CEA Prague, Czech Republic – Fall, Academic Year 2009-2010 Program Handbook Congratulations on being selected to participate in the study abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic through CEA! This program is offered by International Academic Programs (IAP) at the University of WisconsinMadison in partnership with Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA). Throughout the course of your study abroad experience you will be communicating with both IAP and CEA staff. It is essential that you pay close attention to all information provided to you from both organizations. This IAP Program Handbook supplements handbook(s) or materials you receive from CEA as well as the IAP Study Abroad Handbook and provides you with the most up-to-date information and advice available at the time of printing. Changes may occur before your departure or while you are abroad. CEA handles the program’s day-to-day operations. Generally, questions about aspects of your program abroad should be directed to CEA (i.e. housing information, program facilities abroad, extracurricular activities offered as part of the program, etc.) Questions relating to your relationship with UW-Madison or your academics should be addressed to International Academic Programs at UW-Madison (i.e. course credits, equivalents, UW Madison registration, etc.) This program handbook contains the following information: Contact Information ............................................................................................................................ 1 Program Dates .................................................................................................................................... 2 Preparations Before Leaving .............................................................................................................. 3 Travel and Arrival Information........................................................................................................... 3 The Academic Program ...................................................................................................................... 3 Living Abroad ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Contact Information CEA On-Site Program Information Sandra Hamissova, Program Director CEA Prague Office C/O The Anglo American University Lazenska 4, 118 00 Praha 1 Czech Republic Tel: +(420) 257 530 241 [email protected]

CEA Pre-Departure Contact Information Meghan Wagner, Student Services Advisor 2005 W. 14th Street, Ste 113 Tempe, AZ 85281-6977 Tel: 800-266-4441 Ext. 2712 Fax: 480-557-7926 [email protected] www.GoWithCEA.com

UW-Madison Information International Academic Programs (IAP) University of Wisconsin-Madison 250 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706 Tel: (608) 265-6329 Fax: (608) 262-6998 Web: www.studyabroad.wisc.edu

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For Program Advising & Grades: Erin Polnaszek IAP Study Abroad Advisor Tel: (608) 262-1446 E-mail: [email protected]

For Financial Matters: Judy Humphrey IAP Financial Specialist Tel: 608-262-6785 E-mail: [email protected]

Emergency Contact Information In case of an emergency, call the main IAP number (608) 265-6329 between 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; after-hours or on weekends call the IAP staff on call at (608) 516-9440.

Embassy Registration Program participants who are U.S. citizens must register at the U.S. Embassy before departure as this will help in case of a lost passport or other mishap. You can register on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov. If you are not a U.S. citizen, register at your home country’s embassy or consulate. U.S. Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic Trziste 15 118 01 Praha 1 Czech Republic TEL: +420 257 530 663 FAX: +420 257 530 920 Web: http://www.usembassy.cz

Program Dates Fall 2009 Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Anglo American University: Arrive in Prague August 27, 2009 Orientation August 28 Classes Begin August 31 Drop/Add deadline September 11 Holiday, no classes September 28 Fall break, no classes October 26 – October 30 Holiday, no classes November 27 Classes End December 8 Final Exams December 9 – December 15 End of program December 16, 2009 Students need to arrive to Prague (PRG, airport code) by 6pm on Aug. 27th to receive the airport pick up; students will be taken directly to housing. The program ends on Dec. 16th, all CEA students must be out of housing by 12 noon, there is no transfer back to the airport, usually students will arrange a taxi. Fall 2009 Central & East European Studies, University of Economics: Arrive in Prague September 12, 2009 CEA Orientation September 13

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CESP Orientation week Classes Begin Holiday, no classes Drop/Add deadline Holiday, no classes Holiday, no classes Final Exams Classes End End of program

September 14 – September 17 September 21 September 28 October 1 October 28 November 16 and 17 December 14 – December 17 December 17 December 19, 2009

Students need to arrive to Prague (PRG, airport code) by 6pm on Sept. 12th to receive the airport pick up; students will be taken directly to housing. The program ends on December 19th, all CEA students must be out of housing by 12 noon, there is no transfer back to the airport.

