Student Life
The buddy program connects the incoming UPCES students with Czech “buddies,” their local friends who will help them get used to a new environment and culture.
For many students, this is the first time not only in Europe but abroad in general, which, while exciting, can also be a stressful and jarring experience. The buddy program offers a great opportunity to meet new friends and discover Prague, the Czech Republic, and Czech culture more naturally. At the same time, a Czech buddy will have a chance to practice English with a native speaker and learn more about life and culture in the USA.
For Czech Buddies
Why apply to a buddy program?
- An amazing opportunity to meet and make new friends from the other side of the world
- A unique chance to practice English with a native speaker of your age and learn more about their life in the USA
- Participating in various student activities and, if possible, joining the student trips as well. (Most of the costs related to student activities and trips are covered by UPCES)
- A great addition to your CV :)
Who can be a buddy?
We are happy to welcome:
- Any Czech undergraduate or master’s students between the ages of 18 - 25
- High school students or recent graduates (must be older than 18)
- Language school students
- Young working professionals
What are the expectations:
! Please note being a buddy is a voluntary opportunity (not a part-time job). You will NOT receive any pay for your time spent with the students!
Czech buddies are expected to participate in at least 1-2 student activities with a time commitment of a few hours during the second week of orientation. For the Fall semester 2023, the second week of orientation is scheduled on Monday - Thursday, 18- 21 September. A detailed itinerary will be provided at the beginning of September.
Your buddy relationship throughout the remainder of the semester is up to you. It depends on your communication with one another and on what you and your buddy agree on. There is no prescribed limit on how many times you should meet and no written rules on what you should do together.
Czech buddies are also welcome to join student activities and trips organized by UPCES throughout the semester (depending on the capacity). Most of the costs of these activities are covered by UPCES.
Registration
If you are interested in the UPCES Buddy Program, fill out the application form, which includes a short survey. Provided answers will help us match you with your counterpart based on similar interests and preferences.
After filling out the application form, you will be contacted by the UPCES staff with more information. The UPCES staff will also regularly update you before and during the semester.
You should be matched with your UPCES buddy at least one week before they arrive in Prague. There is also a chance that you could be matched with more than one buddy, depending on the number of students who sign up.
You can apply anytime throughout the year. For the Fall semester of 2023, please apply before the end of August.
APPLY HERE
FAQ
When will the students arrive in Prague, and how long will they stay?
UPCES students usually attend a one-semester program. The winter semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in the middle of December. Spring semester begins in early February and finishes in the third week of May. In total, the students spend about four months in the Czech Republic.
Do I have to be from Prague to be a buddy?
You do not have to be a Prague native to be a buddy. However, you should reside in Prague throughout the semester.
Do I have to pick up my buddy at the airport?
You will NOT pick up your buddy at the airport after their arrival. This will be done by the UPCES staff only. Please, do not set up any plans in this regard. You can meet with your buddy once they are settled in their apartment.
four months in the Czech Republic.
Do I have to help my buddy to obtain their student card and traveling ticket?
You will NOT be responsible for any administrative or organizational tasks related to your buddy's arrival. This will be done by the UPCES staff ONLY.
What should I do with my buddy?
How you and your buddy spend time is up to you and what you agree on. You can show them hidden gems in Prague, take them to your favorite coffee place, share your top study spot, or venture outside Prague. Are you both into rock climbing? Head out to Czech Switzerland! If you are not from Prague, you can show them your hometown. You can also help them practice Czech! There is no right or wrong.
What level of English proficiency is required?
As a buddy, you will be actively communicating with native speakers of English. You do not have to have native-level English skills or language certificates to become a buddy. However, we recommend having at least a B2 English level and above.
For UPCES Students
Why apply to a buddy program?
- A great opportunity to meet people and make friends outside your cohort
- Get to know Prague, the Czech Republic, and Czech culture from local peers
- Your buddy may introduce you to a specific local community (sports club, religious community, LGBTQIA+, etc.), giving you even more opportunities to meet people outside the classroom.
- There is no better way to practice your Czech skills than with a local buddy!
Who will be my Czech buddy?
Your buddy will either be a student or a young working professional between 18 - 25 years old. We will match you and your buddy according to the answers in your application form, which will help us to connect you with a Czech buddy with similar interests and preferences.
What should I expect?
You will be matched with your Czech buddy at least a week before your arrival.
Your Czech buddy is expected to participate in student activities during the second week of orientation. Additionally, Czech buddies are welcome to join student activities and trips organized by UPCES throughout the semester (depending on the capacity).
Your buddy relationship throughout the remainder of the semester is up to you. It depends on your communication with one another and on what you and your buddy agree on. There is no prescribed limit on how many times you should meet and no written rules on what you should do together.
Registration
If you are interested in the UPCES Buddy Program, fill out an application form, which includes a short survey. Provided answers will help us match you with your counterpart based on similar interests and preferences.
For Fall semester 2023, the deadline for application is Aug 25, 2023
After filling out the application form, you will be contacted by the UPCES staff with more information. You should be matched with your buddy at least one week before you arrive in Prague.
FAQ
Is my buddy going to pick me up at the airport?
Your Czech buddy will NOT pick you up at the airport. This will be done by the UPCES team ONLY. Please do not set up any plans in this regard. You can meet with your buddy once you are settled in your apartment.
Will my buddy speak English?
Yes, your buddy will speak English at the intermediate to advanced level. In some cases, Czech students are eager to become buddies as a way to practice their English.
Housing
UPCES offers pre-approved assigned housing. You will share a spacious apartment with other UPCES students.
Watch the housing video below!
