Why Czech?
Those of us who teach and study Czech have lots of answers to this question. If you were curious enough to click on this link, you probably have a few of your own. But try these on for size:
A land of water sprites and giant newts
The Czechs have a rich literary and cultural tradition that you will begin to explore in your studies. Czechs have a fine sense for the absurd and the fantastic that runs throughout their literature and music. You´ve probably heard some of these names….
65,000 foreign firms can´t be wrong
The Czech Republic has a rapidly modernising, dynamic economy, and its highly educated work force and reasonable wages have attracted lots of foreign investment. Some of the firms are listed here. Bilingual English native speakers are always at a premium - could you potentially be one of them? Our graduates often go to the Czech Republic to live and work, and report that their skills are in high demand.
The `City of a Hundred Spires´ and the `Crossroads of Europe´
Prague, the Czech capital, is one of the world's most spectacular cities. With just over a million people, it´s large enough to have a humming cultural life, but small enough to get to grips with.
Be one of the few
Specialists in Czech are few and far between. Knowing the language and the culture is a skill that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
The Czech Republic combines a Western heritage with strong connections to the former Eastern bloc. Studying Czech is an excellent bridge across Europe´s cultural and historical divide.
Why Czech at Sheffield?
Our programme is run by linguists and we have a different take on things:
- Our language teaching programme has elements of traditional grammar-based approaches, but also a strong emphasis on communicative work and introducing students to Czech culture, with native speakers of English and Czech as instructors at all levels.
- We have an active Erasmus exchange with Charles University in Prague, which is the oldest university in Central Europe, and Masaryk University in Brno, the country’s second-largest city. Our students study at these two institutions, and the exchange component means that there are Czech students and instructors in residence at our Department here in Sheffield. This offers our students an excellent opportunity to meet and socialise with Czechs before and after the Year Abroad.
- The local Czech and Slovak community, which is closely connected with our department, has a full programme of speakers and cultural activities both at the University and in the community. See who’s been here recently….
See our Czech Links page for more information about the Czech Republic.
For more information about the course, contact the Czech tutor.