The Program

STUDY IN CZECH REPUBLIC!
Located at the crossroads of eastern and western Europe, the Czech Republic is a vibrant country with a rich history.

Your host in Brno is Masaryk University, the second-largest public university in the Czech Republic. With nine colleges and more than 200 departments, institutes and clinics, Masaryk is recognized as one of the most important teaching and research institutions in the country. The university also plays a major role in the social and cultural life of the South Moravia Region.

The program fee includes day-trips and weekend excursions to a number of cities in the region. In recent years these have included Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague and Krakow. In addition, the main north-south railway line in Central Europe passes through Brno, making it easily accessible from most points in Europe.

Location

Brno, (pronounced beer-no), the capital of the Czech province of Moravia, is the second largest city in the Czech Republic (pop. 400,000). The city's historical center echoes that of Vienna, complete with cobblestone pedestrian zones and fascinating architecture spanning the whole period from the Middle Ages to the present day. Home to six universities and 40,000 students, Brno offers many cultural activities and an active student nightlife.

Courses .

ISEP-Direct students at Masaryk typically take 4-5 classes/semester, (a minimum of 24 ECTS credits) from one of the two specific program tracks.

The Central European Studies Program (offered fall and spring) includes study of the social, economic, political and cultural transformations that have shaped Central Europe/the Czech Republic in the 20th century, and the changes facing Europe in the beginning of the 21st century. All courses are in English; basic Czech language instruction is also included. Course titles and course descriptions are at http://ois.muni.cz/students/special_programs%2C_individual_courses/cesp

TESOL (offered spring only) is a one-semester program for students interested in gaining experience teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in a cross-cultural environment. The program integrates the fundamentals of language learning theory and hands-on teaching practice. Students who successfully complete the course of study earn the internationally recognized Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA).

In addition to the TESOL courses, you can choose from courses in applied linguistics, Czech language, and a number of courses relating to Czech cultural heritage. Find details at http://ois.muni.cz/students/special_programs%2C_individual_courses/tesol_te

Each international student is paired with an English-speaking Czech student "tutor". Your tutor will pick you up on arrival in Brno, take you to your residence and help you settle in to your life at the university. In addition, the International Student Club offers extracurricular activites such as trips, country presentations, and language classes.

Accommodations

You will live in modern university dormitories sharing double rooms (each with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette) with Czech or other foreign students. You will have access to university computer centers, sports facilities, cafeterias and laundries.

Academic Calendar

Fall semester runs from early September to mid-December; spring semester is early February to mid-May. A week-long orientation program is offered prior to the beginning of each semester.

ISEP-DIRECT
UW-Eau Claire is part of the ISEP-Direct network that gives our students access to many universities worldwide. The best way to think of an ISEP-Direct experience is to imagine that you are going to study at Masaryk University, just as international students come to study at UW-Eau Claire. If you are independent, flexible, and adventurous, ISEP-Direct programs are a good choice for you.

ISEP-CZECH REPUBLIC
Masaryk is a popular site for ISEP students. Approximately 10 ISEP-Direct and 3-5 ISEP exchange students study there each semester. The University offers a week-long orientation that includes an intensive "survival Czech" course, introductory talks on Czech culture and society, a tour of Brno and visit to the city museum, a reception bringing together international and Czech students with Masaryk University faculty, and excursions to the surroundings of Brno.

Expenses

The estimated Wisconsin resident fee for Fall 2009 or Spring 2010 is $7,360. This includes full-time tuition, a double room in the university residence halls, a stipend for meals, on-site orientation, and ISEP and UW-Eau Claire administrative fees. Minnesota residents may apply for reciprocity; residents of other states add $900.

Additional costs include: a passport, an ISEP program deposit, mandatory ISEP insurance, roundtrip transportation, books, and personal expenses. Estimate an additional $2,100for these expenses.

Total Wisconsin resident cost estimate: $9,450. Cost estimates may change at any time.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

If you qualify for financial aid, you can apply your aid to program costs.  Your financial aid package will be based on actual costs in the Czech Republic, including the cost of round-trip airfare.   You can learn about additional options, including a study abroad grant through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation; a Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad and scholarships for specific majors and national study abroad scholarships at http://uwec.edu/CIE/sac/finaid.htm.

Eligibility

To apply you must be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Eau Claire student. You must be in good academic standing, and have minimum cumulative resident GPA of 2.75. You may apply as a sophomore but must have junior standing when the program begins.

Application Deadline

Applications for Fall 2009/Academic Year 2009-2010 are accepted beginning September 2, 2008.  The priority application deadline for Fall 2009/Academic Year 2009-2010 is November 17, 2008.

Applications for Spring 2010 are accepted beginning January 15, 2009.  The application deadline for Spring 2010 is April 1, 2009. 

Complete applications will be reviewed after these dates. Late applications will be considered if space is still available. Please contact the Center for International Education to find out if spaces are available before submitting a late application. No applications will be accepted after January 30, for Fall 2009/Academic Year 2009-2010 or after May 1, 2009 for Spring 2010.

You can download an application at online applications, or stop by to pick up an application in the Center for International Education.

Additional Information

For more information and an application, contact:

Center for International Education
Schofield 111
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI  54702-4004

Phone: (715) 836-4411
Fax: (715) 836-4948
Email: studyabroad@uwec.edu