Is this Program Right for You?

Through the Jewish Studies Program in Prague, students have the opportunity to study in one of the most dynamic and compelling cities in Europe.  The program is administered by CET Academic Programs, an organization that AU Abroad works with to run the program on-site in Prague.

The Jewish Studies program gives students the opportunity to study the rich history, culture, and literature of Central and Eastern European Jewry through a multidisciplinary curriculum of intensive courses in Prague. The program's location of Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and enchanting cities, and host to one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in Europe and one of the richest collections of Judaica in the world.

Academic Information

The Jewish Studies in Prague curriculum was designed by leading U.S. scholars of Jewish History, Czech and Polish Studies, and the Holocaust. The multi-disciplinary curriculum provides an opportunity to examine the history, culture, literature, and the arts of Central and Eastern European Jewry, while at the same time offering a context for exploring the non-Jewish history, politics, and society of the region. CET's emphasis on experiential learning allows you to greet the local culture hands-on.

All CET courses are taught specifically for CET students, although in some terms Czech students may be invited to certain CET courses. Some courses may not be offered during certain terms. CET asks all applicants to submit course request forms, which are used to determine the final selection of electives. Individual Hebrew or Yiddish language instruction may be arranged upon request for an additional fee.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Student Life

Life in Prague

Prague was first settled by Czechs in the late 9th century and has been the capital of Bohemia ever since. Serving twice as the medieval seat of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague continued to strive as a sister city to Vienna into modern times - always standing at the forefront of culture and industry. Prague's grand intellectual and artistic tradition will inspire you in your studies. Living in Prague today, you'll encounter one of the world's fastest growing economies, and witness its people overcome the challenges of democratization.

Housing

Students are housed with other CET program participants in apartments located in neighborhoods close to the center of Prague. Using public transportation, students can commute to the CET Center in about 15 minutes. When available, students share their apartment with Czech students, allowing for cross-cultural exchange and the development of international friendships. Each apartment is fully furnished, with a kitchen and a washing machine. Students are also supplied with bed linens.

Excursions and Activities

A wide variety of activities arranged by CET make Prague come alive. Activities are designed to provide opportunities that students would not normally have on their own. Such as special tours, day-trips, religious and cultural events, Jewish and Czech film screenings, and social activities with Czech students.  CET students are also encouraged to participate in the activities in Prague's Jewish community, including celebrations of the Jewish holidays.

CET students have the chance to meet and hear exclusive lectures from influential people in Prague's Jewish community and the Czech Republic. Lecturers may include the Israeli Ambassador, the President of the Federation of Czech and Moravian Jewish communities, the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Progressive movements in Prague, and the President of the Prague Jewish community.
 
Traveling Seminar: Interactions in Central Europe
Each semester CET Prague students travel around Central Europe with expert guides. This weeklong journey is a well-loved part of the study abroad experience.

Overnight Academic Excursions
Twice each semester, students depart Prague and venture on an overnight excursion together.  Past groups have gone to places like Budapest or Cesky Krumlov

Day Trip to Terezin (Theresienstadt)
Students visit a concentration camp for Czechoslovak Jews during World War II. This is a life-changing excursion. But far from a tour of gloom, the trip provides a nuanced look at the camp and seeks an understanding of the modern Jewish community.

Community Service
All students participate in group community service projects. CET urges students to use these projects as a way to create relationships with, and give back to, the Prague Jewish Community.