Quick Facts

• Classes are taught in English through the CESP (Central and East European Studies Program)

• The University of Economics, Prague is the biggest public university of economics in the Czech Republic

• Currently, there are almost 20,000 students at VSE

• There are programs offered in six areas: Finance and Accounting, International Relations, Business Administration, Informatics and Statistics, Economics, and Management. More information about courses can be found here. 

• Enrollment is restricted to students in W. P. Carey School of Business.

Location Details

The Czech Republic is located in the heart of Europe and in the center of democratic and cultural revolutions taking place there today. Prague, the capitol city, survived two world wars and Soviet occupation and remained miraculously intact. When the walls fell in 1989, the world discovered that Prague was the most perfectly preserved medieval baroque city in Europe.

Across the famous Charles Bridge, with its ornate statues and pedestrian walkway, you can find the narrow winding streets, medieval wine cellars and houses of the Old Town. Prague hosts the national museums and National Theater of the Czech Republic, art galleries and film houses, castles and cathedrals.

Outside of Prague the countryside is full of spa towns and castles, hiking trails, and ski slopes. Prague is within easy reach of Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, and Munich.

 

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Prague University of Economics (Vysoka Skola Ekonomicka V Praze -- or "VSE") occupies the leading position among all schools of its kind in the Czech Republic. Students from European and American institutions take classes in English through the CESP (Central and East European Studies Program) at the VSE.

Click here to search the public catalog of courses.

Courses include, but are not limited to: Central European Managerial Systems; The Transformation of the Centrally Planned Economies; International Trade; Comparative Business Law; Global Marketing: The Eastern European Context; Environmental Economics and Policy; Privatization and Foreign Capital; Games and Decisions; Economic Policies of the European Union.

Access a list of courses other ASU students have taken and current course equivalencies.

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Access a list of courses other ASU students have taken and view current course equivalencies.

Program Housing

International students can apply for accommodation in the university dormitory. There are two different blocks for international students (Jarov III. F and Jarov III. G). They are situated in Jarov district, Praha 3, which is approximately 20 minutes from the University by direct tram line 9. Both blocks are about 25 minutes from the city center.

Only double-bed rooms are available in the dormitories. Due to capacity limits, it is not possible to get a single room.

Students are assigned to stay in the room with a person of the same sex, unless they have an explicit wish (going both sides from them and their counterpart) to stay with somebody of the opposite sex.

Meals can be taken in the student cafeteria (offering traditional Czech fare--soup, dumplings,rice or potatoes with meat, tea, dessert) or students can patronize the many restaurants that are in Prague.

Read more about university housing here. The University of Economics provides accommodation in dormitories for all Exchange students who apply for it and pay a deposit by the housing application deadline. If students are not interested in living in dormitories, they can find accommodations independently. The University of Economics International Office is unable to provide assistance securing off-campus housing due to capacity reasons. Off-campus housing in Prague can be challenging to find, and university housing is recommended. 

Photo courtesy of University of Economics

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in the Czech Republic, individuals will find Prague to offer the most accessible transit and buildings; however, historic areas of the city may be difficult to navigate for students with mobility disabilities due to age of buildings, narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Accessibility in areas outside of Prague is more limited.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

*The actual amount of the International Travel Service Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration and the Carbon Offset Fee will increase annually (in July) by approximately $2.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program*
• Prague Post - Czech Newspaper in English*
• Lonely Planet Prague*
• Official Czech Republic Website*
• Study in the Czech Republic*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.