Czech Heritage

About

If you decide to give this summer school a try, you're in for three weeks of not just learning the local language in a practical yet playful way, but also exploring what it truly means to have a multilingual mind and how to juggle multiple languages at once.

But the experience goes far beyond just language learning. You'll get into genealogy and build your own family tree, uncover key moments in Czechia’s rich history, art, music, and literature, and explore the geography of this picturesque country – not just in the classroom, but firsthand through exciting field trips.

And it's not just about what you'll learn, but where. You'll be studying at the second oldest university in the Czech Republic, named after the first Czechoslovak president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. (Not sure about the difference between Czech and Czechoslovak? Don’t worry, the history lessons will clear that up for you.)

And after class? You’ll have plenty of time to explore Brno, the best student city in the country, through optional trips and social activities that will help you soak up the local vibe.

If you have roots in Czechia, weave them into your personal story. And if not, come create a new one that begins here.

Applicants may be eligible for a 50% scholarship (go see "Fee info" section for more information).

Target group

Wondering if you and this summer school is a match? Let’s see:

● Have Czech roots, no matter how distant? This is your chance to reconnect.

● Partner, friend, or family member of someone with Czech heritage? Come along for the ride.

● No ties to Czechia at all? You're still totally welcome – just bring your curiosity.

● No need to speak Czech at all, we welcome all levels.

● Ideal if you want to explore a small country in the heart of Europe, understand its place in the bigger picture, and find your own niche in the story

Course aim

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

● Name some of the big moments (and big names) in Czech and Czechoslovak history

● Talk about where to go in Czechia – and why it’s worth the trip

● Spot what makes Czech culture unique: from old-school traditions to music, movies, art, and books

● Get why heritage languages matter – and how they keep identity alive

● Understand how the Czech registry office works (yep, even the paperwork part)

● Handle a basic convo in Czech – and maybe even drop a local joke or two

At the end of the course, you’ll give a short final presentation – but don’t worry, you get to pick the topic. Whether you’re into hiking trails across Czechia, medieval drama from the days of Charles IV, or iconic Czech films from the ’90s, this is your chance to find your niche.

Fee info

The full program costs €2000, but if you’re coming from one of our partner universities, you get €100 off (because we like friends of friends). What’s included? Pretty much everything you’ll need: ● Transport for all the weekend adventures ● Accommodation in Brno and on the road ● Breakfast to start your days right ● Tuition and all course materials ● Public transport around Brno (yes, trams!) ● Academic field trips ● Welcome and farewell receptions ● Cultural activities all over Brno Plan for an additional €400–1000, depending on how fancy (or frugal) you like to be. This will cover your meals in Brno (lunches, dinners – breakfast’s on us!), food during weekend trips, and any fun “optional” activities you decide to join – because let’s be honest, you probably will. Have roots in Czechia? Then you might be eligible for a 50% tuition scholarship. To apply, just mention it in your cover letter and include a few things: ● A short note on why you’re interested in the scholarship ● Your connection to Czechia ● Some proof of your roots or ties to a Czech community abroad A reference contact from a Czech organization outside the country (like American Sokol Washington, the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, União Cultural Tcheco Brasileira, etc.)