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CIEE: Film Studies Program at the Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU) (Outgoing Program)

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Program Snapshot
Program Snapshot
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Partnership Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Other
Click here for a definition of this term Internships Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Fall/Spring Session: Session C
Click here for a definition of this term GPA Requirement: 2.50 Click here for a definition of this term Gilman Eligible: Yes
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate Courses Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English
Click here for a definition of this term Available to Non-ASU Students: No Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Class Standing: 02 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term International Coordinator: Paula Balzer Click here for a definition of this term Travel Required?: Yes
Program Description

Overview

FAMU

Photo courtesy of CIEE

Overview

From Miloš Forman and Agnieszka Holland, to Emir Kusturica and Jan Sverák – the tradition of filmmaking in the Czech Republic is rich. What will you shoot, direct, or write while you’re here? On the CIEE Film Studies program in Prague, you’ll produce a short 16-mm film or write a half feature-length screenplay with help from leading film professionals in Europe. Let technical film classes in the Czech language and centuries of architecture and history inspire your work. Study abroad in Prague and you'll:

  • Study with both American and international film students at The Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU), one of the preeminent film schools in Central Europe
  • Work directly with film professionals to produce a short 16-mm film or develop a half feature-length screenplay
  • Visit local film studios, and attend guest lectures by European directors, producers, cinematographers, and screenwriters
The CIEE Film Studies Program operating at FAMU since 2008 is designed for students who have prior experience in film production, screenwriting, or film studies. It offers qualified students the opportunity to engage firsthand in film production and screenwriting work alongside faculty, staff, and students at one of Europe’s top film schools. Through a combination of specially designed CIEE film courses and FAMU elective offerings, students hone their production and writing skills and develop and produce their own short films in teams of two on the production track, or write their own screenplays on the screenwriting track. 
 

Location




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Photo's courtesy of CIEE

Location Details

About Prague
Because of its innumerable characteristic steeples, Prague is called the "City of a Hundred Spires" and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This European Union member, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a perfect example of the steady development of a society that recently transitioned from a communist past. With a population of only 1.2 million, Prague has an unusually rich cultural life – festivals, operas, concerts, and cultural programs, many of which are accessible on a student budget. Study abroad students experience life similar to that of Czech students and frequent numerous neighborhoods in the city like native residents of Prague. Prague also offers a unique symbiosis of carefully preserved monuments of all periods and styles.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips
You will participate in a variety of integrated program activities including special workshops, film screenings, film festivals, Barrandov Film Studios visits, and guest lectures. You’ll help other students as crew. The integrated nature of this study abroad program allows you to work closely with local faculty and students throughout the semester. The program includes an excursion to film schools outside of Prague, master class discussions, film screenings, and additional activities, such as visits to Czech Barrandov Studios and film festivals in Prague. You'll also have the opportunity to see the cultural and historic sites of the Czech Republic through an academic, film-oriented field trip led by CIEE staff. Due to an intensive production and post-production period, travel outside of Prague in the last seven weeks of the program is not allowed for the Production track. Interested students may have the option of volunteering in Prague and can participate in the Tandems program or Meet Czech Families program.

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 CIEE, 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.

Academics

Academic Program & Courses

Where You'll Study - The Prague Film and Television School of the Academic of the Performing Arts (FAMU)

The Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU) is one of the preeminent film schools in Central Europe. It is one of the three schools that comprise the Academy of Performing Arts and one of the oldest film schools in Europe. Many influential filmmakers and screenwriters are FAMU alumni, including Stanislav Barabas and Oscar-winners Miloš Forman and Agnieszka Holland. FAMU offers professional film production facilities including digital Betacam, HDV, and 16mm and 35mm film for student work. Since the Film Studies program is a direct enrollment program, you will take the majority of your courses directly at FAMU building.

CIEE study center in Prague is located on the grounds of the national monument, Vyšehrad. It is the ideal space for you to study, unwind, and get to know fellow students. The impressive historical building holds nine classrooms, a computer lab and library, a student lounge, and staff offices. A large garden and patio area equipped with Wi-Fi offers a relaxing atmosphere to do homework, check emails, and more.

Academic Program
The Film Studies program includes both practical hands-on and traditional university courses. The production track has eight weeks of instruction, two weeks of guided pre-production, two weeks of production, and two weeks of post-production. The 14-week screenwriting track follows a more traditional schedule and culminates in the creation of approximately a half feature-length screenplay. Courses are small and include both theoretical and practical exercises. The study abroad program is intensive in nature and requires both evening and weekend sessions, film screenings, and production work.

All classes (except for the Intensive Beginning Czech Language) are taught by FAMU professors. Professors encourage participation and active student engagement in the course material. FAMU expects independent, mature students who come prepared to follow the advice of the faculty. A mentorship style of instruction is utilized in many classes, requiring students to do outside work and consult with the faculty individually or in small groups.

Program Requirements
Production Track: All study abroad students enroll in Intensive Beginning Czech Language, Topics in Production, and Filmmaking Practicum and Mentorship. In addition, students choose two regular three-credit FAMU courses from the selected FAMU courses. At least one must be from the Production track electives.

Screenwriting Track: All students enroll in Intensive Beginning Czech Language, Feature Screenwriting, and Script Analysis. In addition, students choose two regular three-credit FAMU courses from the selected FAMU courses listed. At least one must be from the Screenwriting track electives.
 

Credit
Students complete 17 credits per semester.

Course contact hours and recommended credit for all courses are 45 contact hours and 3 semester credits per course unless otherwise indicated.
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Housing

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Program Housing

Housing and Meals

Apartments: Housing with Wi-Fi is included in the study abroad program fee. Students reside in CIEE administrated apartments which are located in buildings where other tenants/citizens live. Students share the apartment with a flat buddy who is a local Charles University student. The flat buddy is responsible for apartment maintenance and also helps with Czech immersion while organizing activities for students. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with apartment mates. CIEE apartments are located in various neighborhoods and require a maximum 35-minute commute to CIEE. Internet is provided.

Special Considerations

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

Cost Information

Cost Information

Partnership program participants will NOT pay ASU tuition for the courses completed abroad.  Instead, participants will pay a Program Fee as a condition of participation. Partnership program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the published Program Fee. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student. Be sure to reference the fall semester cost sheet or spring semester cost sheet for information on program fees and any additional estimated expenses.

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.

 


Financial Aid & Scholarships

Please see Financing Your Study Abroad Program for detailed information about financial aid and scholarships.

Funding

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 or Spring Semester 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

Gallery

 

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Links

Links to Additional Resources

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


Dates & Deadlines
Dates & Deadlines
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall Semester 2021 03/01/2021 ** Rolling Admission 08/31/2021 12/18/2021
NOTE: Dates are subject to change. Do not purchase airfare until dates are confirmed by the Study Abroad Office and/or in any host institution acceptance materials.
Spring Semester 2022 09/25/2021 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
NOTE: Dates are subject to change. Do not purchase airfare until dates are confirmed by the Study Abroad Office and/or in any host institution acceptance materials.

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision tasks prior to the term's application deadline.