Preparations Before Leaving Refer to the Pre-Departure Checklist on pages four and five of the IAP Study Abroad Handbook for essential information. In addition, please refer to the student handbook supplied by CEA for a pre-departure checklist and packing checklist. Immigration Documents Participants will need to obtain a student visa for this program. CEA provides information on the visa process in their acceptance materials. Questions regarding the visa process should be directed to your CEA Enrollment Officer. Travel and Arrival Information Travel and arrival information will be provided by CEA.

The Academic Program General Information Students from UW-Madison may enroll in one of two different programs offered by CEA, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences OR Central and Eastern European Studies: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Liberal Arts and Social Sciences courses are offered at the Anglo-American University in Prague. The Anglo-American University is located in the beautiful 18th century Palace of the Knights of Malta, amidst the baroque architecture of Prague's historical Mala Strana quarter. The College is surrounded by the city's main historical attractions and is just a few minutes’ walk from Old Town Square over the famous medieval Charles Bridge. Small, interactive classes are taught in English by Czech and international faculty to a current student population of 350-400 students. With a diverse student body made up of Czech and international students from more than 25 different countries and a unique small-college environment in the heart of the city, AAVS offers an educational experience that is unique in Prague.

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CEA students will have access to all the College facilities including a student ID, computer labs, library, and activities and sports organized by the AAVS Student Council. Since two thirds of students at AAVS are Czech nationals CEA students have ample opportunity to meet and interact with their Czech peers. Classroom Information  Czech and international faculty from the Anglo-American University will teach your language courses and electives.  Periodic exams, homework assignments and final exams will be administered.  Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.  Teaching styles in the Czech Republic are somewhat different from those found in the US or Canada. Be prepared to adapt to the different classroom structures and coursework expectations for your school.  Class size ranges between 10 and 15 students for language courses and between 20 and 30 students for your electives.  You will be in class with Czech and international students from the US, Europe, Canada and other parts of the world. Central and Eastern European Studies Central and Eastern European Studies courses are offered at the University of Economics in Prague. Founded in 1992 by the University of Economics, the Central and European Studies Program (CESP) offers courses in areas such as Czech foreign relations, comparative governments, European integration and international trade. All courses are taught in English and are open to Czech and International students. Courses review the past and investigate the present and future of Central and Eastern European economies, examining their social and political aspects, as well as their languages and culture. The University of Economics is conveniently located on Winston Churchill Square in the Žižkov area of town, close to the main train station and the city centre, only 5 minutes by tram, or a 15 minute walk from Old Town Square and the CEA office. CEA students will have access to all the university facilities including a student ID, computer labs, libraries, study rooms, fitness center, self-service restaurant, cafeteria, grocery store and activities and sports organized by the university Student Council. Since the majority of students are Czech nationals (on average 300 international students attend the university annually), CEA students have ample opportunity to meet and interact with their Czech peers. The “Buddy System” offers you the unique opportunity to pair up with a Czech student who will help you to settle in more easily to your new environment. With parties, organized excursions in the Czech Republic, screenings of Czech movies with English subtitles, sports events and lots more, participating in the “Buddy System” will guarantee students maximum exposure to the Czech culture. Classroom Information  Czech and international faculty from The University of Economics, Prague will teach your language courses and electives.  Periodic exams, homework assignments and final exams will be administered.  Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.

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Teaching styles in the Czech Republic are somewhat different from those found in the US or Canada. Be prepared to adapt to the different classroom structures and coursework expectations for your school. Class size ranges between 5 and 20 students for language courses and between 5 and 30 students for your electives. You will be in class with Czech and international students from the US, Europe, Canada and other parts of the world.

