Planning for your study abroad experience in Prague next year just got easier. We sat down with some of our Prague experts here at the home office - Site Specialists Erin Scott and Danielle Barr - to talk about some of the most commonly asked student questions regarding preparation and planning for study abroad in the Czech Republic.
Put your mind at ease as you read over the following student questions and answers - you're probably more prepared than you thought!
Q: Do I need to have a student visa for my CEA study abroad program in Prague?
A: If your program lasts longer than 90 days (this applies to all semester and year-long student programs), then you will need a student visa in order to study abroad in Prague. If you are studying abroad with CEA in a program less than 90 days long - this applies to most of our summer programs - then a visa is not required.
Q: Do I have to have my passport before I can apply for my student visa?
A: Yes, this is very important. You must have a passport in order to apply for/receive your student visa. Check your MyCEA account to make sure that the first and last name that you've included here matches your passport name exactly. CEA issues visa documents according to the name in your account, and it must match your passport for the consulate to accept these documents.
Q: Do I have to apply in person at the consulate?
A: While you can apply for your visa in person at the consulate, you are not required to do so. The consulate will accept student visa applications through the mail. You can find more details on your consulate's website.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for a Prague student visa?
A: Your student visa is free of charge. CEA will provide you with the documents needed to prove that the university you are attending in Prague is accredited. Don't send money!
Q: I'm worried about the language in Prague. Do I have to speak Czech in order to get by studying abroad?
A: If you have little to no experience with the Czech language, this is not a problem at all! As a study abroad student in Prague, you'll find that many people living in the city speak English. This in turn, will help you to communicate your way around, and also will give you ample opportunity to practice and learn the Czech language.
Q: I'm on a tight budget and nervous about program costs. What can I do to make my study abroad experience in Prague more affordable?
A: Compared to other destinations, our programs in Prague are cheaper - giving you a bit more leeway in your spending. If you're really concerned about paying for your study abroad, you also have several additional options to consider including CEA study abroad scholarships, payment plans and financial aid among others.
These questions are just a starting point. Use this information to make a list of your own questions and give us a call to talk more about studying abroad in Prague - 1-800-266-4441.