Study Abroad in Czech Republic: Jewish Studies in Prague – City & Daily Life

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague: a city with fairytale-like beauty and a rich Jewish history. The first Jews settled in Prague during the Middle Ages. Before WWII, Prague was home to over 55,000 Jews. Today’s community registers 1,600, some of whom are Holocaust survivors.

The Jewish Museum in Prague, established in 1906, contains one of the largest collections of Judaica in the world. Some of the items in this collection had been confiscated by the Nazis from Jewish homes and synagogues with the intention of creating a “Museum of the Extinct Race.” Instead, the collection pays tribute to Czech Jewish life and to those that perished during the Holocaust.

And how does the program intersect with these eye-opening resources? Students volunteer at the Jewish Community. They explore stunning historic sites. And as for the Jewish Museum? CET Jewish Studies students use the museum’s library for their coursework.

Charles University Faculty of Humanities

The program is affiliated with the Charles University Faculty of Humanities. Charles University is the oldest university in Central Europe, founded in 1348. The university has played a leading role in shaping the history of the country, from the Reformation to the Velvet Revolution of 1989.

CET Center in Prague

The CET center is in the heart of Prague. The neighborhood features excellent public transportation, countless restaurants and cafés, and many museums, movie theaters and stores.

The CET center features classroom spaces, offices for program staff, a small computer lab and a library. The entire center has wi-fi internet access.

Jewish Studies Housing & Meals

Students share apartments with other CET students and Czech roommates. Each apartment has a full kitchen. Apartments are centrally located and typically a 20-minute commute to the CET center.

Meals are not included in the program fee. Students dine in Prague’s many cafés and restaurants, or cook for themselves at home. Vegetarian cuisine and kosher food are available in Prague.

Czech Roommates

Sharing a room with a local roommate is frequently cited by CET students as “one of the best parts of the program.” Many students become good friends with their roommates and remain close after the program ends.

Czech roommates come from local universities around Prague. Roommates introduce CET students to Prague and Czech culture. They attend program excursions. Some even take classes with their CET peers.

The result? Cross-cultural relationships that move well beyond the host and guest paradigm.