USC Fall Semester in Prague

Prior to the start of your USC studies in January, you are invited to participate in the USC Fall Semester in Prague program, an exclusive partnership between USC and Anglo-American University in Prague. This program is designed to offer you the opportunity to spend the fall semester abroad at AAU, earning credits that will transfer directly to USC. You will gain both international experience and the chance to get a jump-start on your path to USC. 

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. 

We also understand that this will be your first semester at a university and you should know that you are not alone in your decision to study in Prague! AAU has a truly diverse student body with a substantial portion of first-year students from the US. It is this diversity that makes AAU so unique in Prague. 

While AAU provides you with the freedom to grow intellectually and personally in a different culture, you will be surrounded by familiar American academic structures and student services and a caring group of faculty and staff. 

Located in the heart of Europe inside the restored XVIII century Thurn-Taxis Palace, AAU provides students 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. 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. 

During the Fall Semester at AAU, you may choose from an array of courses across a wide range of subjects. Your AAU courses fulfill USC requirements; thus, enabling credit transfer when you continue at USC beginning in the Spring. Most AAU classes are 3 credit courses. A normal semester load consists of 5 courses; thus, earning you 15 credits for the Fall Semester. 

In the USC Fall Semester in Prague program, you have the unique opportunity to choose from courses that incorporate Czech and European culture into the curriculum across an already wide range of disciplines such as international relations, political science, business, art history, and social sciences for example. In addition, you may choose to build your Czech language skills or choose among other languages offered at AAU. 

The USC Fall Semester 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 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. Not to mention the cost of living is significantly lower than other comparable cities, making it a cost-effective option for students.  

An overall estimate of costs per semester for an undergraduate student living in AAU housing (including living and attendance fees) is provided below:

AAU offers students the opportunity to live together with their classmates from different countries and cultures right in the heart of Prague. AAU’s housing is 20 minutes away from 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 and have full access to common spaces and amenities.  

Detailed information about AAU Student Housing can be found here.  

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, registration, and other tips once you have applied for the USC Fall Semester in Prague program. See more information about the application process below.  

Anglo-American University is home to over 500 international students is well equipped to guide students through the visa process. As such, AAU will provide the required documents as well as guidelines to obtain your study visa. The student visa allows you to stay in the Czech Republic for the entire duration of your program and travel within the Schengen Area.  

We strongly recommend starting the visa application process as soon as possible, as appointments book well in advance.  To receive your visa on time, your visa appointment date should not be set later than June 15th, 2022 at one of the Czech embassies or consulates. The visa processing takes 60 days (about 2 months) from the day of the appointment.  

We encourage you to apply for the program and for housing and make all your payments as soon as possible, so all necessary documents (visa/study, housing, and insurance confirmation) can be prepared and sent to you in time for your visa appointment! 

 European Union citizens do not require a visa to study in the Czech Republic. 

Currently no major Covid-19 restrictions apply at AAU campus thanks to the overall stable situation of the pandemic in the Czech Republic. AAU monitors the situation closely and any updates about changes concerning Covid-19 rules at AAU and in the Czech Republic are published on our website AAU website (unable to delete) which also include current entry requirements to the Czech Republic. 

Once you decide to participate in the Fall Semester in Prague program as a full-time visiting student, you can apply by filling in the  online application form. By doing so, you are giving USC permission to share your admission documents with AAU. This way AAU will review your application and inform you of the outcome within two weeks of AAU’s receipt of your application. Once approved, you will receive detailed information related to tuition, housing, enrollment, and the visa process.  

Studying abroad is a new experience for most students. Therefore, we provide resources to make the journey as easy as possible. Before you start your studies, you will get:  

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 USC Fall Semester in Prague program students are also entitled to: