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Charles University Onboarding for International Students - JZO001

Title:	Charles University Onboarding for International Students
Czech title:	Adaptační kurz pro mezinárodní studenty UK
Guaranteed by:	neurčeno (23-N)
Faculty:	Faculty of Social Sciences
Actual:	from 2024
Semester:	winter
E-Credits:	1
Examination process:	winter s.:
Hours per week, examination:	winter s.:2/0, C [HT]
Capacity:	300 / unknown (400)
Min. number of students:	unlimited
4EU+:	no
Virtual mobility / capacity:	no
State of the course:	taught
Language:	English
Teaching methods:	full-time
Note:	course can be enrolled in outside the study plan enabled for web enrollment

Guarantor:	PhDr. Malvína Krausz Hladká, Ph.D.
Teacher(s):	Mgr. Aldana Vlasáková

Examination dates WS schedule Noticeboard

Annotation -

The aim of this course is to help our new international students with orientation and adaptation to their new life at Charles University. How to navigate the university structures and make the most out of all the available services and opportunities? How to cope with culture shock and adjust to the new environment? How to find support and help when needed? And what legal imperatives should you be aware of? These are just some of the key challenges our new international students face each year. This course offers answers to them, providing the necessary navigation, resources, and tools so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your stay with us.

Last update: Vlasáková Aldana, Mgr. (02.09.2025)

Course completion requirements -

Successful completion of the course is subject to attendance at a minimum of six of the nine lectures. Active participation and continuous fulfillment of assignments are also expected. It is possible to participate on some of the lectures even asynchronously, meaning the lectures will be recorded and then available for students to watch later. This option is possible only if the student has other study obligations at the faculty which would otherwise prevent him/her/them from attending this course.

Last update: Vlasáková Aldana, Mgr. (02.09.2025)

Syllabus -

Course schedule

15.10. Life in Czechia (by the Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies)

22.10. Introduction to Charles University 1 (by Aldana Vlasáková)

29.10. I'm The Weirdo Now! – Navigating Culture Shock in the Czech Republic (by Caleb House)

5.11. SPLIT LECTURE: Introduction to Charles University 2

- for PhD students (by Petra Kučerová Konupková)

- for pregraduate + graduate students (activities organised by individual faculties)

12.11. Student Private Accommodation (by Tereza Martincová)

19.11. Czech Healthcare for Foreigners (by IFSMA)

26.11. Student Life at Charles University (by Aldana Vlasáková and CU Ambassadors)

3.12. SPLIT LECTURE: Studying in Europe

- students from nonEU/EEA countries with visa obligations (by Štěpán Pastorek)

- students from EU/EEA countries (by Tomáš Novotný)

10.12. Student Well-being, Resilience and Security (by Tomáš Holub, Veronika Sláviková and Milada Ševčíková)

Description of individual lectures

Life in Czechia

This lecture was prepared based on experience of past and current international students studying in the Czech Republic. It will cover practical topics such as everyday customs and etiquette, health care system, useful things to know when you go shopping, or suggest apps to download when traveling by public transportation. We will explain the 'magic age limit' of 26 years, introduce the services of CzechPoint, give you guidance on how to open a bank account or tips on exchanging/withdrawing money. We will also cover the basics of work during your studies, mention the integration centres, and the legal help available to you at CU and even beyond. We will then briefly mention the process of extending your residence permit or changing visa. Finally, we will introduce a couple of tips for your free time and discuss how to spend it 'as the locals do'. You will have ample space to ask questions and share your own experience, as we will have former international students joining us for the lecture.

Introduction to Charles University 1

This lecture will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to 'being a student' at three different levels: national, university, and faculty. You'll learn about the so-called 'student status' and university structures, equipping you with essential knowledge to navigate the academic and administrative lifecycle of our university. The session will begin with an exploration of the national context, including the academic integrity, ethics, student rights, and responsibilities according to the Czech law and education system. Secondly, the lecture will focus on the university’s internal structure, introducing our key departments, their relationships, hierarchies and the services offered. You will learn about all the important contacts and communication channels, as well as practical information regarding absences, exams, and the credit system. An overview of study and examination regulations including the available scholarship schemes will be also provided. Additionally, the lecture will cover opportunities for your further internationalization, such as study abroad and various mobility programmes. Finally, at the academic level, you will be introduced to research funding schemes and the extensive library resources available to you, including the electronic information sources (EIZ) and open-access materials. The lecture aims to offer you a holistic understanding of various aspects of the student life, ensuring you will be well-prepared to integrate into our academic community.

I'm The Weirdo Now! – Navigating Culture Shock in the Czech Republic

Ever wondered what it's like to swap your familiar world for one that's totally different? Buckle up! Moving to a new culture can be thrilling and eye-opening, but it can also leave you feeling a bit lost, overwhelmed, or even shocked. And guess what? That’s totally normal. In this session, join two seasoned globetrotters as they dive into what it really means to leave home where everyone seems to get your vibe, to a place where every little detail of daily life might feel strange. We'll explore how culture shapes every decision, why you might feel like an outsider, and how to turn those moments of culture shock into your secret superpower. Instead of trying to dodge culture shock, we'll give you the tools to embrace it. Learn how to make the most of these new experiences in the Czech Republic and turn potential challenges into unforgettable parts of your adventure. Ready to become the ultimate cultural explorer? Let’s get started!

Introduction to Charles University 2 (split lecture)

for PhD students: The aim of the first part of the session will be to provide comprehensive introduction to organization of your doctoral study at CU. Doctoral candidates are going to be introduced to basic study regulations about their studies at CU, with special attention to the Code of Study and Examination of Charles University and the Scholarship and Bursary Rules of Charles University. Doctoral candidates should gain overview of their basic rights and responsibilities as well as practical understanding of other important actors in the organization of doctoral study: supervisors, advisors and Subject Area Boards. The second part of the session will be raise awareness about the available opportunities for doctoral candidates in terms of research funding. Available internal grant schemes and other national and European schemes suitable for funding doctoral research are going to be all explained. The key message of the session is to make you aware of the rules and expectations while empowering you to act accordingly by providing you all the right contacts so you can successfully and timely resolve any student-related situation.

for pregraduate + graduate students: Students of the following faculties will have activities or lectures organised by their faculties (students of other faculties can skip this class or join their colleagues):

Faculty of Social Sciences

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

Second Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Humanities

Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen

Protestant Theological Faculty

Faculty of Science

Student Accommodation

This seminar will focus on private accommodation. Where and how to look for private accommodation? What might be the possible problems associated with rental or sublet contracts? We will adress the common issues and equip you with useful resources on how to avoid them.

Czech Healthcare for Foreigners

This seminar will introduce you to the Czech healthcare system and how to utilize it effectively. We will start with guidance on how to find a general practitioner (GP), what types of medical concerns warrant a visit, and what steps to take if a GP is not available. You will learn about the role of hospital emergency departments, how to find them, and when to actually seek emergency care. Special emphasis will be placed on recognizing life-threatening situations, with main focus on contacting the emergency services and overcoming the possible language barrier in such circumstances. Next, we will cover how to address acute mental health crises, providing contacts and procedures for both working hours and after-hours situations. Additionally, you will be informed about preventive heatlhcare options, including vaccinations, gynecological and obstetric care, and dental services. An important segment will be dedicated to understanding healthcare costs, highlighting the differences in coverage between EU na nonEU citizens. Practical tips will be offered on navigating the field of private health insurance. We won't forget to address the patients rights, specifically focusing on the experiences of our international students. Topics will include patient consent, healthcare 'districting', rights to accompaniment during visits, hospital visitation rules, access to ombudspersons, and interpretation-translation services.

Student Life at Charles University

This seminar will first cover various forms of support and opportunities available to our students. We will begin by introducing the psychological support, student services, and workshops provided by the Centre for Lifelong Learning and CU Point, which aim to help you maintain your well-being while offering personal and academic development. Next, we will talk about the role of academic tutors as they serve as valuable guides for navigating the academic system and might even help you to resolve any course-related issues. You will also be introduced to student associations with practical tips on where to find relevant information about joining them. The seminar will highlight activities and events held at the dormitories and other university premises with guidance on where to access further information. Moreover, you will receive suggestions for engaging in sports and other leisure activities, with emphasis on maintaining a healthy balance between your academic and personal life. During this part, we will also discuss various topics which are important for enjoying your stay in a mindful way, such as finances or tips on living in Prague/Hradec/Pilsen from the student perspective. The session will conclude with recommendations on important social media accounts to follow for updates on student life, events, and opportunities across our university.

Studying in Europe (split lecture)

students from nonEU/EEA countries: This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the types of residence permits required by non-EU students, focusing on both short-term and long-term ones. You will gain insight into the differing competencies of Czech state authorities responsible for issuing permits, helping you to navigate the process with greater ease. You will also receive detailed guidance on specific residence permits (for students vs. scientists), as well as instructions for extending the validity of permits when necessary. An important part of the seminar will be a discussion on traveling within the EU, particularly the rights and limitations tied to specific types of permits. In addition to providing legal and procedural information, the seminar will offer practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and effectively manage various situations that may arise during your stay. Key strategies for communication with relevant authorities will be discussed, alongside tips for balancing your work while studying. The goal of the seminar is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain compliance with local laws and manage your residence permits efficiently.

students from EU/EEA countries: In the session you will learn what the 4EU+ European University Alliance is, what it means for you as a student. What opportunities for mobility, teaching, learning and much more it holds for you will be presented. The second part will focus on internship and employment opportunities in various European institutions and what benefits these might offer to you career-wise.

Student Well-being

This lecture will focus on the concept of well-being and its different dimensions such as physical, mental, emotional, and social. You will learn about theories of well-being, such as the PERMA model, and gain practical tools to improve your overall body-mind balance. Special emphasis wil be placed on stress management, recognizing stressors in the academic environment, and effective coping strategies. Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises that help reduce stress and improve quality of life will be not only discussed but shown in practice.

Last update: Vlasáková Aldana, Mgr. (02.09.2025)

Course schedule

15.10. Practical life (by UJOP) 22.10. University 1 (by A.Vlasáková) 29.10. Culture (by C. House) 5.11. University 2 for PhD candidates (P.Konupková Kučerová) 12.11. Accommodation (by T. Martincová) 19.11. Healthcare (by IFMSA) 26.11. Student life, sport, and other extracurricular activities at CU (by A. Vlasáková) 3.12. Visa / 4EU+ (by Š. Pastorek / T. Novotný) 10.12. Well-being (by T. Holub, V. Sláviková, M. Ševčíková) 17.12. What’s next (by A. Vlasáková).

Practical life

The lecture was prepared based on experiences of international students studying in the Czech Republic. It will cover topics such as etiquette, health care system (including useful apps and emergency numbers to save in your phone), useful things to know when you go shopping, apps to know about when using public transfer in cities as well as using public transfer travelling accross the Czech Republic. We will explain the magic age boarder of 26 years, introduce services of CzechPoint, give you basic guidance how to open a bank account and useful tips about exchanging/withdrawing money. We will also cover basics of work during your studies, mention integration centers and legal help available for international students. You will receive links to guide you when extending your residence permit or changing visa.
We will also introduce couple of options to bear in mind when thinking about your free time and how to spend it as the locals do.
You will have ample space to ask questions and share your experience, as we will have couple of former international students present right at the lecture.

Introduction to Charles University

This lecture provides a comprehensive introduction in 'being a student' at three levels: national, university, and faculty. overview of student status and university structures, equipping international students with essential knowledge to navigate academic and administrative life at the university. The session begins with an exploration of the national context, covering academic integrity, ethics, student rights, and responsibilities according to the law and within the Czech education system.
Secodnly, the lecture focuses on the university’s internal structure, introducing key departments, their relationships, hierarchies and the offered services. Students will learn about important contacts and communication channels, as well as practical information regarding absences, exams, and the credit system. An overview of study and examination regulations including available scholarship schemes will also be provided. Additionally, the lecture covers opportunities for internationalization, such as study abroad and mobility programs.
At the academic level, students will be introduced to research funding opportunities and the extensive library resources available at the university, including electronic information sources (EIZ) and open-access materials. Tips on the study rooms will also be included. The lecture aims to offer a holistic understanding of the academic and administrative aspects of student life, ensuring students are well-prepared to integrate into the university community.

I'm The Weirdo Now! – Navigating Culture Shock in the Czech Republic

Ever wondered what it's like to swap your familiar world for one that's totally different? Buckle up! Moving to a new culture can be thrilling and eye-opening, but it can also leave you feeling a bit lost, overwhelmed, or even shocked. And guess what? That’s totally normal.In this session, join two seasoned globetrotters as they dive into what it really means to leave home, where everyone seems to get your vibe, to a place where every little detail of daily life might be unfamiliar. We'll explore how culture shapes every decision, why you might feel like an outsider, and how to turn those moments of culture shock into your secret superpower.Instead of trying to dodge culture shock, we'll give you the tools to embrace it. Learn how to make the most of these new experiences in the Czech Republic and turn potential challenges into unforgettable parts of your adventure. Ready to become the ultimate cultural explorer? Let’s get started