Standard of Apartments
A typical UPCES apartment icludes 3 - 4 bedrooms, a full kitchen with a seating area, a full bathroom, and a half bathroom. All apartments are fully furnished and include internet connection, kitchenware, bedding, towels and household appliances. Each room contains a twin bed, a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, a bureau or a wardrobe and a wastebasket. The apartments are decorated in styles ranging from classic European to modern.
The Housing FAQ
Please read thoroughly, if you still have any questions afterward, contact the Administrative Director Anna Čudová at
When will I receive the housing assignment?
You will receive the application for housing after the official deadline for application for the UPCES study abroad program.
Can I choose my own roommates?
Students are matched with roommates based on their lifestyle preference section you will fill out in the housing application. If possible, we will fulfill the request of living with specific UPCES students.
When can I move into the apartment?
There is a specific day reserved during the first week of orientation for all students to move into their apartments.
UPCES tuition does not include housing costs. The housing cost is paid via credit/debit card or bank transfer directly to your landlord. Housing costs for a full semester can be found on the Estimated Expenses sheet in the tuition section. Prices can vary between housing options, but all approved housing options have comparable locations and amenities.
Sample of lease: Prague Lease Contract
"I loved living independently in Prague with new friends. All of the flats we lived in were in fantastic locations; I shared so many great memories with my flatmates, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience Prague."
-Mimi d'Autremont, UPCES Alumna
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at
UPCES takes every measure to provide our students with quality medical care and attention. We maintain close relationships with physicians that we trust to help our students with their medical needs. We work directly with a number of medical facilities in Prague who have English-speaking staff and specialize in the treatment of international patients. Most of our physicians have practiced medicine in the United States. Also, UPCES tuition provides comprehensive local health insurance for each student's stay in the Czech Republic.
The Safey App
UPCES uses a state-of-the-art system to ensure that all students have a direct line of contact with emergency services and UPCES managers in crisis situations. The SAFEY app, which every students will receive on their phones, uses GPS and communication technology to alert students and staff in real-time about threats to safety worldwide. This allows both students and managers to keep up to date and safe in the case of an emergency.
UPCES Tips For a Safe Semester
Come Prepared
The best way to avoid a medical emergency is to prepare in advance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a copy of your prescription. If you take medication, pack enough for your entire stay. If you have any serious food allergies or restrictions, we recommend bringing a laminated card for your wallet which states this information, so that you can present it in restaurants (our staff will be happy to translate the information into Czech for you.) By considering possible health difficulties in advance, you can save yourself time, stress, and money. UPCES recommends seeing a physician at home to discuss health issues before departure.
Consider Your Mental and Physical Health
Study abroad can be quite physically and mentally challenging for students. Consider your own mental and physical health needs before applying for a study abroad program. If you believe you will face health challenges, take the necessary precautions before your arrival in Prague. The UPCES managers can assist you with any special health needs and will happily advise you on the difficulties you might face.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The most important factor in a safe study abroad experience is the sensible and cautious behavior of UPCES participants. Actions that jeopardize one's own safety and/or the safety of fellow students will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately. It is important that each student is an active participant in his/her own health and safety. Students should consult the UPCES staff to gain further tips on maintaining safety.
Exercise Responsibility
Students are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to their safety, health, political, cultural and religious conditions in Prague. Students are expected to respect their fellow UPCES participants, housing partners, housing providers, UPCES personnel, and local authorities.
Covid-19
The best way to learn about Central Europe is to go out and see it. UPCES arranges 4 trips each semester in the Czech Republic and its neighboring countries.
UPCES trips are designed for students to experience the cultural diversity of the region. Students learn about the history of each city and their contemporary cultures, politics, and economies. All trips include transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, accommodation, cultural activities, and free time.
Weekend Trip to Krakow
Each semester includes a 3-night trip to Krakow, Poland, a major cultural city in Central Europe. This trip introduces students to Central Europe outside of Prague and provides an expanded understanding of the region’s culture and history.
- Walking tours of the historic districts
- Entry to famous city museums, monuments, and/or historic buildings
- Side-trip outside of the city to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau
- Accommodation in the city center
Day Trip to Český Krumlov
UPCES students also visit the picturesque castle town of Český Krumlov. This town, situated on a bend in the Vltava River in Southern Bohemia, is best known for its beautiful Baroque castle, well-preserved historic center, and enchanted atmosphere.
- Guided tour of the city's historic Old Town, including the St. Vitus Church, Palace Gardens, Eggenberg Pivovar, and Castle Bridge
- Visit and tour of the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, the famous Renaissance Rooms and Schwarzenberg Baroque Suite
Day Trip to Litoměřice
Another UPCES day trip is to the Bohemian town of Litoměřice, located in Northwest Czech Republic in the region of the Czech Central Mountains. This is one of the oldest Czech towns, nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region in the country.
- Tour of the city's Old Town and historic areas
- Visit and tour of the Ploskovice Castle
- Lunch in a historic restaurant
- Wine tasting in Velké Žernosek vineyard
Day Trip to Kutná Hora
UPCES often offers a day-trip to Kutná Hora, a former silver-mining town which was at one time among the richest towns in the Czech kingdom. The variety of well-preserved architectural monuments reflect its ancient fame and wealth.
- Guided tour of the city's historic medieval center
- Visit to the unique and beautiful Cathedral of St. Barbara
- Excursion to the famous "Bone Church," a chapel decorated with over 40,000 human bones
Day Trip to Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a historic spa town which lies directly west of Prague. The town hosts the massive Karlovy Vary film festival every year and attracts many celebrities to its famous hotel, the Grandhotel Pupp. It also houses thermal hot springs that many people drink from and bathe in.
- Excursion to the Moser Crystal Factory
- Guided tour of historic Karlovy Vary
- A visit to Becherplatz museum and restaurant
View more pictures on the UPCES Facebook Page
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