Program Highlights:
This is a unique program that focuses specifically on the languages and cultures of Central Europe in a comparative perspective, within the framework of the university’s BA program taught entirely in English. Our semester, year, and BA programs are ideal for students who want more in-depth knowledge of the Central European region and the languages spoken there (Slovak, German, Hungarian, Polish, and Slovenian), while the summer program emphasizes the Slovak language and culture. And with your campus being in Bratislava, the heart of Central Europe, you will be immersed in the local culture and be able to learn about the region first hand!
The University:
Comenius University in Bratislava is the oldest and largest university in Slovakia. It was founded in 1919 and follows the university tradition of the Academia Istropolitana which was established in Bratislava by Matthias Corvinus, the Hungarian King, in 1465. Today, there are more than 30,000 students studying at 13 departments, being taught by 2,000 faculty members. Comenius University hosts the highest number of foreign students among all universities in Slovakia, with exchange students coming from 27 different countries. The university has close contact with many important European educational institutions and it strives to offer not only academic excellence, but also a wealth of cultural and social opportunities for students.
The City:
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and is home to 450,000 people. The city is located on the banks of the stunning Danube River and is nestled in between Austria and Hungary and at the foot of the Low Carpathian Mountains. Tell your friends that you are studying in the only national capital that borders two independent countries – Austria and Hungary! Bratislava is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, which is evidenced by the many government buildings, universities, museums, theaters, galleries and business and financial institutions. In your free time you can stroll the streets of the historic Old Town and drink a cup of coffee while gazing at the Bratislava Castle or St. Martin’s Cathedral. History and culture will be at your fingertips and our on-site staff will make sure that you are fully immersed in the Slovakian way of life. Since Bratislava is home to a number of major Slovak universities, you will have plenty of local college students to socialize with.
Courses & Descriptions:
SEMESTER/ACADEMIC YEAR STUDIES
Choose from a wide variety of language courses (Slovak, German, Polish, Slovenian, and Hungarian) and other courses that focus on relevant cultural and social issues facing the region.
SUMMER
This intensive program is designed to improve and extend the students’ Slovak language competence, as well as increase their level of expertise in Slovak literature and culture. The summer school is the oldest summer language school in Slovakia (founded in 1965), and every year around 160 participants from more than 30 different countries study here. The program includes 80 hours in language instruction plus an additional 20 hours of language learning during field trips and excursions.
BA STUDIES
Have you ever thought of completing your BA degree in Europe? Then this is a great opportunity for you to complete an internationally-recognized BA degree in the heart of Europe. The main goal of the BA studies is to master the languages, as well as social and cultural aspects of the Central European area. Graduates will have mastered at least three languages of the region (Slovak, Hungarian, German, Polish, or Slovenian) at the level corresponding with the needs of general communication both in spoken and written form. Training in languages will concentrate on mastering elementary skills in translating and the techniques used in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. During their studies students will master the general competence of area studies, i.e. global knowledge of the issues of cross-cultural communication skills. At the same time they will focus on the elementary theoretical and methodological knowledge of linguistics and literary science and become acquainted with the history and culture of the region of Central Europe.
Transfer Credit:
Comenius University is fully accredited by the Slovak Ministry of Eduction. With prior approval of your advisor, the courses should seamlessly transfer back to your home university. Before applying it’s important to speak with the study abroad advisor at your home institution to obtain pre-approval for your courses and determine how many credits you’ll receive. Every educational institution has different policies about transferring credit, so we encourage you to follow your institution’s regulations.
After completing the program, we’ll send your registrar or study abroad advisor an official transcript with the course titles, credit hours, and grades. Your university will need this transcript to transfer credit.
Financial Aid:
It is possible to transfer your financial aid to pay for some or all of the program costs. The first step is to check with your home institution’s financial aid advisor before applying. Since every home institution has different rules, only your advisor can tell you what kind of aid can transfer. We are happy to provide you with a certificate of enrollment or any other documents that your university might require.
There are also many scholarship opportunities available. Learn more on our scholarships page.
Application Deadline(s):
June 04, 2012 - Summer
June 15, 2012 - Fall
November 16, 2012 - Spring
June 15, 2012 - Academic Year
June 15, 2012 - Full Degree
Late applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Applying for our programs is simple! Fill out the on-line application form and wait for more information from us.
