AFS Intercultural Programs: Czech Republic High School and Gap-Year Programs

  Czech Republic

• Prague: 
Prague

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: Year High School (Fall): Aug. 2010- Jul. 2011; Semester High School (Fall): Aug. 2010- Feb. 2011

Description: The people of the Czech Republic are among some of the most open-minded in central Europe. Their capital city, Prague, is world-renowned for its support of contemporary artists and the bohemian lifestyle. Outside of Prague is a wonderful countryside full of farms, forests, ponds, fairy-tale villages, and rustic hills sheltering castles.

When you arrive, AFS Czech Republic provides a two-day orientation on Czech culture, family, school, and friends. Then you'll get to meet your host family. It's important to note that for some families - especially in villages or small towns - it's common for members of the extended family to live at home, such as grandparents. This can give you the opportunity to interact with more people, as well as the chance to discover local tastes with grandma's cooking. You'll find plenty of things to do, like hiking, skiing, bicycling, visiting historic sites, attending the theater, and participating in cultural events. After your first four weeks, there will be another orientation where you'll share your experience so far a four-day orientation on the culture shock and getting more detail about your experience so far- and learn how to barbecue Czech style! AFS host family placements are located throughout the Czech Republic.

Highlights: Most students are placed in competitive schools and take courses in German, English, history, physics, chemistry, biology, and math. Your school will try to adjust your schedule so courses are not too dependent on the Czech language, but don't worry - you'll learn to speak it sooner than you think. AFS Volunteers organize instruction in the Czech language once a week, and you can get more at an additional cost. Although you wont be taught in English, your school will try to adjust your schedule so courses are not too dependent on the Czech language. Additional instruction in the Czech language is available at an additional cost. Spending time with your new friends will also help you learn the language, and there are plenty of activities, like sports, drama, or community and youth organization events. AFS students are placed with volunteer host families located throughout the Czech Republic.

Programs do accept recent high school graduates.

Cost in US$: Year: (USD 10,000); Semester: (USD 9,000)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947