Course Information Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Track This program is intended for students who wish to take a wide variety of electives while immersing themselves in the Czech culture. While at the Anglo-American University in Prague (AAVS) students take courses taught in English alongside Czechs, Americans and other Europeans. Choose courses from a wide variety of subject areas such as Business & Management, History, Journalism, Politics and Sociology, Mathematics and Art History as well as Czech Language & Literature. By taking electives in English students can immerse themselves in the Czech culture and earn credits with no previous knowledge of the language. While not required, students are encouraged to take a Czech language course which will focus on listening, comprehension, conversation, and grammar. There are no required courses. Central and Eastern European Studies Track This program is designed to give students an insight into the evolving cultures, economies and politics of Central and Eastern Europe. Students will take courses in areas such as Czech foreign relations, comparative governments, European integration and international trade. With the exception of language courses, all electives are taught in English at this top ranked Management school. Study tours, field trips and cultural activities are a part of most courses and help take the studies outside the classroom, making the city of Prague the "true classroom". Students may choose to take either four or five electives per semester. While not required, students are strongly encouraged to take one Czech language course per semester. There are no required courses. Registration Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Track CEA students enroll as full time AAVS students. Students will be required to submit their course selections and alternates to the CEA headquarter office prior to departure for the Czech Republic. You will receive further information regarding registration deadlines after acceptance to the program. Central and Eastern European Studies Track CEA students enroll as full time students of the Central and Eastern European Studies Program (CESP) of the University of Economics (VŠE). Course selection will take place prior to the students’ departure for the Czech Republic. Students will be required to submit their course selections to the CEA headquarter office prior to departure for Prague. While there is a two week add/drop period upon arrival, students are strongly encouraged to take care when choosing their courses, as changing courses upon arrival is a difficult process. Equivalents and Course Equivalent Request Form (CERF) Each course you take abroad must be assigned a UW-Madison “equivalent” course in order for your grades and credits to be recorded on your UW-Madison transcript. In order to establish UW-

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Madison course equivalents for your study abroad courses, you will submit a Course Equivalent Request Form (CERF). Information on the UW course equivalent process is available in the IAP Study Abroad Handbook.

Credits Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Students will choose 4 or 5 electives from a wide variety of subject areas, earning 12 - 15 semester credits in the US system. Most courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth three credits in the US semester system. It is recommended that students DO NOT enroll in the course “Corporate Finance” as it will not be granted credit at UW. Central and Eastern European Studies Students may choose to take either four or five electives per semester. Aside from Czech language, all courses meet for a total of 68 contact hours and are generally worth four credits in the US semester system. Language courses meet for a total of 52 contact hours and are generally worth three credits. In all, you can earn between 16 and 20 credits per semester session. Pass/Fail/Drop/Audit Please refer to the IAP Study Abroad Handbook for academic policies. Grades and Grade Conversions All final course grades will be reported in the form of a "Letter Grade." The following is the grade conversion scale being used for courses taken at Anglo-American University: Anglo-America University

UW-Madison Grade Equivalent

A

A

A-/B+ B

AB

B-/C+ C/CD+/D/DF

B BC C D F

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For the University of Economics students, the grade scale provided by the host institution is the scale used by UW.

Living Abroad Educate yourself about your host country. Read the Preparing to Live in Another Culture section of the IAP Study Abroad Handbook. Consult the following resources as well as travel books and program binders in the Study Abroad Resource Room (250 Bascom Hall). Remember- it won't be possible to prepare yourself completely. There will be situations you will not have anticipated and your flexibility will determine in great part the kind of experience you will have while abroad. Websites of Interest: UW-Madison International Academic Programs (IAP): http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu CEA website: http://www.gowithcea.com Anglo-American University website: http://www.aauni.edu/ University of Economics, Prague website: http://www.vse.cz/index-en.php For more general travel information: http://www.worldwide.edu U.S. State Department information: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ Center for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ Lonely Planet Guidebook: http://www.lonelyplanet.com Useful Travel Books: Fodor’s Guides Frommer’s Travel Guides Let’s Go Lonely Planet Michelin Guides Rough Guide Prague: A Traveller’s Literary Companion, edited by Paul Wilson International Travel Health Guide by Stuart R. Rose, MD.

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Communications When making calls, keep in mind time zone differences (www.timeanddate.com/worldclock). To make an international call to the United States, dial the access code for the country from which you are calling plus the United States country code (always “1”) followed by the appropriate U.S. area code and local number. To call internationally from the United States, dial “011”, the country code, city access code (if necessary) and the phone number. Country and city codes can be found online (www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/dialing.html). Some of above steps can vary if you are using a calling card.

