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Economics, Politics, Cultures of the Czech Republic & Poland: At a Glance

University: Dartmore Institute
Fields of Study: Economics, Politics, Central European Studies, History, Culture
Dates: May 04, 2012 to May 21, 2012 - Summer
May 24, 2012 to June 15, 2012 - Summer 2
Credit: 3 - Summer
4 - Summer 2
Deadlines: March 04, 2012 - Summer
April 24, 2012 - Summer 2
Price: $3,000 - Summer
$3,600 - Summer 2
Housing: Hotel
Minimum Age: 18
Apply Online

Program Highlights:

Looking for a summer program that expands beyond the borders of the Czech Republic? If so, our summer programs offered in cooperation with the Dartmore Institute are the right ones for you. You have two programs to choose from: Identities, Cultures, and Texts in East-Central Europe (Prague & Krakow) or Economy and Policy of the Czech Republic and Poland. This is a great way to study in Prague and also obtain a comparative perspective on the Central European region!

The University:

The Dartmore Institute for Central European Studies is a non-profit educational institute located in Prague, Czech Republic. Is dedicated to fostering and promoting cross-cultural exchange. The Institute traces its inception to the political upheavals of Central and Eastern Europe that began in the late 1980s. The mission of the Institute is to offer innovative study abroad programs based in Prague to university-age students, hence facilitating and allowing for a deeper understanding of the history, art, culture, and politics of Central Europe.

Academic credit for coursework completed at the Dartmore Institute is awarded by Dartmore’s partner institution, the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. The Jagiellonian University is a fully accredited Polish university which has a long tradition of academic excellence in the region since it is the second oldest university in Central Europe.

The City:

Prague is the perfect place to study abroad! It has been often described as one of the jewels of Europe due to its beauty, charm, and rich history. Every visitor falls in love with the city. With over 1.3 million inhabitants it’s is the Czech Republic’s largest city and also its capital. The heart of the city is the Old Town, which once served as the medieval marketplace and now hosts a variety of shops and outdoor cafes. The city is overflowing with culture and history. When you’re enjoying a cappuccino on the Old Town Square you can see a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture. From the Charles Bridge on the Vltava River, you can admire the Prague skyline with Hradcany Castle, whose 100 spires sparkle like stars at night. In addition to the breathtaking sights, Prague also offers a variety of cultural attractions such as concerts, museums, theatres, clubs, and restaurants. Since it is home to many of the Czech Republic’s best universities, there will be lots of students for you to meet and socialize with. Prague is a safe, affordable and friendly city, so you’re sure to have the time of your life!

Courses & Descriptions:

You have two programs to choose from:

1)      Identities, Cultures, and Texts in East-Central Europe (Prague & Krakow)

Two cities with complicated histories, rich cultures, and promising futures will become case studies for this unique opportunity in global education. Prague and Kraków, though less famed in the west than Paris, London, or Berlin, were unique and powerful hubs of European culture and history.  Among the theoretical foundations of this course will be the ever-shifting paradigm of center and periphery in relation to the European political and cultural power.

2)      Economy and Policy of the Czech Republic and Poland

This program consists of a series of lectures that introduce students to the history, economy, and policy of the Czech Republic and Poland. The curriculum is designed to help students analyze current political and economic issues and critically evaluate the policy options.

Both programs includes a unique “out-of-classroom experience” each day, which complements the morning lecture and brings learning to life. Some sample experiences include tours of the Prague Castle, a visit to Vysehrad, a study trip to Krakow, a tour of businesses/factories, and more! Every moment is filled with new insight into Czech Republic and Poland in a comparative perspective.

For each program, students attend one course taught by the faculty of the Dartmore Institute. Students can earn up to 4 credits!

For more course details, view the full program description.

