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- University of Economics, Prague (VSE)
University of Economics, Prague (VSE)
| Area: | International Business Exchange |
| Location: | Prague |
| Country: | Czech Republic |
| Term: | Spring |
| Website: | VSE Exchange Program |
The UofSC exchange program at the University of Economics, Prague is designed to expose students to Czech life and culture and international business practices. Founded in 1919, VSE was elected the 1st Business School in the Eastern European Zone in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. It is the largest Czech higher education institution in the field of Economics and Management with about 20,000 students total and approximately 400 international students.
Exchange students will study in one of the three university campuses which are near the city center. Zizkov, the main campus, is the closest to the center of Prague and consists of three buildings connected together. These buildings house classrooms, computer labs, two auditoriums, a library, study rooms, administrative offices, two gyms, a café, a canteen, and the International Studies Centre.
Category: 1, no foreign language proficiency requirement, all courses taught in English
Cost: UofSC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: junior standing; International Business major
The cost of living in the Czech Republic is substantially lower than in Western Europe. Students pay in-state tuition and fees to UofSC and housing fees to VSE. Prices for accommodation vary based on room selection. Students can expect to pay somewhere between 35,000 to 55,000 CZK in total for the semester. In addition, students should budget about 8,000 CZK per month for living expenses outside of housing costs. Entertainment costs will vary by student.
Students typically earn 30 ECTS credits per semester (4-6 courses), considered to be the regular workload for an exchange student. Most students take more than 5 courses, as many courses are worth 3 ECTS (1.5 US credits). To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
The Erasmus Student Network is a student organization that supports exchange students and organizes sport and cultural events for all international students. Exchange students at VSE may choose to be assigned to a Czech Buddy (a Czech student who will help the international student in practical matters, pick him/her up upon arrival, etc.).
Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
Additionally, prior to travel or within the first 90 days of their stay, students will need to purchase comprehensive health insurance from the state health insurance company Pojišt'ovna VZP.
Exchange students can apply for one of three on-campus dormitories at VSE. Rooms are double occupancy. Students may also choose to rent a flat in Prague, although this option is more expensive. VSE guarantees on-campus housing for students that apply by the deadline and pay the deposit. They are not able to provide assistance in finding off-campus housing.
In the spring, students arrive early February and take their exams between May and June. USC IB students will attend VSE during the spring semester of their junior year.
VSE holds a mandatory orientation week for all incoming exchange students which is held the week before classes start each semester The orientation includes course registration, an introduction lecture, guided tour through the university campus, an opening reception, and other activities and trips.
Students who attend VSE for a semester are required to have the long-term residence visa or a long-term residence permit before arriving in the Czech Republic. Students may have to travel to a particular embassy to obtain the visa. SC residents will use the DC Embassy. Out-of-state students should consult the embassy for their jurisdiction.