Student Testimonials The testimonials below are from past participants; they reflect various students’ experiences and are included to provide different perspectives. IAP does not endorse any specific view expressed in this section. HANDLING MONEY Handling money depends on your bank's rules abroad. But because most US banks charge a few either for each transaction or each withdrawal, most of us just take out a lot of cash at once to minimize the fees and use our cards as much as possible. Prague is a cashfriendly city anyway. But you have to be careful A) not to lose all the cash you take and B) not to spend it unwisely, because it's very easy to do that here. Also, keep track of the exchange rate and know the rules of your bank back home. The easiest, safest and cheapest way to exchange money is by taking it out of ATMs that are abundant in Prague/Europe BEFORE YOU LEAVE exchange your US dollars for around 100-300 dollars worth of Euros and Czech Korouny - you will be too exhausted when you first get anywhere to figure it out when you are traveling Bring a back up supply of money - (if you are lucky enough this will be your parents credit card) for emergencies. I haven't had to use it but it makes me feel safer. When in Prague have enough money on you always for street food, any kind of tram pass and metro pass and museum/ concert entrance but buy groceries and go out for dinner with your credit/debit card. Always have at least 200 Euros for initial weekend travel. It sucks getting somewhere at 5 am and trying to find the nearest atm. I would highly recommend for upcoming students to bring a sufficient sum of cash (in Czech Koruna) with them when they go. This allowed me to function and do the things I wanted to do when I got here instead of worrying with how to get money! One of the ATMs ate my debit card because I waited too long so maybe let students know that that happens in the Czech Republic (instead of the machine asking you if you need more time).

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I mainly use travelers checks so I don't have to deal with ATM fines which has been working out great because almost all the banks are happy to exchange them and it's easy to monitor how much money I've been using. I would not recommend using traveler's checks. I did not personally have them, but it seems to me that my friends who do have had a hard time finding places that accept them, therefore they were a huge nuisance. The easiest (and most popular) way of handling money is to use an ATM card and take out enough money to last a few weeks (several thousand Korun), then heading back to the ATM and doing it again. Taking out larger amounts to last a few weeks also saves more money because of ATM fees. Exchange at ATMs instead of booths. Citi (Citibank) has ATMs all over Prague, so that has worked well for me because that's the bank I use at home. COMMUNICATION Skype is great. Get it. For $2.95 a month you can call any US cell phone or land line. Do that instead of buying Skype minutes. You can also spend $9.95 per month to call any cell phone or landline in Europe. Skype to Skype chatting is free. Get a cell phone but use it sparingly and only within Prague. If you're outside the city or calling outside the city, know the roaming fees; they're high. If you have a Blackberry, worldwide BBM of course is free, but don't feel like you need to buy one before you leave. I don't have one and I'm doing just fine, although I know plenty of people who have them and it is a nice luxury. But Skype is the greatest. BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP! All the internet cafes here have wifi instead of actual computers and your school computers can be so-so...BUT also don't spend your entire time talking to your home friends online, so lame. I also strongly suggest the cell-hire phone if you are going through CEA. Get a czech sim card and an international sim card. If you are going to get a cellphone, wait and get a Voda Phone when you get here. Its prepaid and you won’t end up with a huge bill on your credit card. Skype is your best friend. Teach your parents to use skype before you depart the U.S.A. this is such an easy (and free!) way to both talk and see each other. Highly recommended. Also, my family has tremendously enjoyed my blog where I write entries weekly and post pictures of all my adventures. Skype will become your best friend : )

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DEFINITELY get Skype. You can call computer to computer for free. Also, if you put some credit on your account, you can call the US for only $0.02 a minute- a real steal! PACKING You really don't need a lot of clothes. Bring stuff that you can mix to make new outfits. DO NOT bring a lot of heels - all the streets here are cobblestone, which is hard to walk on and it messes up your shoes. Resist packing 8 pairs of shoes. YOU WILL REGRET IT! Make sure you pack walking tennis shoes (like vans etc), running shoes, workout clothes, a few nice outfits, and nail polish remover (the stuff is ridiculously expensive here). I packed all my things into one large and one medium (rolling!) duffel bag and it has worked out great so far. Definitely depends on weather but if kids are coming in Spring they don't really need a large coat, just sweaters and layering gear. Hats and scarves are a must for the spring semester. Febreeze is highly recommended to bring, as was preferred shampoo/conditioner if students have such preferences. Generally, it was a LOT easier to find the things I've needed for the apartment, laundry, school, etc. than expected. Visit TESCO for home/office supplies, it has everything for rather cheap. Bring a water bottle, the tap water is great and no restaurants/bars put water on the table for free. Pack smart and really think about what you will be wearing day to day. If I could do it over again I'd pack more sweaters and less T-shirts. I would recommend taking 2 large suitcases and packing a traveling bag (travel backpack/sportsbag/other) inside a suitcase. As far as clothes, Prague is pretty cold so warm winter clothes (especially a warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf, sweaters, boots) are important. Especially for girls I would recommend bringing more boots...I wish I did! I would also recommend emphasizing the importance of bringing all medication, whether it be prescribed or over-the-counter, that you think you may need. It is a hassle to try and find medicinal equivalents here. Some suggestions based on what my roommates and I have used/needed: Ibuprofen, decongestant, antibiotic ointment, cough medicine. Pack enough so that you feel comfortable, but not too much! Bring some sort of weekend or travel bag. They sell backpacks here for about $30 that can be used as a great carry on bags (that might be able to hold clothes for up to a week if you pack lightly) at Tesco, Europe's version of Target. Either bring or buy a reusable grocery bag (like they sell at Trader Joes, and most grocery stores now-a-days), because you need to PAY for grocery bags here! TRAVEL The best time to get great deals on flights is when you book your flights two MONTHS in advance. It is difficult to find good deals so be flexible about where you plan to go if you want to save money.

