For all enquiries please contact the Exchange Office at exchange@otago.ac.nz.
Last updated April, 2023
Academic Information
Course information
Courses in English:
Czech Language Courses
Most faculties offer a number of Czech language classes at various levels, from Beginners to Intermediate and students are welcome to register for these. However, because the classes are not part of the standard curriculum, they are not financed by the Czech Ministry of Education. Some faculties therefore can make a small charge to cover their costs.
Semester Dates
- Academic Year: September – July
- Winter Semester: September – February
- Summer Semester: February – July
Charles University Academic Calendar
Course Load and Minimum Unit Requirements
- Minimum course load: 30 ECTS
- Maximum course load: 40 ECTS
Accommodation and the Cost of Living
Accommodation
Please note that exchange students need to have an accommodation agreement to apply for the visa.
Accommodation of exchange students in student dormitories is arranged by the receiving faculties. Most exchange students are accommodated at the Větrník, Hvězda or Kajetánka dormitories.
Additional Information
Student Visa and Insurance
Information on Student Visas and Insurance for students going on exchange can be found elsewhere on this website.
Exchange Experiences
The University, City and Region
The University
Charles University, the oldest in Central Europe, was founded in 1348 by the emperor Charles IV. It was open to all nationalities with instruction in Latin. The only remaining original building in the gothic style is known as the Karolinum. The rest of the campus occupies distinct buildings in the old town, in the heart of the city.
The original four faculties have multiplied into sixteen: The faculties of philosophy and arts, law, social sciences and journalism, natural sciences, pedagogy, mathematics and physics, sports, pharmacology, general medicine, catholic theology, protestant and hussite theology.
The student population is diverse and active. Charles University is now an autonomous institution of higher learning, observing the principles of academic freedoms as declared in the Magna Carta of European Universities.
The City of Prague and Region
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is the cultural and intellectual centre of the country. Situated on the river Vltava, it has long enjoyed fame as an imposing and beautiful city, being called "golden," "royal," "the town of towns," and "the crown of the world."
Prague has grown up over many centuries from a small Slavonic settlement into a magnificent city where all architectural styles and period changes are reflected in its stone face. Unique romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque and neo-classical buildings and complete town quarters have remained undisturbed by modern constructions. As a cultural centre Prague boasts numerous galleries and theatres. While retaining its unique atmosphere, Prague is becoming a busy international metropolis, and you can watch the city changing from day to day.
Almost three million tourists visit Prague every year. The historical centre with a unique panorama of the Prague Castle is an urban conservation area of UNESCO.
Further Information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange please email exchange@otago.ac.nz