p17tb85kpn4am1jcl1n5h13maat24.pdf

education
Prague’s most recognizable and notable bastion of academia is Charles
University. Established in 1348 by the Bohemian king Karel IV, it’s
the oldest university in Central Europe. The traditions of its original
faculties—theology, law, medicine, and art—have remained strong and
the university offers degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD)
in all of these fields in English. Charles University has also partnered
with a number of schools around the globe in an effort to establish
academic exchanges and partnerships, the EU-sponsored student
exchange program Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme
for the Mobility of University Students) among them. You needn’t be a
co-ed, however, to spend time among the hallowed halls of Charles U.
All of its faculties offer a variety of non-degree courses and seminars
in foreign languages (English, German, French, Czech) and the school
organizes summer programs in a number of areas.
deGReeS FoR eXpAtS
Looking to expand your marketability? It’s possible to begin a course
of study in Prague; although business and economics degrees have
traditionally been more commonplace than degree opportunities
in the arts and humanities, times are changing. Employees with
information-technology (IT) training are highly sought after in the new
global Czech capital and this is reflected in the increasing availability
of computer-related classes in Prague. Colleges that offer degree
courses taught in English include Anglo-American University, which
opened its doors in 1990 and awards BAs in business administration,
humanities, international relations, journalism, and law.
The University of New York Prague (est. 1998) has a broad range
of undergraduate degrees available and recently added psychology
and English language and literature to its course list. Prague College
brings a mix of undergraduate degrees and continuing education
programs to the city’s adult education scene. Plus, it’s one of the few
English-language-friendly institutions in town with an art-and-design
division. The school of business awards a Bachelor’s degree in
international business management as well as diplomas in business,
marketing and public relations, IT and computing, and graphic design.
All three schools host regular events, lectures, and readings that are
free to the public and frequent open houses for prospective students.
Tuition and fees vary widely by college and program, though EU
citizens applying to schools based in Europe typically pay less. Some
schools go by a British crediting system (one course may equal
two units as per the European Credit Transfer System), while others
bestow credits the American way (three per course).
mbA deGReeS
Prague has a wealth of MBA programs. Although the core content
of all MBA degrees is comparable, there are significant differences
between the duration and emphasis of the programs in the US
and in Europe. Whereas the US MBA program typically lasts two
years, the average European program lasts 10–16 months. Shorter
courses were specifically designed for today’s executives, who are
unable to take two years away from their jobs. Many of the Praguebased
schools have part-time or weekend courses geared toward
the working professional. American degrees are usually heavier on
theory and academics, while European MBAs are oriented more
towards practical experience, are more hands-on, and provide unique
international experience. The quality of an MBA program in Prague
is best evaluated by the school’s accreditation from respected
associations. The oldest and most respected institution that provides
accreditation is the “Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business” (AACSB) or “European Council for Business Education
(ECBE). Many of Prague’s business schools have partnership
agreements with universities in Britain or the States who issue MBA
degrees. The University of North Virginia Prague and University
of Pittsburgh are two of them. Accredited business schools with
102 | expats.cz survival guide www.expats.cz