Sample Course Listing

DART Czech Republic and Poland: Economy and Policy - Credits: 3

DART Identities, Cultures, and Texts in East-Central Europe - Credits: 4

Transfer Credit:

Academic credit from courses taken at the Dartmore Institute is awarded by the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, which is a fully accredited Polish university. 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. Study Abroad Czech Republic is 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):

March 04, 2012 - Summer

April 24, 2012 - Summer 2

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.

Gallery:

Apply Online

Why Study Here

Meet a Diverse Student Body

The student body at Dartmore is made up of international students, so you will have a chance to exchange ideas with people from around the world. The program also focuses on meeting local students and scholars. The Institute’s innovative study abroad programs are founded on the belief that students gain their most valuable insights into the social, artistic and cultural realm when interacting with local scholars and students throughout Central Europe and by traveling in small groups to the historical centers and other places of interest that give this part of Europe its unique character.

Enjoy the Cosmopolitan City

Prague is a cosmopolitan capital city – overflowing with cultural and social events. It is a perfect setting for a college campus.

Live, Eat, Breathe History

A little bit of history can be uncovered on every one of Prague’s charming cobblestone streets – the city has been well preserved and remains the same as it was during medieval times.

Get a Bang for Your Buck

Prague is an affordable destination – your dollar still goes a long way!

Be in the Center of It All

Located in the heart of Europe, Prague is the perfect home base for your travels to other European cities such as Paris, Rome, Budapest, Berlin, etc.

Prices

  • $3,000 - Summer
  • $3,600 - Summer 2

What's Included

Tuition and Fees

The program includes full tuition and fees at the Dartmore Institute.

Official Transcript

Two months after completing the program, we’ll send your home university an official transcript from the Dartmore Institute’s partner university, the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. This allows you to transfer credit back to your university (with prior approval from your advisor). The transcript contains the course title, grade, and credit hours for each course.

Housing

Students live in double rooms in a local hotel in Prague called Hotel Olga. During the one-week study tour to Krakow students will reside in Hotel Oberza.

On-site Program Director

Throughout the program, you’ll receive on-site support from the Program Director. The director will meet you at the airport, lead the orientation session, organize activities, and be available 24-hours a day.

In-Country Orientation

You’ll take part in a special Study Abroad Czech Republic orientation session at the beginning of the program. The Program Director will provide you with helpful advice and tips for living in Prague, review the schedule of activities for the program, distribute cell phones, and teach a survival Czech class.

Use of a Pre-Paid Cell Phone

During the orientation session you’ll be provided with a cell phone and a number of initial minutes. You’ll be responsible for recharging your phone with minutes. A cell phone is a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family back home. Also, text messaging is a popular and economical way to communicate with your friends in Prague.

Transportation Pass

To help you travel smoothly around Prague, we’ll provide you with a transportation pass that can be used on all buses, trams, and the subway.

Activities and Excursions

This program is full of academic activities and excursions, which includes tours, concerts, Czech films, cultural dinners, and a study tour to Krakow, Poland. You will never have a chance to be bored during this program! All activities are carefully designed to enhance your academic program and learning experience.

Health Insurance

You’ll be provided with a short-term accident and sickness medical plan that is designed especially for students studying abroad.

International Student Identity Card

All students are issued a complimentary International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which gives you great student discounts on airfare, rail passes, accommodation, sightseeing, food, shopping and more. Over 40,000 discounts are available around the world!

What You'll Need

Meals

Meals are not included, but food is very affordable in Prague. Many students also like to eat out. There are small cafes and quaint restaurants close to the Institute for you to enjoy. Some meals are included during the program during cultural activities.

Spending Money

Prague is an affordable European city to live in. You will need to bring spending money for food, personal items, additional travel, and entertainment.

Round-trip Airfare to Prague

Student travel agencies provide great deals on airfare to Prague. The average round-trip ticket costs around $800.

Pre-Paid Phone Cards for Your Cell

At the beginning of the program you will be provided with a Czech cell phone and an initial amount of minutes (ca. $30). During the program you will need to purchase your own phone cards to refill your minutes. Your Program Director will show you where to buy these.