University 2 - PhDs

The aim of the first part of the session is to provide comprehensive introduction to organization of doctoral study at Charles University. Doctoral candidates are going to be introduced to basic study regulations about doctoral study at CU, with special attention to the Code of Study and Examination of Charles University and the Scholarship and Bursary Rules of Charles University. Doctoral candidates should gain overview of their basic rights and responsibilities as well as practical understanding of other important actors in organization of doctoral study: supervisors, advisors and Subject Area Boards. The second part of the session is oriented to raise awareness about opportunities for doctoral candidates of CU about funding options for their research. Available internal grant schemes and other national and European schemes suitable for funding doctoral research are going to be introduced and explained. The key message of the session is to make doctoral candidates aware of the rules and expectations and empower them to act accordingly by providing them right contacts to successfully and timely solve any student related situations.

Accommodation

This seminar will focus on private accommodation options for international students. We will show you where and how to look for private accommodation, in apartments or in privately owned dormitories. It will point out possible problems associated with rental or sublet accommodation. We will also explain the issues of leases and subleases that students may encounter. An integral part of the seminar will be information about the possibility of meals for students in canteens and other catering establishments of the university.

Healthcare

This seminar will introduce you to the basic structure of the Czech healthcare system and how to utilize it effectively. We will start with guidance on how to find a general practitioner (GP), what types of medical concerns warrant a visit, and what steps to take if a GP is not available.
Students will also learn about the role of hospital emergency departments, how to find them, and when to seek emergency care. Special emphasis will be placed on recognizing life-threatening situations, with a focus on contacting emergency services and overcoming language barriers in such circumstances. Next, we will cover how to address acute mental health crises, providing contacts and procedures for both working hours and after-hours situations. Additionally, students will be informed about preventive heatlhcare options, including vaccinations, gynecological and obstetric care, and dental services.
An important segment will be dedicated to understanding healthcare costs, highlighting the differences in coverage between EU citizens and students from third countries. Practical tips will be offered on navigating private health insurance policies. We won't forget to address the patients rights, specifically focusing on the experiences of our foreign students. Topics will include patient consent, healthcare districting, rights to accompaniment during visits, hospital visitation rules, access to ombudspersons, and interpretation-translation services.

Student life

This seminar focuses on the various forms of support and resources available to students throughout their studies. We will begin by introducing the psychological support, student services, and workshops provided by the Centre for Lifelong Learning and CU Point, which aim to help students maintain mental well-being and personal plus academic development during their academic journey.
Next, the role of academic tutors will be covered as they serve as valuable guides for navigating the academic system and resolving course-related issues. Students will also be introduced to various student associations active within the faculties, with practical tips on where to find relevant information about joining these groups.
The seminar highlights activities and events held in student dormitories, offering guidance on where to access information about these events. Moreover, students will receive suggestions for engaging in sports and other leisure activities, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy balance between academic and personal life.
This part of the course will also discuss topics which are important for enjoying the stay in a healthy way, such as finances, tips on living in Prague from a student perspective and the session will conclude with recommendations on important Instagram profiles and other social media platforms to follow for updates on student life, events, and opportunities across the university.

Visa

This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the types of residence permits required by non-EU students, focusing on both short-term and long-term permits. Participants will gain insight into the differing competencies of Czech state authorities responsible for issuing permits, helping them navigate the process with greater ease.
Students will also receive detailed guidance on specific residence permits for students and scientists, as well as instructions for extending the validity of permits when necessary. An important part of the seminar will be a discussion on traveling within the EU, particularly the rights and limitations tied to specific types of permits.
In addition to providing legal and procedural information, the seminar will offer practical advice to help students avoid common mistakes and effectively manage various situations that may arise during their stay. Key strategies for communication with relevant authorities will be discussed, alongside tips for balancing legal work opportunities while studying.
The goal of the seminar is to equip international students with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain compliance with local laws and manage their residence permits efficiently throughout their time in the Czech Republic.

Well-being

dimensions of well-being (physical, psychological, social, emotional)well-being theories and their importance in academic and professional lifestress factors and effective coping strategiespractical techniques for enhancing well-being and managing stress
This lecture focuses on the concept of well-being and its different dimensions such as physical, mental, emotional and social. Students will learn about theories of well-being, such as the PERMA model, and gain practical tools to improve their overall health and well-being. Special emphasis is placed on stress management, recognizing stressors in the academic environment, and effective coping strategies. Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises that help reduce stress and improve quality of life will be discussed.

Last update: Vlasáková Aldana, Mgr. (02.09.2025)