Global Connections, Real Impact

Brno is one of Central Europe's leading innovation cities. 

Renowned for excellence in electron microscopy, aerospace, cybersecurity, game development, and advanced research, the city also offers exceptional opportunities in law, public policy, nonprofit organizations, sustainability initiatives, and civic engagement. 

Home to a vibrant international community and a strategic location in the heart of Europe, Brno provides international students with an outstanding environment to live, learn, and gain meaningful professional experience.

Motivations

CzechMates is designed to produce meaningful and measurable outcomes for students across all program lengths: from a four-week Maymester experience to a full academic year. Regardless of how long they stay, students develop intercultural, personal, and professional competencies that complement their academic studies.

Each CzechMates program challenges students to grow both personally and professionally. Through academics, internships, and cultural experiences, students strengthen their critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and cross-cultural skills. 

Students also develop greater independence, curiosity, global awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world around them, while building practical skills connected to their fields of study.

Outcomes

A sense of self-direction and independent thinking

An ability to manage uncomfortable challenges in daily life 

An inclination to critically reflect  on their own perspectives and life goals

The development of their general life skills and professional acumen

An appreciation and understanding  of the diversity of cultures and ways of being in the world

A set of manifested deliverables and professional skillsets  (related to their internship)

Program options

Students can choose to study with CzechMates through 5 options, ranging from 4 weeks to the academic year. Each opportunity has its own benefits:

4 week Maymester course
An immersive introduction to globalization, with Central Europe as the backdrop for academic exploration, cultural experiences, and travel across the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Austria.
9 Week Summer Program
Gain hands-on work experience and career-ready skills through a personalized English-language internship, supported by an academic seminar.
11 Week Globalization Course + Internship
Combine the Maymester course and summer internship for a complete academic, cultural, and professional experience.
Semester Program
Combine 3–4 university courses with a 15-hour-per-week internship, staying on track academically while gaining meaningful international work experience.
Year-Long Program
Our most comprehensive experience, combining university study with 8–9 months of professional experience and deeper integration into your host organization and local community.

The design of our program options is meant to foster student engagement with their learning and experiences in the foreign context both directly (through coursework) and implicitly (through mentoring and emotional support).

Masaryk University - our partner

CzechMates is proud to partner alongside Masaryk University (MU), the second largest university in the Czech Republic, ranked among the top universities in the region, and positioned within the top 400 in the QS international rankings, as well as the top Czech University in the THE Sustainability Impact Report. 

MU offers 10 faculties within which students can register for classes. With over 1000 exchange students annually, and over 50+ degree granting  programs in English, students are able to choose from 100s of English language courses. 

The Center for International Cooperation (CZS) supports semester and summer students prior to their arrival, during their stay, and after students leave. The dedicated team assists students with visas, accommodation, and registration, as well as in cases of emergencies through their 24/7 support number. 

Together with CZS, it is our goal to provide students the information they need to be safe and successful, both academically and personally, while operating as a support if needed.

Czechmates in numbers

300+
students
60+
internship sites
40+
majors represented
10
years in operation

FAQ

  • How does CzechMates and Masaryk University divide responsibilities?

    CzechMates is predominately responsible for the internship, and in the case of the summer, the global perspectives course academics. 

    Students enrolled in our programs are provided the same support of all other international summer or semester students at Masaryk University. 

    Summer

    • CzechMates
      • Academic content (maymester and internship seminar)
      • Internship placement and mentoring
    • Masaryk University
      • Visa support (if required)
      • Accommodation
      • Social activities
      • Organized trips
      • Transcript issuance 

    Semester/Year

    • CzechMates
      • Internship seminar
      • Internship placement and mentoring
    • Masaryk University
      • Visa support
      • Accommodation
      • Academics outside of Internship seminar
      • Transcript issuance

  • How do you support students with physical or learning disabilities?

    The Teiresias Centre (the official name is the Support Centre for Students with Special Needs) at Masaryk University supports students with physical (including mobility, visual, hearing), learning and psychological needs. Our team, together with CZS and the Teiresias center is happy to work with students and ask that they contact us early to ensure proper planning and execution to address their needs. Depending on the level of need, in ideal cases we are able to meet with students a year up front to arrange the proper support.

  • What kind of support do you provide students in addition to the internship supervisor?

    Throughout the internship, CzechMates provides academic mentorship and ongoing support. We help students navigate the challenges of working abroad while staying connected with our organizational partners to ensure expectations and goals are being met.