CIEE Prague: Film Studies
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Prague is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Europe. Since the 9th century, when it became the capital of Bohemia, Prague has passed through several distinct transformations which have inscribed it with its unique character. The original Romanesque city core was expanded considerably in Gothic style, especially during the reign of Charles IV who also established the University of Prague in 1348. The Counter Reformation of the seventeenth century and eighteenth century added a thick Baroque layer to the physiognomy of the city. Because of its innumerable characteristic steeples, Prague is called the city of a thousand spires. 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 make use of numerous neighborhoods in the city like native Praguers.
- Visa:
Required. Non-US citizens should consult with CIEE and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payment to the program. Students pay housing costs directly to CIEE.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Production Track
-Overall GPA of 3.0 in art-related major (preferably film)
-Demonstrated (formal or informal) experience with directing and use of digital/video camera
-Students must submit sample in DVD/VHS converted format and a vimeo/youtube link in a portfolio of recent work (maximum length 15’ per sample), and 1–2 story boards/treatments for a short film to be shot in Prague
-Recommendation letters must be from major department professors
Screenwriting Track
-Overall GPA of 3.0 in art-related major and minimum of 2 courses in screenwriting or creative writing
-Students must submit an original screenplay and proposals for two additional screenplays
-Recommendation letters must be from major department professors
Academic Credit
Students are expected to take 17 semester credit hours per semester to receive 5 Haverford credits. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
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 to four regular FAMU courses worth up to 6 credits.
Screenwriting Track: All students enroll in Intensive Beginning Czech Language, Feature Screenwriting, and Script Analysis. In addition, students choose two to four regular FAMU courses worth up to 6 credits.
Curriculum
Students choose to participate either in the Screenwriting track or the Production track and take two required courses accordingly. For their remaining electives, they may choose courses in Film and Cinema. Students may take courses at Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU).
Students are expected to take a minimum of two courses at CU or FAMU. All students are required to enroll in an appropriate level Czech language course.
Course Highlights
Screenwriting, Production, Film, Cinema
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Students participate in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation before departure. A mandatory three-week orientation session, which includes an intensive language program, is conducted in Prague at the beginning of the program and will introduce students to the academic program, country, culture, extra-curricular options, and program faculty as well as provide practical information about living in the Czech Republic. Students receive ongoing orientation on aspects of Czech culture through the elective course and individual appointments with the resident director.
Number of Students
About 15-20 students attend the Film Studies program each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
CIEE-Administered Apartments: Students reside in CIEE administrated apartments which are located in the buildings where other tenants/citizens live. Students are sharing the apartment with a flat buddy who is a local Charles University student. The flat buddy is responsible for an apartment maintenance and also helps with Czech immersion while organizing activities for students. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with apartment mates.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Gain Travel Grant – The CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant helps cover airfare to and from CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. Pell-eligible students are guaranteed a GAIN Grant if they submit their CIEE scholarships application by October 15 for spring programs, or by April 1 for fall programs. GAIN Grants are available on a first-come first-served basis to students with a wider range of need. Students can be awarded $750-$2,000 toward airfare. The award amount depends on CIEE program location.
Additional Resources
Options
- Semester
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Late August to late December
- Semester II: Mid-January to mid May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: September 5