Summer Study Abroad
About Program | Photos | Courses, Costs, & Dates | Contact Info | Info for Accepted Students
> Why NYU in Prague? | Facilities | Housing | Faculty | Passport & Visas | Links
Prague, Czech Republic
June 23 - August 4, 2007
Application Deadline: Open
Directors of the Program:
Milan Fryscak, Associate Professor, Department of Russian and Slavic Studies
Daniel Just, Lecturer, Department of History, Bilkent University
Why NYU in Prague?
Legend has it that Princess Libuse had a vision of Prague when she proclaimed from a cliff overlooking the Vltava, "I see a great city whose fame will touch the stars." Now the capital of the modern Czech Republic, Prague is the cultural and intellectual center of the nation, with more than 20 museums and 200 galleries, castles, churches, synagogues, palaces, and gardens. Standing in the middle of the Charles Bridge, with the majestic silhouette of Prague Castle rising from the heights of Hradcany on one side, and the graceful spires, steeples, and cupolas of the Old Town on the other, one can immediately sense the atmosphere of this remarkable city.
NYU in Prague introduces students to the rich history, culture, and language of the region, offering courses in modern Czech and Central European literature and culture; Central European cinema; the art and architecture of Prague; Central European and Czech history, politics, and economics; and the history of European Jewry and the Holocaust. An introductory intensive Czech language class is also available. All content courses are taught in English by professors from NYU and Charles University, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded by King Charles IV in 1348. Weekend excursions include tours of small medieval villages and castles in Southern Bohemia and the World War II transport camp, Terezin. Students meet with members of the new government, artists, and writers—and experience life after the Velvet Revolution.
NYU in Prague gives students the opportunity to study history in the making; the city itself combines medieval, Renaissance, baroque, and modern influences. Undergraduate and graduate courses are offered. Courses are taught by scholars who both reflect on Prague's rich cultural history and offer insight into its rapidly changing future. The Czech Republic gained membership in the European Union in 2004, and Prague is an ideal place in which to observe the evolving cultural politics of the "new" Europe.
Facilities
The NYU Center is situated at Malé Námestí in a 15th-century building only steps away from the Old Town Square and Prague's historic clock tower. Originally called the "White Lion," it was the home of the first printing shop in the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the earliest printing houses in Central Europe. The building has been restored to its original detail with painted wooden beams and arched entryways, an ideal place for study and reflection. There is a computer lab at the center for student use.
Housing
Students are housed in an NYU residence hall just a short distance from the NYU center and the city center.
Faculty
Vaclav Bartuska, M.A. (Social Sciences), Charles University, Prague.
Daniel Just, Ph.D. (Comparative Literature), NYU.
Tomas Kraus, J.D. (Law), Charles University, Prague.
Alena Macurova, Ph.D. (Czech Literature), Charles University, Prague.
Simon North, Ph.D. (Art History), University of Edinburgh.
Passport & Visas
United States citizens do NOT need a visa for a stay under 90 days. However, if you plan to find employment while in the Czech Republic, or plan to stay more than 90 days, you should apply for a visa. Use the link below to visit the website for the Czech Embassy in Washington, DC.
For non-U.S. citizens, refer to the government link provided on this website to determine how long you can stay in the Czech Republic without a visa.
Links
State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs
(From this page, under "Services," click on "Travel Warnings/Consular Information Sheets." Then click again on "Czech Republic.")
Helpful Tips for Traveling Abroad
International Health/Center for Disease Control
Prague English-Language Weekly Newspaper
Exchange Rates/Currency Converter
Specific Information on PRAGUE: