No! While Czech is the national language, Prague is a very cosmopolitan city and English is spoken almost everywhere in the Czech Republic, making it fairly easy to get around. However, students enrolled in the Classic Fall and Spring programs will take a one-week immersive language course covering basic Czech, including popular phrases and keywords. For more in-depth coverage, we recommend using language apps such as Duolingo or Babble or a pocket-size phrasebook to keep on hand.

NC State Prague offers various classes to meet students’ academic needs. Students will take a full course load from our course portfolio during the selected program. Courses fulfill NC State’s GEP requirements and are NC State credits, so no transfer approval is needed!. We encourage students to meet with their academic advisors before application submission to ensure all courses taken in Prague will fulfill degree requirements.

While there are no meal plans or dining halls on-site, you can use the kitchen in the residences and the NC State Center kitchen to prepare your own meals. Alternatively, you can visit partner university dining halls (during the fall and spring terms) or take advantage of cheaper lunch options in the city center.

The Center is located in the historic heart of Prague! Near the Center you can see the famous Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square. And while the Center is located in a vibrant part of the city, the building offers a quiet, peaceful study environment and a beautiful inner courtyard away from crowds.

The student residences are conveniently located within a 20-minute commute by public transportation. A transport pass will be provided for the entire program duration. Additionally, Prague is a walkable city, and it would take approximately 30 minutes to walk to the Center.

The cost of your trip to Prague will vary depending on your plans. Still, overall, it is considered a budget-friendly destination. Based on previous experiences, we recommend budgeting $300-600 for personal expenses, depending on length of program.

Plan to pay for your meals, groceries, leisure activities, and personal supplies. The program fee covers accommodation, laundry facilities, public transport passes, welcome and end-of-program meals, and overnight trips. In general, you don’t need to buy any textbooks or class materials. You can also purchase your art supplies in Prague.

GeoBlue insurance covers all students for both injury and illness. Our staff is available to help you schedule doctor’s appointments and provide assistance in case of emergencies. If you require specific medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply. Please note that US prescriptions cannot be filled in Prague. Still, a Czech doctor can provide you with an equivalent medication prescription, which you can fill at the local pharmacy.

You can easily buy what you need in Prague. When deciding what clothes to bring, we always recommend packing layers, allowing you regulate your temperature across fluctuating weather. Winters can be cold, with little sun. Summers are sunny with an average high of 75°F, but nights can still be cool, and expect foggy, cold days from October through March.

Eventually students will receive a housing form where they can specify their preferences for roommates, room type, and single or double occupancy. The program cost includes a standard double room, but students, in most programs, can pay an extra fee for a single room.