Youth For Understanding USA
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What kind of exchange experience do you want?
I want to spend a all program lengths  studying in Czech Republic, or maybe all regions. And I'm looking for something with a traditional exchange  and I definitely want to show off my need for  any language skills. Can I go whenever?
  • All around the world.

    all regions
    Africa & Middle East
    Asia & Pacific
    Eastern Europe
    Latin America
    Scandinavian Countries
    Western Europe
    North America
  • Pick a place, any place.

    Say what?

    Any language requirements?

     Any  Yes  No
  • What I'm into.

    a traditional exchange
    a gap year option
    college & university programs
    language classes
    a connection to the Arts
    sports & outdoors
    a volunteer program
  • How long I want to go.

    All program lengths
    Summer
    Short-term
    Semester
    Year-long

    When can I leave?

    whenever
    May to September
    December to March
Show me my options >

Glance

Scholarships Available

385 - Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Stud...
368 - YFU Community Grant
384 - YFU Financial Aid Fund

Age Requirement

Spring departure: August 1, 2000 - December 1, 2003. Fall departure: January 31, 2001 - July 31, 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Language

Czech. Previous language study is not required. A language course is offered for an additional €200 which includes 22 personalized lessons throughout the program.

Host Family Placement

Students to the Czech Republic are usually placed in small towns, but may also live in cities or the countryside.

School

School begins in early September and ends in early July. There is generally a three day autumn holiday, an eight to ten day Christmas holiday, a one week spring holiday in February or March, and a two month summer holiday from July to early September.

Trips

Students will have the opportunity to visit various towns and cities throughout the Czech Republic, including Olomouc, Pilsen, and Prague. Trips will vary.

Rich with history, the Czech Republic is a small country with much to offer. From its picturesque heritage sites to its charming villages, you will find the country's beauty in its warm and welcoming people and vibrant culture. Try learning the Czech language, and don't miss the delicious cuisine!
Learn more about Czech Republic.

Academic Year and Semester Programs

During your time in the Czech Republic you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

 

School: Students are generally placed in an academic high school called a Gymnázium, which offers subjects such as math, biology, history, languages, and literature. School starts at 8 a.m. and finishes at about 3 p.m. each day, and classes are held every day of the week except Saturday and Sunday. Students take an average of about 30 lessons a week and each lesson lasts 45 minutes. In the Czech Republic, students do not wear uniforms to school.

 

Orientations: Students who are in the Czech Republic for a year-long program will be required to attend a mid-year orientation. During this four day orientation, students can expect to learn how to ski on the Czech mountains as part of their four day stay. YFU Czech Republic recommends that you get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis before your departure.

 

Optional Excursions: Throughout the program there will be opportunities for students to participate in optional cultural trips at an additional cost to the student. Examples of trips include a day-long tour of Prague or a trip out to the countryside.

 

Special Interest Programs 

Advanced Music Program: Students will be enrolled in a high school and will attend the "basic school of arts" in the afternoon. "Basic school of Arts" is a unique system of arts education that has a long history in the Czech Republic, and students will be able to choose from diverse musical instruments, participate in a chamber, or get a theoretical education. Instruments can be rented, but you can also bring your own.

 

Dance Program: Students will get to experience the unique culture of Czech high school culture, where you will not only learn ballroom dances like the jive, waltz, cha-cha, rumba, and polka, but you will also get the introduction to decent behavior during gala events and similar events. Lesson schedule is dependent on the student's level. Beginners are welcome!
 

Bilingual Program: In the Czech Bilingual Year, students are guaranteed placement in a high school with lesson held in English.

 

Prague Program: In the Prague Bilingual Year, students are guaranteed placement in an English school in Prague, as well as host family placement in Prague or its suburbs. You can visit the school website here for more information.

 

Vocational Program: The Vocational Year Program includes placement in a Czech vocational school, with focus selected by the student in craft, pedagogy/social work, technical, or IT. 

 

Tuition Includes

-Placement with a carefully selected host family
-Enrollment in a local Czech high school
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from a YFU Czech Republic Area Representative while on program
-Comprehensive Insurance

 

Additional Information

 Visa Information:  Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.

 

Additional Costs: Students in the Dance or Music program will need to purchase or bring their own gear or rent while on program. Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.  

 

Programs Code Departure Return Full Tuition
Year
Fall Year
Fall Year Bilingual
Fall Year Dance
Fall Year Music
Fall Year Prague
Fall Year Sports
Fall Year Vocational
Spring Year

1219 *
5555 *
1558 *
1557 *
4444 *
9999  
6666 *
1554 *

late August
late August
late August
late August
late August
late August
late August
late January

late June
late June
late June
late June
late June
late June
late January
late January

$15,995
$TBA
$16,995
$16,995
$TBA
$TBA
$TBA
$15,995
Semester
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Dance
Fall Semester Music
Fall Semester Sports
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Dance
Spring Semester Music

1367 *
1560 *
1559 *
8888 *
1368 *
7777 *
1561 *

late August
late August
late August
late August
late January
late January
late January

late January
late January
late January
late January
late June
late June
late June

$13,995
$14,995
$14,995
$TBA
$13,995
$TBA
$14,995

* Programs also available to graduates