USC Fall Semester in Prague

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Southern California for Spring Semester 2024 and welcome to the USC Fall Semester in Prague program!  

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About the USC Fall Semester in Prague Program (USC Spring Admits)

Prior to the start of your USC studies in January, you are invited to participate in the USC Fall Semester in Prague program, a 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. 

“I very much enjoyed my time at AAU. AAU is a wonderful university where students from every background come together to learn. In addition to my classes which all had great professors, the strong community allowed me to truly be at home even though I was only there for three months. The film watchers club especially allowed me to get to know my professors and fellow students through a shared love for film. Outside of AAU, Prague is without doubt my favorite city in the world. As a bassoonist, getting to hear the Czech Philharmonic and the National Theatre Orchestra, two of the best orchestras in the world, weekly, allowed me to grow as an artist and as a person. Additionally, having the rest of Central Europe a bus ride away allowed me to hear various other top orchestras and experience the cultures of many nations. I highly recommend AAU to any students considering studying abroad.”

Taki Salameh, AAU Fall Semester 2022, current USC student

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. 

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 a truly international education. Learning alongside students from over 80 different countries in small classes designed for authentic engagement and discussion. 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. 

AAU Fall Semester Coursework that Transfers to USC

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 you15 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. 

Living and Studying in Prague

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.

AAU offers students the opportunity to live together with their classmates from different countries and cultures. AAU’s housing is 20 minutes away from 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.  

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.

Anglo-American University 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 encourage you to apply for the program and for housing and make all your payments as soon as possible, so all necessary documents can be prepared and sent to you in time for your visa appointment!  To receive your visa on time, your visa appointment date should not be set later than June 15, 2024 at a respective consulate.  European Union citizens do not require a visa to study in the Czech Republic. 

How to Apply for the USC Fall Semester in Prague Program

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.  

Academic Calendar, Forms and Deadlines

  • Academic Calendar Fall 24
  • Application Portalto 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

USC Fall Semester in PragueApplication Deadline  Payment Deadline  
Program Application  Rolling admission  May 20 (deadline essential for visa-seeking students)
Housing Application  Rolling application reservation fee part of initial invoice, installment scheme available
Advising and registration for classes will begin once your admission is finalized and your tuition payment is received. 
Payment breakdown*price
Full 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
* a 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

Studying abroad is a new experience for most students. Therefore, we provide resources to make the journey as easy as possible:

  • In person USC Admitted Student Day where AAU will be presented: April 7, 2024
  • USC Online Webinar for Spring Admits: April 9, 2024 at 4 – 5:30 PM CEST
  • AAU assistance with visa application, housing and health insurance 
  • Overall support from AAU Study Abroad Office to ensure speedy admission

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 .

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

  • USC Fall Semester 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