload for the summer is 6 credits (two courses), but summer students may take all four courses if desired.

During the Fall 2008 semester, the CSU Faculty-in-Residence at VSE will be Judy Gaughan, Associate Professor in the CSU Department of History. CSU students are encouraged to take the course taught by the Prof. Gaughan.

Semester Course Listing

See the CESP website for semester courses: http://cesp.vse.cz/?dsp=19&parent=2. Generally, the same courses are offered each semester.

Summer Program Information & Course Listing

The summer program includes: Courses • Accommodation • Study materials • Two field trips.

Courses taught in English include business, politics, and culture. The summer session includes two gaculty guided field trips within the Czech Republic. The courses offered for Summer 2008 (from http://cesp.vse.cz/?dsp=44&parent=4) are:

    Course IP_326: Globalization – Its Social and Economic Aspects
    Course CEP 306: Knowledge Society - Management of Knowledge;
    Course IP_323: Marketing in Central and Eastern Europe;
    Course IP_331: Global Business and International Trade.

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Accommodations
Two accommodation options are available as a part of the program in Prague. The residence hall is located in the Jarov district of Prague. Each room has two beds, a work area, kitchenette, and a full bathroom. There are also student lounges and TV rooms, and a choice of two cafeterias for lunch and dinner. Students may also be housed in the Hotel Krystal. Meal costs are not included in the program fee. Prior participants have estimated food expenditures at about $150 USD per month.

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Costs
Summer Student Budget
Fall Student Budget

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Dates

The five weeks summer program begins in early June. The fall semester begins in mid-September and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in early February and ends in mid-May. There is a week-long orientation before the beginning of each semester. The dormitory is open several days before and after the program dates. Recommended arrival is the day before orientation or a bit earlier. See http://cesp.vse.cz/?dsp=43&parent=3 for details.

Summer 2008:
    Dormitory available: June 4 - July 16
    Orientation: June 9
    Classes begin: shortly thereafter
    Classes end: July 11

Fall 2008:
    Dormitory available: September 10 - December 21
    Orientation: September 15
    Classes begin: week later
    Holiday: one day in late September (school closed)
    Holiday: one day in late October (school closed)
    Classes end: December 19

Spring 2009:
    Dormitory available: January 28 - May 18 
    Orientation: February 2
    Classes begin: week later
    Break: one week in March
    Classes end: May 8

    All dates are subject to change.

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Resources
Czech Republic Student Visa & Travel Information
Resources for Students Traveling Abroad

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Program Contact Information

Robert Booker
Study Abroad Coordinator
Office of International Programs
Laurel Hall - Campus Delivery 1024
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1024
Phone: (970)491-5917;
Fax: (970)491-5501
E-mail: Robert Booker
Appointment and Walk-In Hours

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