Charles University Direct Exchange in Prague

Background

Charles University founded in 1348 is one of the oldest universities in the world and nowadays belongs to the most eminent educational and scientific establishments in the Czech Republic which are recognized in both the European and global context. It is an outstanding cultural institution due to its scientific and pedagogical results and its unique historical tradition. Charles University now contains 17 faculties (14 in Prague, two in Hradec Králové, and one in Plzeň), three collegiate institutes, six additional establishments for educational, scientific, research and developmental activities and other creative activities and for information service, five university-wide facilities and the vice-chancellor´s/ rector´s office as an executive establishment for Charles University management. Over 42,400 students study at Charles University (approximately one fifth of all the students in the Czech Republic) in more than 270 accredited academic programs with 600 departments.

Academic Overview

Participants of the Charles University exchange enroll full-time as "exchange students" at the university (as opposed to degree-seeking students). As exchange students, participants take regular university classes and enjoy the same privileges and support services as degree-seeking students. These benefits include access to university library and computing facilities, university housing, counseling services, sporting clubs, student organizations, and special events. The only exception to this standard is Student Financial Aid, which will continue to be administered by the University of Washington. The language of instruction for regular university courses is Czech but UW students can take Czech language courses designed for foreigners as part of the exchange. Specialized courses offered in English are not part of the exchange agreement and charge an extra tuition fee.

Dates of Instruction

Charles University's academic year is divided into two semesters: Semester 1 courses generally begin in early October and final exams end in early February; Semester 2 courses begin in mid-February with final exams in late June.

Housing

Students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing in Prague but are encouraged to apply for accommodations through the International Students Office at Charles University. The university operates several residence halls for students. The office also provides resources and guidance for students who wish to arrange private accommodations.

Cost

University of Washington's direct exchanges operate on a home-tuition basis whereby students pay regular UW tuition and fees to the UW and no tuition or fees to the host university overseas. Students who study abroad for one semester pay 1.5 quarters of UW tuition; students who study for the full year pay three quarters of UW tuition. Housing, living, travel and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the student. In addition, students are required to pay a UW IPE fee of $300 per semester or $600 per year.

Additional Charles University fees will apply for students who wish to take specialized courses taught in English.

Concurrent Enrollment

Courses and Credits

The University of Washington has an exchange agreement with Charles University. The agreement specifies that the UW will recognize the credit of the partner institution overseas. Although credit is guaranteed, the type of UW credit awarded is not determined until after the exchange year has ended and the appropriate UW department has evaluated the coursework completed abroad. For this reason, it is advisable that students communicate with their regular UW academic advisers before and during the exchange period to determine the courses best suited for credit in their degree programs.

All grades for courses completed abroad must be reported on the host university’s transcript and the student’s UW transcript, regardless of the final mark or need for credit. In general, students earn the equivalent of 36-45 UW credits per year for coursework completed in Turkey.

Terms and Eligibility

UW students can study at Charles University for one semester or an academic year. To qualify, you must also:

• Be enrolled as a regular, degree-seeking UW student;
• Have Junior standing or above by the exchange's beginning;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Be flexible, independent and willing to conform to cultural customs that differ significantly from those of the US.

Health Screening

Since study abroad often means that students live with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in their home country, you will be required to have a health screening and to submit a Health Screening Form with your Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Application Instructions

By the appropriate deadline, please submit your complete application to the IPE office with all of the following:

Application Deadlines

References