Spend January studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, through AIFS Abroad's intensive January Term program. This short-term study abroad experience immerses you in one of Europe's most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities while earning 3 U.S. semester credits. You'll take a single course worth 6 ECTS credits, taught entirely in English, with classes meeting for three hours daily. The program combines classroom instruction, excursions, and written assignments totaling 52 academic hours, giving you a compressed but rigorous academic experience.

You have two course options to shape your Prague experience. Choose "Alternative Culture" to explore counterculture, graffiti, street art, underground movements, punk, hip hop, and political art collectives through the lenses of anthropology and cultural studies. This course engages with seminal readings on subcultures, protests, and social movements while examining the political dimensions of youth subversion and artistic production in post-industrial society. Field trips to graffiti sites and other subcultural landmarks are integral to the course. Alternatively, enroll in "Czech Language for Everyday Use," which emphasizes productive speaking skills and helps you master functional grammar and vocabulary through real-world conversations. You'll also gain cultural context to communicate in socially appropriate ways.

Prague itself is your classroom and laboratory. The city's dramatic history, stunning architecture, artistic traditions, and vibrant contemporary culture make it an ideal setting for studying alternative movements and language immersion. Whether you're walking the Charles Bridge, exploring Old Town Square, or visiting underground art spaces, you'll experience the cultural and historical richness that informs your coursework.

Attendance is mandatory to receive full credit, and grades are required for all AIFS participants—pass/fail options are not available. Your transcript will be issued directly by Charles University to your home institution within approximately 60 days of program completion. Credits transfer through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and language proficiency is assessed using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Before departing, you'll work with AIFS Abroad Program Advisors and your home institution's study abroad office to ensure your course selection meets your degree requirements.

This January Term program is ideal for undergraduates seeking an intellectually stimulating, short-term immersion in European culture and academia. Graduate students may participate, though courses will be credited at the undergraduate level with no option for graduate credit modifications. Prior participants consistently praise the program's ability to open their eyes to new cultures and perspectives, making lifelong friendships and returning home transformed by the experience.