Ready for a language adventure? Enroll in summer courses and master Czech

If you're seeking to elevate your summer experience to new heights, immerse yourself in the rich Czech culture, and master the Czech language, then look no further. Whether you're a traveler exploring Prague or a resident eager to utilize your holiday in a meaningful way, this summer is your golden opportunity for Czech language learning, cultural attractions, and self-discovery.

Charles University’s Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ÚJOP) has a variety of courses that are ideal for those who only have two to four weeks to spend on intensive classes but want to improve fluency in everyday situations. Students have the option of enrolling in courses in Prague or Poděbrady, Central Bohemia’s oldest spa town.

The courses aren’t just designed to help you gain fluency and learn more about Czech culture, but the accompanying program will also immerse students in both cities’ summertime charm.

The theme of this year’s summer school is Prague – the Pearl of Europe. In the first two weeks students will explore the magical, mysterious medieval Prague with guided tours highlighting the different periods in medieval architecture, a lecture on the art of the Middle Ages, and a visit to the Charles’ Bridge Museum.

The next two weeks will introduce student's to the city's modern history, taking in icons of modern architecture and visiting the Military History Institute. Welcome parties, interactive learning, lively discussions, and learning through films take place. The course draws to a close with the ceremonial presentation of certificates.

Whether you are a total beginner or more advance Czech speaker, an expatriate looking to explore your Czech roots, or a student of Slavonic studies with a more advanced knowledge of Czechia, the ÚJOP courses are tailor-made to fit your needs.

This year organizers have made the summer school more flexible. Students can join for two weeks or four weeks, plus enjoy afternoon activities twice/three times a week leaving plenty of time to explore Prague. Accommodation is available upon request, making it ideal for those who live outside of Prague and want to combine language school with a city break. Currently, the program is for students 18+, however, a group for teens of 15+ is also being formed.

The courses are comprised of 25 lessons per week, taught by an expert team of experienced teachers from ÚJOP at Charles University. Expect interesting insights into Prague's culture and history in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Class takes place from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lectures, guided tours, visits to exhibitions, and cultural events twice a week in the afternoon, accompanied by welcome and goodbye drinks and refreshment (no meals included).

All courses take place in the heart of Prague near the National Theatre, home of ÚJOP, in Prague-Voršilská. The National Theatre tram stop and the Národní třída metro station are within walking distance. Students study in modern, well-equipped classrooms with interactive screens.

Textbooks, dedicated teaching materials, and an online placement test are included. For an inside peek at past courses, follow ÚJOP on Facebook.

“I had a wonderful time learning Czech! Both my teachers Lucie and Nikola were really good. Lucie used wonderful activities to engage us and make us talk and interact. She was always in touch with how we were doing and would review or move on as needed. The methodology she used for teaching was excellent,” former student Lynn Sedivy said of her experience at ÚJOP.

In Poděbrady, a picturesque spa town just 50 minutes from Prague, you can choose from two summer schools. The Summer School of Slavonic Studies (from July 3 to 28) brings together people interested in the Czech language and culture from all over the world, including but not limited to academics and journalists.

The students taking part in this course usually have a higher level of Czech, are able to communicate to a greater extent, and are keen to improve their language skills. 

The Summer Czech Course for Czech Expatriates (from July 24 to August 18) focuses on discovering Czech history, culture, and nature with playful learning and plenty of cultural and social activities. This summer course is suitable for all levels of Czech.

If you are a member of Czech expatriate communities abroad and you want to learn more about your origins, including the language and culture of your ancestors, then the Summer Czech Course for Czech Expatriates, in the spa town of Poděbrady, might be the right one for you. In the summer of 2022, the age range of the participants was between 7 and 83, and their language levels ranged from complete beginners to advanced speakers. This is also a good opportunity to meet interesting people.

The course consists of a combination of interactive language learning, fun workshops, interesting lectures, and social events in the evenings, plus a certificate of completion once you finish the course. In total 90/45 hours in four/two weeks course.

For 20 years the Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies' (ÚJOP) summer courses have been giving students from all around the world the chance to combine an intensive Czech language study with extra-curricular activities. Enroll now and start on the path to fluency in historic Czech settings with top instructors.