Study Abroad in the Czech Republic: Photography in Prague – City & Daily Life

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a must-see city for Europe-bound travelers. The city is famous for its history, both recent—the city shook off the dust of the communist era to become one of Europe’s fastest-growing free economies, and not so recent—Prague was home to both Good King Wenceslas and the Holy Roman Empire. But here’s why it’s the perfect place for photographers to unpack their bags and stay for the semester: Prague has a longstanding position at the cutting edge of creative movements. During the 20th Century, the Czech avant-garde photographic movement spread inspiration and innovation throughout the photographic world.

CET Photography students become a part of this artistic legacy as they uncover every corner of beautiful Prague. They trod down cobblestone alleyways. They look up at elegant spires. They breathe in the city’s magical air, coming to understand why the German philosopher Goethe proclaimed Prague to be “the most precious stone in the crown of the world.”

FAMU, The Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts

FAMU is one of Europe’s oldest and finest arts academies. In its 60-year history, the school has been hotbed for political resistance and cultural change. It fostered the New Wave of the 1960s. And it served as headquarters for the student-led Velvet Revolution of 1989 that brought down communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

The Academy of Performing Arts boasts a jaw-dropping roster of famous alumni: Josef Koudelka of the Magnum group, Jan Reich, Ivan Pinkava, Milan Kundera and Milos Forman. Occasionally, these luminaries return to their alma mater to visit and lecture to the school’s new recruits. In the audience sit CET Photography students, who soak up all they can from this exclusive arena of film, television, photography and performing arts giants.

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 center houses offices for program staff, a library, and a small computer lab with wi-fi access.

CET Photography students take some classes at the CET center. Other classes are on the FAMU campus, a 10 to 20 minute walk away. Students have 24-hour access to darkroom space.

Photography 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.

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.