Freshman Year in Prague

We are excited to welcome you to AAU and to Prague. Anglo American University is delighted to provide transferable coursework to prospective USC Transfer Applicants

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About the Freshman Year in Prague

The Freshman Year in Prague is designed to offer you the opportunity to take your first-year classes at Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague as part of the pathway to USC in your sophomore year. 

AAU recognizes that your priority is to successfully transfer into USC. That is why we work closely with USC to ensure that we offer the courses you need to meet the admissions requirements. 

We also understand that this will be your first year at a university and you should know that you are not alone in your decision to study in Prague! AAU has many first-year students from the US and other countries who will also be starting college away from home. 

When you live and learn in another country, you develop a deeper understanding of and respect for intercultural differences, greater flexibility and adaptability, and an openness to new ideas. These characteristics are valued by companies, organizations, and universities alike and will help distinguish you from your peers as you move forward in your life and career. 

While AAU provides you with the freedom to grow intellectually and personally in a different culture, at the same time, you will be surrounded by familiar American academic structures and student services, an environment that you will surely find exciting and refreshing. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my semester at AAU. Even if the semester was moved online, it is clear that AAU has a beautiful campus situated right in the centre of Prague and neighbouring a beautiful park (with many peacocks!). Not only did I find most of my classes interesting, I also took advantage of AAU’s extra-curricular opportunities, joining the soccer club – which immediately became my favourite part of my AAU experience. I also have nothing but praise for AAU students who are both kind and welcoming; I did not have a negative interaction during my entire semester.

Mark Burnham, AAU fall semester 2020, current USC student

About Anglo-American University in Prague, Czech Republic

Located in the heart of Europe inside the restored XVIII century Thurn-Taxis Palace, AAU provides students with a truly international education. Learning alongside students from over 80 different countries in small classes designed for authentic engagement and discussion, AAU prepares students for the global landscape.

The AAU was founded in 1990 as the first private institution of higher education in the Czech Republic. All programs are taught entirely in English and implement American and British higher education approaches and methodologies. In 2016 AAU became the only higher education institution in the Czech Republic with both Czech and American accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, thus providing a double guarantee of educational standards. 

Acceptance to USC

Admission to USC requires a prominent level of success in university-level coursework. Successfully completing this plan demands challenging work and focus. Please note that the Freshman Year in Prague is a path to USC admission, not a guarantee of acceptance. However, when fulfilling the below course plan, you will be able to complete transfer requirements for USC.

Course Plan

  • Complete 30 transferable semester units, earning A’s and B’s. 
  • Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 in USC-transferable courses, with no individual grade below C (2.0). You might notice that the Freshman Year in Prague program typically requires a 3.6 GPA or higher; however, USC recognizes the benefit of living abroad, thus, grants a modest dispensation on the GPA expectation. 
  • Complete USC’s lower division writing requirement by a successful grade in AAU’s COM 101 and COM 102 
  • Complete MTH 190, Business Math I 
  • Take courses in areas of general education (at least two courses per semester), foreign language (if needed for your major), and any lower division courses needed for your intended major. 

Coursework at AAU

During your year at AAU, you may choose from an array of courses across a wide range of subjects. Your AAU courses fulfill USC requirements; thus, enabling the transfer to USC. Most AAU classes are 3 credit courses. A normal semester load consists of 5 courses: thus, earning you 15 credits per semester. You will be registered and enrolled as a full-time visiting student at Anglo-American University, taking AAU courses approved by USC, earning AAU credits, transferrable to USC. 

Your AAU academic advisor will be familiar with the conditions of your intended transfer to USC through the Freshman Year in Prague program. 

Living and studying in Prague

Freshman Year in Prague program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Czech culture and language all while relying on American education style and methodologies. The AAU campus is in the beautifully restored Thurn-Taxis palace in Prague’s historic Mala Strana district which is also home to famous sites such as the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Ranked as the best city in the world to be a university student by AppJobsGlobal, Prague has a long history of education and boasts an array of affordable options for students to live, dine, enjoy live entertainment and experience local culture. Thanks to its central location in Europe, Prague also serves as a great home base for travel.

AAU offers students the opportunity to live together with their classmates from different countries and cultures. AAU’s housing is within 20 minutes of the AAU Campus located in the Holešovice district which is a lively area full of shopping opportunities, parks, and restaurants. According to the Guardian, Holešovice has been named one of the top 10 coolest neighborhoods in Europe. The building has 24/7 security, WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, bed linen, and laundry. Students may choose to live in single or double rooms.

The best part of my AAU experience was living in the dorms in Holešovice and being surrounded by my friends. No matter the time of day, there are always people doing things so you never get bored.

Jack Weitman, AAU student 2020-2021, USC transfer bound

Detailed information about AAU Student Housing can be found here.  

Tuition, fees and visas

As a full-time visiting student at Anglo-American University, you will be paying AAU tuition and fees. AAU will send you detailed information about the visa process and registration for courses once you have applied.
Anglo-American University is well equipped in guiding students through the study visa process. As such, AAU will provide the required documents as well as guidelines to obtain your study visa. 

Academic Calendar, Forms and Deadlines

  • Academic Calendar Fall 24
  • Application Portal– to complete your application please create your profile in the AAU Application Portal. Please note that you are required to submit your passport size picture and passport copy.
  • Advising and registration for classes will begin once your admission is finalized and your payment is received 

Fall 2024 Deadlines and Payment Calendar:


Freshman Year in Prague program 2024/2025
Application Deadline  Payment Deadlines 
Program Application  Rolling admission  May 31 for Fall Semester 2024, October 30 for Spring Semester 2025 (recommended deadline for visa-seeking students)
Housing Application  Rolling application reservation fee part of initial invoice, installment scheme available
Payment breakdown PER SEMESTER AY24-25price
Fall 24 tuition  $4,422
Admissions fee*$50 
General Student Fee  $436
Study Abroad Fee (includes all art fees)$600
Total tuition and fees due by May 20, 2024**$5,508
Housing Estimate***$3,100
* one time fee will be paid as part of online application
** invoice will be issued in Czech Crowns, following prices are estimates in USD based on current exchange rate (23.5 USD/CZK)
*** AAU dorm double room cost estimate

Student Life and Services for Visiting Students

During your stay you will benefit from a centrally located campus and vibrant student life full of events. You will be able to participate in a range of student clubs, engage with the Student Council, contribute to AAU’s student magazine – the Lennon Wall or student radio – Sound Bricks  and finally visit famous sites like Charles Bridge or Prague Castle all within a few minutes’ walk from AAU. 

All Freshman Year in Prague program students are also entitled to:  

    • Freshman Year in Prague orientation session
    • ISIC student card allowing for discounts on public transit, reduced phone plans, EU travel, sport clubs, cultural events, discounts etc. 
    • Prague guided tours and cultural activities included free of charge
    • Student transcript shipping to USC via DHL 
    • Overall support from AAU Study Abroad Office throughout program duration, regular meetings with AAU staff at AAU Cafe

Contacts:

    • For general questions about the USC Fall Semester in Prague program, AAU courses and registration and housing please contact Beata at beata.tomeckova@aauni.edu
    • For questions related to USC and spring admission please contact Andrew Huerta at huertaan@usc.edu

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