Czech Republic
The Czech Republic may not be the likeliest of places to go to college, but the rewards of attending school there are greater than you ever may have thought possible. Indeed, this country in the heart of Europe was home to some of the most momentous events of the 20th Century. And even before then, the cultural and political events that shaped this land had the uncanny effect of reverberating around the entire western world.
Today, of course, the Czech Republic has moved on from its tumultuous history of the past 100 years. But the evidence of it all is still there, and modern residents live in a country that is both decidedly forward-thinking and inextricably tied to its past. And that is one of the main reasons that this country exerts such a pull on people.
Geographically, the Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe. It "has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east" (www.en.wikipedia.org). As a result, then, it seems quite natural that this land would have seen its fair share of conflict and cultural upheaval over the course of its history, surrounded, as it is, by such well-established and powerful neighbors.
And while much of the coutry is sparsely populated and offers students and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the beauty and relaxation of what might be called "Central European country living," Prague, the capital, is as urban, sophisticated, and exciting as any city in Europe. Indeed, this city of more than 1 million people on the Vltava River is one of the crown jewels of Europe. Its architecture is famously ornate, its streets are world renowned for their fairytale beauty, and its residents are as accomodating and friendly as any in Europe.
Students and visitors both find themselves awe-struck when they see Prague's many landmarks for the first time. Sites like the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle (which is the biggest in the world), Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square are simply overwhelming in their beauty. No matter how long you're in Prague, whether it's for a week's vacation or for four years of college, the sheer beauty of this city will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Some of the most influential people in the world, especially in the realm of culture, have either come from this country or moved there for inspiration. As a result, the Czech Republic, and Prague in particular, is associated with some of the most important cultural contributions in the world. Writers Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera were born in the country. Composer Antonin Dvorak was Czech. Film director Milos Forman (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) was born in the Czech town of Caslav. The list goes on and on. The point is this: If this country inspired so many great minds throughout the ages, imagine what it will do for yours.
Academically, the Czech Republic offers many options for students who wish to spend their college years there. There are more than a dozen universities that are perfect for foreign students, though Charles University is the standout. In fact, because it is such a highly-regarded institution throughout the world, a degree from there will carry a great deal of weight when it comes time to look for a job upon graduation. The only barrier, of course, is the language, but learning Czech is not as difficult as you might imagine. And because it uses the same alphabet as English (with the addition of accent marks and the like), you will pick it up more easily than you think.
In the end, the Czech Republic is a country rich in culture, breathtaking in its physical and architectural beauty (notably Prague), and forward-thinking in its attitude. Its universities are excellent, and its language is not terribly difficult to learn. So with a little bit of preparation and a sense of adventure and whimsy, there is no reason not to consider the universities and colleges of the Czech Republic for full-time study. Your life will be richer for having done it.
