Semester experience
Get the most out of your semester abroad by combining studying and interning in one.
The CzechMates Semester Program (Spring/Fall) runs from the middle of September until the latter part of December and again, from the middle of February until the latter part of May.
Students simultaneously study in 3-4 courses while interning approximately 15 hours a week.
During my semester abroad I balanced classes and an internship, along with leisure travel in my free time.
Growth
Live abroad for a semester and gain a deeper understanding of the world, yourself, and new perspectives.
Academics
Broaden your academic experience by studying at a leading Czech university and learning from a new perspective.
Experience
Gain hands-on experience in an internship related to your field while learning to work across cultures and borders.
Skills
Strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and other skills valued by future employers, and return home with an experience that sets you apart.
Travel
Make Brno your home base while exploring Central Europe, with Kraków, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Munich, and more just a trip away.
Courses
Courses at Masaryk University are often 1x per week or 1 every other week allowing for flexibility in your schedule to fit in your internship and student life. Students should expect independent work regarding classes.
Global Perspectives: Media, Communications and Culture
This course provides an in-depth overview of contemporary topics, connecting students’ perspectives to a broader understanding of global processes as they link to local, regional, national, and international concerns with students from around the world. The course is worth 6 ECTS (standard 3 US credits).
Applied Internships
Applied Internships (approx. 15 hours/week (200 hours across the semester), supplemented by a weekly seminar meeting. The course is worth 8 ECTS (standard 4 US credits).
Other courses
Masaryk University requires students to enroll in min. 20 ECTS (standard 10 US credits), however most US universities require min. 24 ECTS.
CzechMates students are automatically enrolled in 2 courses equalling 14 ECTS, and students choose 1-2 more courses (which must be approved by their home university) to fulfill their semester.
For the full offer, and information how to search for classes please visit the Masaryk University website.
Language
Czech Language (recommended). A practical course focused on providing students the language basics for daily engagements in Czech society. The cost for the course is included in your CzechMates tuition - more information can be found here.
Internships
Students spend 200 hours working at their internship site. At the start of the internship, students outline projects and outcomes together with their supervisor ensuring an opportunity to create a meaningful addition to the organization.
Our team meets with each student during the application process to discuss their goals and determine the best internship opportunity for them.
Internship seminar
A mandatory seminar linked to the internship enables students to constructively reflect upon and articulate a heightened understanding of their evolving professional development and career placement strategies.
Student life
Housing
Students stay in one of the dormitories provided by Masaryk University. Students are provided more information about selecting the dormitory approximately 2 months prior to the start of the semester.
Students pay directly through their Masaryk University student account for the accommodation. For more information, please visit our [costs website] and the Masaryk University Housing page.
Meals
Most students do a combination of cooking for themselves, eating at the university canteens and at restaurants.
Student clubs
Students are encouraged to join ESN (Erasmus Student Network). This organization's role is to help students make the most of their semester - from arranging participation in cultural and sporting events, to coordinating parties as well as day and weekend trips.
Brno and the surrounding area
Brno is a student city (25% of the population) with festivals happening throughout the year. From Christmas markets, to folklore festivals, to the student music festival - there is always something happening throughout the city.
With public transportation you can easily visit other Czech cities and cultural sites - or you can hop on a bus or train to Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, Graz, Prague - all within 4.5 hours from Brno.
What students say
My time there was filled with different tasks, going from translation of websites, starting up their social media presence on Instagram, and creating presentations to speak about. I also learned interpersonal skills of working in an intercultural environment, along with people from different backgrounds.
Your Guide to Getting There
How to apply
A more detailed timeline about the process prior to arrival can be found on our How to apply page.