CZECH REPUBLIC
Owensboro Sister Cities Summer Study Program

This course provides an introduction to the comparative study of political institutions, policy-making processes, citizen participation, and political outcomes in Eastern and Western European states.

Anticipated Learning Outcomes:

The course is divided into specific daily concerns, each focusing upon assigned reading and particular field trips.

Eligibility:

The Program Leaders may determine other eligibility requirements, but at a minimum, all applicants need to meet these requirements:

• Students must complete an application to Owensboro Sister Cities/Regions and be accepted into the program to take this course
• Permission of instructor(s)
• Current WKU student eligible to register for WKU courses
• 18 years of age or older at time of departure (Parental/legal guardian expressed consent required for those under 18 at time of departure)
• Eligible to obtain a visa for destination(s) and through all transit points (if needed) as determined by US DOS and host country
• Possess passport valid for at least six (6) months after return date
• No current disciplinary sanctions as verified by Judicial Affairs
• Full payment (or signed payment agreement) prior to departure
• Completion of all pre-departure orientation

Program Design 

• This program is part of Owensboro Sister Cities Summer Study Program. Students are able to earn academic credit through WKU and/or Owensboro Community College.
• Owensboro Sister Cities: http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu/sistercities/index.htm
• This course combines traditional elements of instruction with the advantage of experiential learning in Europe. Students will be able to witness first-hand the transformation of Eastern European states from communism and authoritarianism to capitalist and democratic states and the processes of European integration within the European Union. Students will travel in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, visiting sites of significant historical and political interest, such as Wenceslas Square in Prague, scene of the Prague Spring, collapse of Czech communism and opposition to the World Trade Organization.
• The course will be taught by lecture and discussions, supplemented by guest speakers and visits to important cultural sites throughout the students’ stay in Europe. Students will address such issues as the transition to democracy and capitalism, EU and NATO expansion, ethnic and religious cleavages as well as examining the structure and processes of European political systems. The purpose of the course it twofold, to provide detailed knowledge of the politics of Europe and to engage students in a critical analysis of the challenges, issues and goals of European states (which in turn will provide insight in to the operation of our own political system

Logistical Considerations

• Program will involve walking so participants should wear proper shoes that are comfortable for walking and cover their feet.
• Adequate physical condition is needed to access the sites.

Program Package

• This course is offered in conjunction to the Owensboro Sister Cities Summer Program.
• The cost listed here includes your WKU Health Insurance and covers your WKU 3-credit hour Study Abroad tuition for this course only.
• Other courses and program logistics (i.e. round-trip airfare from Nashville, accommodations, meals, all group excursions) will be arranged directly through Sister Cities. Contact Pam Wilson at 270-686-4642 [e-mail: pam.wilson@kctcs.edu ] or Dr. Roger Murphy at 270-745-2890 [e-mail: roger.murphy@wku.edu ] for more details.
• Not included in program fee: transportation from home to Nashville airport /return from Nashville to your home, and personal spending money.
• Final program fee subject to change due to travel arrangements. 

Key Dates

Right Now	Start your application
May 15	Fly from Nashville to Prague and bus to Olomouc, Czech Republic
May 19	May 19 Weekend in Vienna, Austria
June 1	Weekend in Krakow, Poland include Auschwitz-Birkenau
June 8	Day in Bratislava, Slovakia Weekend in Budapest, Hungary
June 16-18	Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
June 18	Prague, Czech Republic
June 21	Prague, Czech Republic to Nashville

 

Funding Options:

• Link here for WKU WorldTopper Scholarship and other funding options

You may contact Student Financial Assistance to determine your funding options if needed.  You will need to provide the course number, name, your name and WKU ID (800#), and the Study Away course fee as stated above, in the email you send to financial aid.

Contact us to learn more.