Czech Republic | AFS Intercultural Programs

Czech Republic is renowned for its support of writers, artists and the bohemian lifestyle. Outside of the historic and magic capital Prague, you’ll find a countryside full of farms and forests, villages and the highest concentration of perfectly preserved castles in Europe. The beautiful mountain ranges, rivers, vineyards and farmlands, coupled with cities and fairytale villages offer a unique intercultural experience. If you love art, history, diverse and peaceful nature, this country is a perfect place for you!

Czech teenagers love to socialize and enjoy spending their free time outdoors: hiking, cycling and swimming in the summer or skiing in the winter. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to join after-school activities including sports, music, theatre and computer science courses etc.

A photo posted by RestyN17 (@restyn17) on Sep 25, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

People of Czech Republic

Czech people have a big heart, a strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Czechs value direct communication, friendliness and modesty. One of the things you’ll notice in Czech Republic is that people say hello and goodbye to strangers in various situations, such as small shops, lifts or train compartments.

Host Family & Community

You will probably live in a smaller town or a village. Typical Czech families have one or two children and a pet, like a dog or a cat). They are usually close-knit, they like to meet with the extended family over the weekends. Family usually live in an apartment or in a family house, and some spend weekends and holidays in their summer houses. Czech people love and respect nature and spend time in it as often as they can, walking in woods and picking up mushrooms.

A photo posted by AFS Mezikulturní programy (@afscze) on Jun 30, 2015 at 1:07am PDT

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School

You’ll most likely attend a local public high school called a “gymnázium”, which prepares students for University. The school year runs from September through June, from Monday through Friday (approximately 8 am – 3 pm). Typical subjects are Czech language, foreigner language, mathematics, natural sciences etc. You can expect to spend your school day with a “tree class”— a group of students who attend all their classes together. You won’t wear a uniform.

Food

Czech cuisine mostly consists of meat (chicken, pork or beef), cream sauces, dumplings, potatoes and rice. Most popular food is “svíčková omáčka” (beef with cream sauce with mixed vegetables served with dumplings) and “smažený sýr” (fried cheese). Although the Czech country is a paradise for meat eaters, vegetarianism is also widely accepted.

day 8 : breakfast similar to thai breakfast, czechs like to keep their breakfast simple. their bread usually come from their local bakeries. there are various types of bread ranging from sweet to savory and they are often eaten with marmalade, spread or anything left from the fridge. i personally like the pastry with pineapple and ham fillings. #30daysofAFS #AFSeffect ???

A photo posted by 10! (@chayn88) on Aug 31, 2016 at 4:41am PDT

A photo posted by RestyN17 (@restyn17) on Sep 15, 2016 at 12:43am PDT

Language

The official language is Czech. Many people communicate in English or German. Having a basic knowledge of English could help you in the beginning of the program. AFS will provide you with materials to learn the Czech language on your own before going on your exchange and organize the Czech language courses in the first few months.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.

TEEN PROGRAMS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

ADULT PROGRAMS (18 YEARS OR OLDER)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.