Program Overview

Introduction to the Foreign Study Program in Prague

The Department of Geography at Dartmouth has collaborated with faculty at Charles University to offer a foreign study program in Prague since 1994. This program focuses on immersing Dartmouth students in the academics, culture, and environment of the Czech Republic.

Program Description

Students explore a range of topics in geography, including demographics, public health, urban planning, migration, politics, economics, and human-nature interactions, within the context of a place that has undergone a radical transformation from a satellite state of the Soviet Union to a member of the European Union and NATO, and from a communist economy to a thriving capitalist one. The program provides students with the tools to understand these economic, social, and spatial transformations.

Location and Setting

Prague has re-emerged as the cosmopolitan hub of Central Europe, offering rich historical sites and stunning architecture combined with a vibrant cultural scene that includes exceptional museums, theaters, food, and nightlife. Prague is a walkable city with a reliable and efficient public transit system, with regional trains providing access to the diverse landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities surrounding the city. The Czech Republic is situated in the heart of Europe, only a few hours away by train from other notable cities including Vienna, Warsaw, Berlin, and Budapest; and a short flight to France, Italy, Switzerland, and Croatia.

Living Arrangements

Students live in shared apartments with a kitchen and laundry that are centrally located in Prague and close to amenities. Students will attend classes at Charles University, which is both one of the oldest universities in the world and a top-ranked university in Europe. Beyond coursework, students will have the opportunity to participate in social and cultural activities with Czech students.

Curriculum

• Geography 36.01: The Czech Republic in the New Europe (in English, by Charles University faculty)
• Geography 37.01: Social and Physical Landscapes of the Czech Republic (in English, jointly taught by Dartmouth professor and Charles University faculty)
• Geography 86: Independent Study in the Czech Republic (in English, independent study guided by Dartmouth professor)

GEOG 36.01 provides the background, concepts, and theories in a classroom setting that are explored during the GEOG 37.01 field excursions across Prague and the Czech Republic. Over the second half of the term, students develop and complete two structured research projects in GEOG 86.

Prerequisites

• One GEOG Course
• Additional Information: A GEOG methods course (GEOG 9.01, 11, or 12.01) is strongly recommended.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Prague Foreign Study Program is February 1, 2026.

Host Institution

The Foreign Study Program is hosted by Charles University.

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