6 ways Charles University's language institute helps expats master Czech

Learning Czech is a struggle many foreigners face. Scheduling a doctor’s appointment, asking for help at the local grocery store, or navigating a visit to the Ministry of Interior could all be done more seamlessly with basic language proficiency, but many find this to be an insurmountable task.      

Mastering Czech, however, is not as hard as you might think – if you have the right teachers and a supportive environment. The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (UJOP UK) has a proven track record of helping foreigners successfully become fluent Czech speakers, while exploring the country’s rich culture and history.  

Past students rave about the wide-ranging Czech language courses offered by UJOP UK, saying that they not only work but have also helped them improve their quality of life in Czechia.   

“I took an intensive six-week course to get an A2 level. I gave it a try, loved it and continued with the semester course. At the beginning, I lacked confidence in learning Czech with Czech speakers. However, once you're there, you hear Czech every day from your teacher, classmates, and your brain gets used to it. Then, you start to feel, ‘Oh, this language is actually really interesting.’ So, I would definitely recommend going to UJOP Charles University,” says Liz K., a UJOP UK student from Indonesia.

Here are six more reasons why enrolling in courses at UJOP UK can provide students with the tools they need to connect with the people and history of Czechia.

Instructors with a profound understanding of the Czech language and culture form the backbone of the UJOP UK courses. The institute prides itself on fostering a stimulating learning environment that encourages active engagement, enabling learners to acquire practical language skills.

UJOP UK students benefit from the institute’s communicative teaching approach, fostering active engagement and enjoyment at every level, from A1 to C1.

“We believe that a teacher is not an infallible authority but rather an empathetic and patient guide on your journey to language proficiency and integration.

"Our dedicated instructors prioritize student satisfaction and continually enhance their professionalism through participation in language conferences, webinars and workshops,” says Jana Nováková, a teacher at UJOP UK.

Participants in the intensive courses can expect accelerated progress, dedicating five hours each day to language immersion. In just six weeks, students witness a remarkable transformation in their Czech language skills.

Anton B., another former UJOP UK student, says the Czech language courses allowed him to prepare for Czechia’s medical licensing exam and to work as a doctor in Most.

What surprised him while studying was the teachers’ very human approach. “They started speaking in Czech right away. It felt like we were a family. Within a short time, we were all speaking Czech,” he says.

Other participants in the course attest that learning the language in Czech was a vital part of the experience. Liz Kohout, whose native language is Indonesian, believes that being taught solely in Czech helped her develop her skills much faster than in courses where the instructors use both English and Czech to teach.

"Non-Slavic speakers are afraid of studying Czech without English. As a non-Slavic speaker, I have to say Czech is totally different from my native language. All classes were conducted in Czech, We used Czech as the main language, and our brains switched to the Czech language naturally,” says Kohout, who began courses from the A2 level.

Kohout found that the homework assigned helped her to prepare for the next lesson as well as retain the information from the last class.

Cultural events and excursions, from recitals and theater performances to sharing students’ collected works in a writers’ club, are a part of the learning experience during UJOP UK courses.

Kohout says she also appreciated that instructors took the class on field trips to cafes, restaurants and other places around Prague to teach them more about real-world interactions which can't always be accurately taught in the classroom.

“The instructors had a very enthusiastic teaching style and made sure to give an overview of the lesson at the start of each class, which I found to be very helpful throughout the day,” adds Kohout. 

Why does the school’s location hold the key to success? At UJOP UK, language learning extends beyond the classroom. Participants have the rare opportunity to be physically present in the country whose language they are learning, experiencing not only a range of cultural events and excursions but exposure to the sites, history and architectural splendor of Prague.

Situated in the heart of Prague, in close proximity to iconic sights, including the National Theater, Prague Castle, the Vltava River, Petřín Hill and the National Theater, UJOP UK courses take place in modern and well-equipped classrooms that are housed in a renovated building exuding historical charm.

An on-site canteen, relaxation room, study room and access to a school library enhance the learning experience. Friendly and helpful study clerks are always available to assist students as well.

For those with busy schedules who can't commit to intensive courses, UJOP UK also offers non-intensive evening courses, providing a more flexible approach. Moreover, individuals with unique time constraints can opt for personalized lessons tailored to their specific requirements.

Applicants can join the program at any time throughout the year with opportunities to enroll in summer, fall, winter or spring. Apply as soon as possible, as processing the application and the payment requires time.