Harvard Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic

This program is situated in Prague, Czech Republic, one of the world’s most beautiful cities that for centuries benefitted from its position at the crossroads of cultures and languages. You will learn the Czech language in class, through immersive exploration of the city, its rich history and vibrant present, and interactions with the locals. You will broaden your global perspectives on politics, philosophy, and history, and expand your knowledge of Central Europe.

Program Structure

Language instruction is combined with a cultural examination of the complex cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped Czech society. A particular emphasis is placed on studying the local richly layered architecture and urbanism. You participate in walking tours of Prague, visiting churches, castles, synagogues, museums, and monasteries, as well as other towns in Bohemia and Moravia. The program also includes visits to theaters, concerts, and cafes.

Our readings and lectures in Czech culture trace some of the major themes of Czech history and literature, paying special attention to the interaction between politics, aesthetics, and national identity — whether at the medieval court of Charles IV, amidst the religious turmoil of the fifteenth-century Hussite wars, during the nineteenth-century “National Awakening,” or under Nazi occupation and Communist rule in the twentieth century. Readings (in English and Czech) include works by Kundera, Havel, Hrabal, and Kafka.

CZEC S-AAB counts as one full-year course (8 credits) of degree credit, and can also count as 8 credits toward the foreign language requirement.

Prague is one of the most well-preserved historical cities in the world. It is also the setting of striking social, cultural, political, and economic transformation. While based in Prague, you will also have the opportunity to travel to various Czech and Moravian towns.

Accommodations

Students will stay in a dorm that is located in a residential neighborhood with parks, museums, shops, and restaurants. Students will stay in double rooms with bathrooms; kitchen and laundry facilities will be shared. The dorm is a short tram ride from our classroom, which is in the recently renovated Thurn und Taxis Palace in one of Prague’s oldest neighborhoods.

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student
• Be in good academic standing

Students enrolled at any accredited university are welcome to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

The Summer 2025 application is available via the “Apply Now” link at the top of the page. Applications are due on January 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

Each program has unique requirements included in the online application. Beginning your application early is the best way to ensure that you have sufficient time to review and complete the application requirements by the deadline.

You may apply to no more than two programs; if applying to two programs, you will be asked to rank your two applications in order of preference (first and second choice). Any applications submitted in excess of the maximum of two will be automatically withdrawn. You will be notified of your admissions status in each program in early March.
A complete online application includes:

• Basic personal information
• A statement of interest
• Your most recent transcript
• Program-specific requirements (if applicable; may include letters of recommendation, etc.)

Interviews may be requested at the discretion of the program.

Be sure to read about the funding options available for Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs.

If you have questions about the application, please contact the Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Office by email at SummerAbroad@Summer.Harvard.edu.

The program fee includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• Scheduled program activities
• Some meals (the program will provide further details)

You will also need to budget for a number of expenses not covered by the program fee. The amounts listed below for these out-of-pocket expenses are approximate, and you may incur additional expenses not noted here. Your actual expenses will depend on a number of factors, including personal spending habits and currency exchange rates. Note that expense categories — especially airfare — may be subject to significant fluctuations.

• International airfare ($1,600–$2,000)
• Ground transportation ($150)
• Meals ($1,100)
• Personal expenditures, communications, course materials, and miscellaneous ($500)

If you have specific questions about personal budgeting, please contact the program directly.

See Funding and Payment for information on how to submit payments and funding options.