Program Overview

Introduction to the Geography FSP Prague Program

The Geography FSP Prague program is a unique study abroad opportunity offered by Dartmouth College in collaboration with Charles University. This program allows students to immerse themselves in the academics, culture, and environment of the Czech Republic, focusing on topics in geography such as demographics, public health, urban planning, migration, politics, economics, and human-nature interactions.

Program Overview

• The program is offered once every two years.
• It is based in Prague, Czech Republic.
• Students explore a range of topics in geography within the context of the Czech Republic's 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.

Enrollment Information

• About 18 students are selected for the program.
• For more information about applying, see the webpage on How to Apply and the FAQs under section 2 (How to Apply: Application).

The Study Abroad Experience

• Students live in shared apartments with a kitchen and laundry that are centrally located in Prague and close to amenities.
• Students 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 have the opportunity to participate in social and cultural activities with Czech students.

Academic Program

Faculty Director

• Abigail H. Neely, Associate Professor of Geography.

Curriculum

• GEOG | 36.01: The Czech Republic in the New Europe.
• GEOG | 37.01: Social and Physical Landscapes of the Czech Republic.
• GEOG | 86: Independent Study in the Czech Republic.
• Structured excursions are central to the research in both GEOG | 37.01 and GEOG | 86.

Prerequisites

• One GEOG course.
• A GEOG methods course (GEOG 9.01, 11, or 12.01) is recommended.

Student Life

• Prague has re-emerged as the cosmopolitan hub of Central Europe, offering rich historical sites and stunning architecture combined with a vibrant cultural scene.
• The city is walkable with a reliable and efficient public transit system, and regional trains provide access to 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.

Student Voices

• Students share their experiences and insights about the program, highlighting the excursions, cultural adaptations, and the opportunity to understand the Czech Republic's complex history and its current position in Europe.

Financing Your Program

• The fees charged by the College for a Dartmouth-sponsored off-campus term of study include regular tuition charges for a term at Dartmouth, service fees, as well as the specific costs established for each off-campus study locale.
• Financial aid is available, and the College endeavors to adjust its normal financial aid awards for students already receiving aid.
• The cost of transportation to and from the site is the responsibility of the student.

Program Resources

• Department Contact: Kelly Palmer, Departmental Administrator.
• Alumni Contact: TBD.
• Other Resources: Department of Geography, Office of Financial Aid.