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Bring a travel bag that you can wear as a back pack. So much more comfortable. I would resist making travel plans around Europe before you meet your roommates because on the first 3 nights everyone makes plans together and yours will be subject for change. Make sure you book and pick up your tickets 24 hrs ahead of time. They will not always let you buy tickets right then and there. When you are traveling DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE. Use a backpack! Strongly recommend students wait to plan excursions until they arrive and get a feel for the city. I also recommend staying in Prague the first/second weekends to get a chance to learn the streets and see some of the sights. Students should find the bus/train stations for international journeys days before they actually want to go. I had a lot of trouble planning excursions because I couldn't find where to buy tickets! Try to see everything you can, but don't forget that you should be an expert on Prague first and foremost. If possible, try and plan class schedules so you don't have class on Monday or Friday. That way you can travel for a long weekend, which makes flights cheaper. At the beginning of the semester, I would recommend trying to set a rough plan of where you are traveling to each weekend. Also, I would definitely recommend buying some sort of travel book before coming here (Rick Steve is a popular one). They have been a great help in tripplanning. As far as booking flights, I would try sights such as skyeurope.com, kayak.com, wizzair.com, and spanair.com. For bus tickets, try student agency. Once you get into Prague, it's really easy to book flights and buses. In particular, Skyeurope is a great airline for Prague, and Student Agency Bus company is a really incredible, cheap busline, that even gives you free hot chocolate and plays movies and Friends episodes! ACADEMICS Pick courses that will allow you to learn more about the city. Gravitate to those with excursions! Speaking Czech: make sure you make Czech friends! Push yourself to talk with people even if it’s at the grocery store. Study ahead of time and learn the language (at least the basics). Best bet is if you find someone who has traveled to Prague before and will tutor you. I did this before I left and it was the best decision I made.

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Highly recommend the University of Economics for pretty interesting courses (though not Wisco level) and extremely interesting professors. Pay attention to what courses you sign up for, most importantly the days and times of them. I grouped mine together so that I have class only on Wednesday and Thursday, which is great for traveling. Try to plan class schedules so you don't have class on Monday or Friday. As far as the classes themselves, I have been enjoying Prague Art and Architecture, Property Law 123, and Sociology in the Family. Most of my classes have an attendance policy, so be prepared for that. Don't flip out about having the "perfect schedule" before you get here. There is an add/drop period of 2 weeks. But, the earlier you request classes, the better chance you might have of getting into them. OTHER I would suggest trying to live in an apartment in Praha 1 - I live out in Praha 3 which has its merits but I spend a lot of time on the tram. Get an internship if you are really invested in learning the culture and meeting people. Be open to everything. A lot of the students here are only interested in staying within the same group of friends they came with, which is a little disappointing. The program offers a few trips. Take advantage of them. They also have a welcome dinner for the students, among other activities. I would highly recommend taking advantage of these as well. Also, try to explore! Find local pubs. We found one that has great food for cheap prices. Try to learn simple Czech phrases--they come in handy. Most people speak some English, but they always appreciate hearing Czech. The CEA program has about 150 students in the spring, and I think at least a third of this group is from Wisconsin. It's a very social bunch, and Prague is extremely conducive to this. Prague is an amazing city, but it's definitely a big adjustment. English is very prevalent, but there are still a lot of people who don't speak English. The weather is gloomy the first few weeks (of the spring semester). Just remember that it WILL be an adjustment! Make an effort to learn at least a little Czech, because the people will be nicer to you.

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