Student FAQs

Most AEP students earn 16 US academic credits per semester. Most AEP courses are worth 3 US credits. The main exception is the Elementary Czech Language course, which accounts for 4 credits, and some independent studies may earn students varying numbers of credits. AEP students enroll in 5 courses per semester.

AEP courses must be taken for a grade. 

Elementary Czech is mandatory. Students who have already studied Czech language have options open to them. First, they are welcome to enroll in the AEP Elementary Czech course if they feel their Czech is still at a beginner level. Second, AEP may offer more advanced language courses in the form of independent studies for those students with more background in the language. 

This question is handled on a case-by-case basis. However, AEP recognizes that many universities do not authorize their financial aid packages until the semester begins, so AEP is certainly willing to work with students on this matter. Please contact the AEP Director for further details.

The Czech Republic requires that your passport be valid at least THREE months beyond the dates of your trip. U.S. citizens will find all they need to know about obtaining passports at the U.S. State Department website. Passports issued after the holder's 16th birthday are valid for 10 years. Please make sure your passport will be valid for three months beyond the duration of your stay abroad.

The Czech Government requires non-EU students to acquire a student visa for all stays in the Czech Republic over 90 days. Since the AEP program exceeds 90 days and is a study program, a visa is required.

The AEP staff will assist students in the visa process as much as possible. However, each student is responsible for applying for his/her own visa in a timely manner.

Absolutely! If you are a U.S. citizen, you can travel in Europe for an additional 90 days, before or after the program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact the AEP staff for details about your travel eligibility.

All students participating in AEP must have medical insurance that covers them while abroad in case of accident or illness. AEP provides all students with local health insurance (a requirement of the visa). This does not, however, replace health insurance coverage by the student's university or parents. If you would like to provide additional coverage, please check with your insurance provider to see if they offer overseas coverage. You can also purchase additional travel insurance for flight costs, lost baggage, travel delays, and more.

Students are certainly welcome to arrive in Prague early. Should a student wish to come to Prague early, they are welcome to contact anyone from AEP for advice about accommodations in Prague. It is the student's responsibility to make any reservations. Students should also be aware of visa considerations and contact AEP early to discuss their early arrival.

There are many ways to access money in a foreign country that are safe and easy. AEP recommends bringing a debit ATM card with global access. Be sure to check with your bank to let them know you'll be abroad so that they can lift any international blocks. Also be sure to find out and adjust your daily or weekly withdrawal limit. This method is preferable to currency exchange because it guarantees a fair exchange rate. In addition, some banks offer to cover ATM surcharges. ATMs are located all across Prague and offer an easy, efficient, and safe means of accessing funds.

Yes. Most laptops’ power adapters are made to work on both voltage cycles. Look at your power adapter to see if it says 110-240 Volts. If so, this means the laptop will work just fine without a converter.  But don’t forget a plug adapter, as the plugs are shaped differently here.

Prague has one of the most reliable and efficient public transport systems in Europe. Its network of metros, trams, and buses allows one to easily get around the entire city without a car or taxi. All AEP students are provided with a complete transport pass during their stay.

Prague has a relatively affordable cost-of-living. Students find that entertainment, food, drink, and living accommodations are more affordable in Prague than in the United States and Canada. On the other hand, such things as electronics and clothing are often more expensive in Prague. For a full cost-of-living comparison to your nearest U.S. city, use this very handy website.

For more details on expenses, view the Estimated Expenses Sheet

It's certainly possible to get most items in Prague, but AEP recommends bringing the following items from home, if possible:

• Passport
• Photocopies of all important documents
• Credit/debit card (please do not bring personal checks as they are not accepted in the EU)
• Prescription medicine (make sure to bring enough for your whole stay if possible, because it is forbidden to ship any medication from USA to EU. If you can't bring all your medication with you please contact AEP staff as early as possible to discuss alternative solutions)
• Doctor's note or prescription if bringing any medical items (e.g. epi-pen, glucose meter, etc.)
• Laminated wallet-card stating any medical/food allergies/restrictions with Czech translation
• Address list of important contacts back home 
• Plug adapters for all electronics, power bank
• Particular hygienic brands of deodorant, shampoo, sunscreen, saline solution for contact lenses, etc. You can find a wide variety of personal care products to suit many preferences in Prague, but you may not be able to find certain brands. If you have a strong preference in certain personal products, bring enough to last the duration of the semester. 
• Small luggage lock for securing items while traveling

AEP students may have mail sent to them in care of AEP at CERGE-EI. Mail should be addressed to:

Katerina Saidlova
attn: (student’s name)
CERGE-EI
Politických vězňů 7
110 00 Prague 1
Czech Republic

It's much more convenient and cost-effective to pack lightly and bring all your luggage on your international flight to Prague. If it's necessary to ship additional luggage, there are several options, such as Luggage Forward. Certain items may be delayed in Czech Republic Customs. Please contact the AEP staff to arrange the appropriate time and date for the arrival of your luggage at the AEP office.