The Spring and Summer Universities Prague are organized by the Institute of International Studies, a part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University. The Institute has been offering spring and summer programmes every year since 2009. The courses were developed parallel to the Institute´s English speaking programmes, the Prague Area Studies.
The spring programme takes place in March or April, the summer programme in September. The venue has been always located in the historic centre of Prague. The last organized course was the Summer University Prague 2019: “European Identity between Unity and Diversity”. (Spring University Prague 2020 must have been canceled because of measures against the COVID-19 pandemic).
Courses have always been truly international. More than 530 students from 46 different countries from all over the world have participated in our spring and summer courses so far. By completing the course, students not only gain wide knowledge and professional skills but also encounter international students and young scholars and establish valuable contacts.
Our alumni said about us:
“The Spring University in Prague is probably the best academic experience I've had until this day. It was very thought-provoking, filled with important debates about the future of the EU and the challenges we are facing. But even more importantly, it was the notion that we are all in this together, despite our differences, different opinions, and backgrounds from which we all learned enormously. Finally, Spring University also brought us unforgettable memories and new friends, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to all young people with an open mind and a desire to learn more.” (Karlo Vujeva, Croatia)
“I’d like to thank you for all your attention and effort which made Spring University an amazing program. It was one of the best experiences of my life, it was a very open-minded program and the multiculturalism made me grow so much in those 2 weeks.” (Beatrice Schneider Dummer, Brazil)
“I very much enjoyed the international climate of the students I was fortunate to work with. The always friendly and competent lecturers allowed this international group to work on this very specific topic on a common and fruitful basis. I would do it again if I ever get the chance to." (Vojta Drápal, Germany)
“The summer university provides a good opportunity to explore and learn the richness of the culture and history of Prague. The faculty members are scholars that have in-depth knowledge and first-hand information on current mid-European issues. The cultural activities and field trips are certainly a treat to foreign students. I personally benefited from the above-mentioned lectures and cultural activities and strongly recommend this program.” (Chiung-yao Yu, Taiwan)
“I would recommend applying for this spring school because here you can study within an international group of students and so you can improve your English, share experiences and opinions about the topic of the school but also about all. The professors are really competent and sure your interest in the topic would increase. Unfortunately, the days will pass very quickly and you will have to leave Prague and your new friends.” (Valentina Ferrara, Italy)
“Summer University is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, it succeeds in providing the student with an excellent learning environment coupled with cultural enrichment. It has provided me with an excellent opportunity to expand my educational horizons. I enjoyed every minute of the Summer University Programme!” (Ben Kennard, Ireland)
“A very good opportunity for my studies with cultural and social experience. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and an example of the cultural diversity that resides in Central Europe.” (Rafael Salles Baltazar, Brazil)
“Thank you very much for the time and effort you devoted to making the Spring University a once in a lifetime experience for all of us who participated. It was a tremendous group of students from so many diverse backgrounds with so many unique talents and I am happy to have been part of it. Speaking as an American, I learned so much about the function of the EU and European politics as a whole from the Spring University program that I would never have had a chance to learn in the United States, and the friendships formed between we students will last for many years to come. Thank you for an extraordinary Spring program and good luck in many more to come!” (Athahn Steinback, USA)
“It is already more than a month ago that we had dinner on the Vltava – I really miss Prague and would like to thank you first of all for the great experience of the Prague Summer University! I enjoyed the two weeks very much and I am happy that I took part in the program – thank you again for the brilliant organization and support!” (René Gögel, Germany)
For more photos from our courses visit our Facebook Spring and Summer Universities Prague.