TCNJ students have a great opportunity to study in the heart of central Europe at the University of Economics in Prague.  The Central and Eastern European Studies Program combines coursework in business and the social sciences – all taught in English – in a majestic setting. 

As stated on the CESP program website: “Remarkable changes in Central and Eastern Europe have generated considerable interest in economies and cultures of the nations from these territories. Vast potential markets, resources of raw materials and skilled workers may be divided in many ways into different spheres of interest. New areas of prosperity as well as new regions of chronic conflict may appear on the map of this part of the world. Many young people feel that it might be both exciting and useful to understand these processes, know basic facts about the economic systems operating in these countries, be informed about new economic doctrines, managerial practices and moral standards arising here and, last but not least, have some personal experience with the life and social atmosphere of this area.

“The Central and East European Studies Program, taught in English, reviews the past and investigates the present and future of the developing economies, societies, politics, and languages of these countries. Students of the program also have the opportunity to register in several courses designed as a standard part of the University curriculum and taught in English (from fields such as finance, computers, psychology, game theory, etc.). This will improve the students’ general academic background and, simultaneously, make it possible for them to immerse themselves in the community of Czech students at the University of Economics.

“Prague is literally the centre of Europe, has an impressive history (the first university in Prague was founded in 1348) and is said to be a very beautiful city. Living here for one semester or a full academic year will certainly be a significant investment into your personal development. We look forward to seeing you in Prague!”

CESP has a lot of academic information on its website to help you plan your schedule in Prague.  Students will need course information in order to complete the Academic Evaluation Form required for transfer credit.

Costs for the program may be found on our cost sheet.  You may also consult theCESP website for cost information (in Euros).  Students will pay CESP directly for their program expenses. 

Here is a step-by-step guide for TCNJ students applying to the University of Economics:

1.  Download the TCNJ Study Abroad Application Packet and follow the directions on the TCNJ website for applications.

2.  Download the CESP paper application from its website.  Please note that you may use all of the TCNJ application materials for the CESP application as well, but CESP also requires that you provide them with two passport photos, a current resume, and an application fee of 25 euros.  (The application fee may be paid online at the CESP website.)

3.  Please bring all application materials to the Center for Global Engagement, 111 Green Hall, for consideration.

4.  Once we approve you for study abroad, we will send all materials to Prague and you will receive acceptance materials that are necessary to get your student visas.

Once accepted by CESP, students will need to obtain a Czech visa in their passports in order to study abroad in the Czech Republic.   This is a lengthy process that the student must initiate and complete him/herself!  The Center for Global Engagement is here to help.  Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Czech visa:

1.  Students studying for a semester will need to complete this application form for the visa.

2.  The CESP has outlined your requirement on its Visa page.  These instructions are up-to-date and correct.  Please follow them.  Included in this list is a requirement for Czech insurance – you must purchase insurance from a Czech insurance company.  CESP maintains a list of insurance providers in the Czech Republic, and most of our students have chosen the first option, which they may purchase online.

3.  When you have completed all of the requirements listed on the CESP visa page, including a police report, a bank statement, proof of Czech insurance, a passport, two passport-sized photos, and the paperwork provided by CESP, take all of these materials to the Czech Consulate in New York at least sixty days in advance and apply for the visa in person.

The Czech consulate in New York has been very slow in processing visa applications – often taking more than two months to complete the job.  Your passport never leaves New York City, though – we have found it effective, after sixty days have passed, to have students go in person to the Czech consulate on E 73rd St. to inquire about the status of their applications.  That said, please start your application process EARLY so that you do not need to beg to get the visa stamped in your passport!!

Questions?  Please contact the Center for Global Engagement!