Study Abroad in Czech Republic
Explore a new culture, learn a new language & broaden your horizons by enrolling in a program to study in Czech Republic with YFU. Discover our programs.
Study in Czech Republic
Rich with history, the Czech Republic is a small country with much to offer. From its picturesque heritage sites to its charming villages, you will find the country's beauty in its warm and welcoming people and vibrant culture. Try learning the Czech language, and don't miss the delicious cuisine!
“Come and experience your Czech story! Spend an exchange year in the Czech Republic... make sure you experience the true Czech culture on your own in a young, yet still very historically rich country with tons of possibilities for people of all ages. Play hockey, go to a football game, eat svíčková on Sunday with your family, do all of the things you’ve always wished to do.
Don’t hesitate and come Czech us out!”- YFU Czech Republic
+ More About The Czech Republic
Dobry den! Interested in studying abroad in Europe but looking for somewhere a bit more off the beaten path? The Czech Republic may be just the place for you.
Families in the Czech Republic tend to be very close, and will surely welcome you with open arms. It is not uncommon for extended families to get together to enjoy meals or outdoor activities like cross country skiing, hockey, hiking, and soccer. Another way you will become part of the Czech culture is through attending a local high school. You will be part of a group of approximately 25-30 students that will spend each day of the school week together attending classes, which may include a choice of electives in addition to the core curriculum.
After school, you might find yourself listening to music in a cafe or venturing out to a theatre, as the arts are highly valued in Czech culture. Food is also an important part of their culture, and you'll have the opportunity to try new dishes like knedlíky, which are dumplings served with beef or pork. Because the Czech Republic was founded at the crossroads of major trade routes during the middle ages, you can find influences from many different cultures throughout the country.
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Czech Republic:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity
+ Application Deadline
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by September 15 for Winter/Spring departure programs and March 15 for Summer and Fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips. Students are responsible for the costs of optional YFU trips, visa fees, textbook costs, transportation fees, uniforms, and activities fees. Students in the Dance or Music program will need to purchase or bring their own gear or rent while on program.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
During your time in the Czech Republic you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
Students are generally placed in an academic high school called a Gymnázium, which offers subjects such as math, biology, history, languages, and literature. School starts at 8 a.m. and finishes at about 3 p.m. each day, and classes are held every day of the week except Saturday and Sunday. Students take an average of about 30 lessons a week and each lesson lasts 45 minutes. In the Czech Republic, students do not wear uniforms to school.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students departing in the Fall will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Students will have a 3-day post arrival orientation shortly after arriving in the Czech Republic, a 3-day mid-year orientation, and a 2-day re-entry orientation. All orientations are included in the tuition price.
Optional Excursions
Throughout the program there will be opportunities for students to participate in optional cultural trips at an additional cost to the student.
**Český Krumlov Trip: ** Students participating in the Spring program may have the opportunity to visit one of the Czech Republic's most picturesque towns. Known for its large castle and cultural festivals, students will spend this weekend trip discovering the stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture all while getting a taste of the unique culture of the Bohemian region
**Kraków City Tour: ** Typically taking place in January, students will travel to one of the oldest cities in near-by Poland. During this three-day trip, students will experience first-hand why Kraków was named the "European Capital of Culture". Included in this trip is an excursion to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
**Ski Course: ** This three-day trip to the beautiful Czech mountains typically takes place in January or February depending on snow levels. Students will take part in the popular Czech tradition of skiing. During this ski camp students visit the breathtaking and world-renowned mountains while practicing their own skills on the slopes.
Special Interest Programs
Advanced Music Program: Students will be enrolled in a high school and will attend the "basic school of arts" in the afternoon. "Basic school of Arts" is a unique system of arts education that has a long history in the Czech Republic, and students will be able to choose from diverse musical instruments, participate in a chamber, or get a theoretical education. Instruments can be rented, but you can also bring your own. While not a conservatory, students should possess high musical talent and experience. Students should submit 2-3 musical recordings with application.
Bilingual Programs: In the Czech Bilingual Year, students will have the option to guarantee placement in a high school with lessons held in English or Spanish.
Vocational Program: The Vocational Year Program includes placement in a Czech vocational school, with focus selected by the student in design, art, media, craft, pedagogy/social work, technical, or IT.
**Sport Program: ** Students with strong athletic interest can participate in the Sport Program. Students will attend a regular Czech high school but will be enrolled in a sports club that matches their level and experience. Students can choose from: Soccer, Ice Hockey, and Tennis. Additional sports will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Year | Late August | Early July | $14,095 |
| 2024 Fall Year Music | Late August | Early July | $14,095 |
| 2024 Fall Year Bilingual (Spanish) | Late August | Early July | $15,095 |
| 2024 Fall Year Vocational | Late August | Early July | $14,995 |
| 2024 Fall Year Sport | Late August | Early July | $15,095 |
| 2025 Spring Year | Late January | Mid January | $14,595 |
| 2025 Spring Year Sport | Late January | Mid January | $15,595 |
| 2025 Spring Year Bilingual (Spanish) | Late January | Mid January | $15,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Czech high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Czech Republic Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departure: Students born January 30, 2006 - July 30, 2009.
