SUNY Oswego - Masaryk Univ.

Masaryk University

The University

Masaryk University was established in Brno in 1919 to support academic and cultural development in Moravia. Named after the first Czechoslovak president, Tomáš Masaryk, today the university is made up of eight faculties, 130 departments, and over 14,000 students.

The Programs

SUNY-Oswego offers two programs at Masaryk University: the Central European Studies Program and the TESOL Teacher Education Program.

The Central European Studies Program (CESP) is designed for students who want to learn more about this important region of the world. Combining courses in economics, political science, history, Czech culture, and the Czech language, students are challenged to broaden their understanding of the forces that have shaped contemporary Central Europe. Courses are offered in English, and students have the opportunity to gain experience as interns with Czech and international non-government organizations, businesses, and public institutions.

The TESOL Teacher Education Program is a one-semester program specially designed for undergraduates from the U.S. and Canada who seek experience and academic foundation for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In this program, Czech and English-speaking students are brought together to foster understanding language and culture, integrating the fundamentals of language learning theory and hands-on teaching practice. Students who successfully complete the course of study earn the Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). The program is accredited by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate, a prestigious international recognition. This program is offered in the Spring Semester ONLY.

Program Dates

Fall - September to mid December (CESP only)
Spring - February to mid May

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Acceptance into the program will be based on academic standing, recommendations, and a personal study statement. Students do not need previous knowledge of Czech. For those students applying to the TESOL Teacher Education program prior teaching experience is not required, however some general background in educational theory would be helpful.

Housing and Meals

Participants in the SUNY Oswego/University of Masaryk program are housed in the Vinarska Residence Hall in Brno, the best student housing that Masaryk University has to offer. Each of the rooms has a private bathroom and a mini-kitchenette with refrigerator, sink and stove. The Vinarska also has a pub, a canteen and a sports complex. Masaryk University has three canteens (menzas) that serve lunch and dinner, including vegetarian meals. Students receive a monthly allowance for meals.

Orientation and Excursions

A thorough one-week orientation includes lectures on Czech history and culture, registration for all necessary university services, survival lessons in Czech language, and various cultural events. During the semester, students typically take part in several excursions in the Czech Republic and to surrounding countries (Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Poland). Orientation and excursions are included in the program at no additional cost.