- 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 31, 2006 - November 29, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Czech. Previous language study is not required. Although, basic Czech language self-study is encouraged before arrival. An in-person language course is offered in the Czech Republic, which includes lessons organized 1-2 times per week, led by professional teachers. The course will be during the first 3 months of exchange but can be extended to the end of the exchange program.
Host Family Placement
Students to the Czech Republic are usually placed in small towns, but may also live in cities or the countryside. YFU Czech Republic does offer guranteed placement in Prague for the standard Fall Year program and the Fall Bilingual Year program at an aditional fee. For more details, contact us at info@yfu.org.
+ Semester Programs
During your time in the Czech Republic you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
Students are generally placed in an academic high school called a Gymnázium, which offers subjects such as math, biology, history, languages, and literature. School starts at 8 a.m. and finishes at about 3 p.m. each day, and classes are held every day of the week except Saturday and Sunday. Students take an average of about 30 lessons a week and each lesson lasts 45 minutes. In the Czech Republic, students do not wear uniforms to school.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Students departing in the Fall will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Students will have a 3-day post arrival orientation shortly after arriving in the Czech Republic, a 3-day mid-year orientation, and a 2-day re-entry orientation. All orientations are included in the tuition price.
Optional Excursions
Throughout the program there will be opportunities for students to participate in optional cultural trips at an additional cost to the student.
**Český Krumlov Trip: ** Students participating in the Spring program may have the opportunity to visit one of the Czech Republic's most picturesque towns. Known for its large castle and cultural festivals, students will spend this weekend trip discovering the stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture all while getting a taste of the unique culture of the Bohemian region
**Kraków City Tour: ** Typically taking place in January, students will travel to one of the oldest cities in near-by Poland. During this three-day trip, students will experience first-hand why Kraków was named the "European Capital of Culture". Included in this trip is an excursion to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
**Ski Course: ** This three-day trip to the beautiful Czech mountains typically takes place in January or February depending on snow levels. Students will take part in the popular Czech tradition of skiing. During this ski camp students visit the breathtaking and world-renowned mountains while practicing their own skills on the slopes.
Special Interest Programs
Advanced Music Program: Students will be enrolled in a high school and will attend the "basic school of arts" in the afternoon. "Basic school of Arts" is a unique system of arts education that has a long history in the Czech Republic, and students will be able to choose from diverse musical instruments, participate in a chamber, or get a theoretical education. Instruments can be rented, but you can also bring your own. While not a conservatory, students should possess high musical talent and experience. Students should submit 2-3 musical recordings with application.
Bilingual Programs: In the Czech Bilingual Semester, students will have the option to guarantee placement in a high school with lessons held in Spanish.
Vocational Program: The Vocational Year Program includes placement in a Czech vocational school, with focus selected by the student in design, art, media, craft, pedagogy/social work, technical, or IT.
**Sport Program: ** Students with strong athletic interest can participate in the Sport Program. Students will attend a regular Czech high school but will be enrolled in a sports club that matches their level and experience. Students can choose from: Soccer, Ice Hockey, and Tennis. Additional sports will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Semester | Late August | Late January | $12,095 |
| 2024 Fall Semester Music | Late August | Late January | $13,395 |
| 2024 Fall Semester Sport | Late August | Early February | $13,395 |
| 2024 Fall Semester Bilingual (Spanish) | Late August | Early February | $13,395 |
| 2024 Fall Semester Vocational | Late August | Early February | $13,395 |
| 2025 Spring Semester | Late January | Early July | $12,595 |
| 2025 Spring Semester Music | Late January | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2025 Spring Semester Sport | Late January | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2025 Spring Semester Bilingual (Spanish) | Late January | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2025 Spring Semester Vocational | Late January | Early July | $13,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Czech high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Czech Republic Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departure: Students born January 30, 2006 - July 30, 2009.
- 2025 Spring Departure: Students born July 31, 2006 - November 29, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Czech. Previous language study is not required. Although, basic Czech language self-study is encouraged before arrival. An in-person language course is offered in the Czech Republic, which includes lessons organized 1-2 times per week, led by professional teachers. The course will be during the first 3 months of exchange but can be extended to the end of the exchange program.
Host Family Placement
Students to the Czech Republic are usually placed in small towns, but may also live in cities or the countryside.