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Czech Republic

Human Rights and Refugee Integration

(Filling; Apply by Oct 1, 2024)
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Examine the cultural politics and economics of refugee integration by engaging with resettlement organizations and refugee populations.

At a Glance

Credits

16

Prerequisites

None

Language of Study

Czech

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Jan 27 – May 11

Program Countries

Czech Republic

Program Excursion Countries

Poland, Germany

Program Base

Prague

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Program Cost

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Overview

Why study abroad in the Czech Republic?

Refugees invoke hopes and concerns about economic, social, and cultural futures, as well as the impacts of mass population mobility on identity formation. This program addresses the social, political, and cultural transformations taking place in Eastern and Central Europe due to the mass migration of Syrian refugees that started in 2015 and, more recently, Ukrainian asylum seekers.

Investigate the ways refugees subvert the technologies that govern transnational mobility and interrogate the dominant narratives of the nation. Engage with the cultural politics and economics of refugee integration and the ethical limits of the “business of help.” Through site visits to refugee resettlement organizations and homestays in communities with refugee populations, you will learn about the importance of cultural and educational engagement for refugee integration. You’ll also reflect on potential solutions for the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the communities that support them.

Excursions to Poland and Germany provide an opportunity for a comparative analysis of how national political movements and refugee policies have affected the flow of refugees across Europe. You will also learn about the process by which refugees are supported and integrated into the cultures and economies of these nations. 

Highlights

  • Explore refugee integration policy and its influence in the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
  • Visit Poland and Germany, two of the largest receivers per capita of Ukrainian refugees in Europe.
  • Attend exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events in Prague, one of the largest political and cultural hubs in the region.
  • Improve your cultural literacy and Czech language skills through a homestay with a Czech family.

Prerequisites

None

program map

Excursions

Krakow, Poland

Poland has been deeply affected by the influx of Ukrainian refugees than any other country in Europe. At the start of the war, more than seven million refugees fled to Poland, with more than 1.5 million choosing to settle there. In Krakow, where the population has surged by almost 25 percent, you will witness the impacts of this sudden population boom and learn how social workers, housing experts, educators, and local industries have quickly devised innovative solutions to resettle Ukrainians. You will also learn about Poland’s geopolitical position in Europe, which contributes to its development as a primary transit point for military and humanitarian aid cargo into Ukraine.

Berlin, Germany

Germany has been a key destination for refugees in Europe, particularly following the significant influx of Syrian refugees in 2015. The country currently houses over one million asylum seekers from Ukraine. While in Germany, you’ll witness firsthand the impact of Germany’s “open-door” policy and the subsequent challenges and opportunities for refugee integration. During your visit, you’ll also explore the legal and institutional frameworks governing asylum and migration in Germany, including the role of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Union (EU) directives in shaping national refugee protection systems. Through experiential site visits and discussions with refugees and community members, you’ll gain critical insights into the day-to-day realities of refugee integration in Germany. 

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Articulate different approaches to refugee rights and integration in the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
  • Describe impacts of EU directives in setting the standards for qualification for refugee settlement and protection.
  • Illustrate in writing and orally the cultural politics and economics of refugee integration.
  • Apply refugee integration approaches to assess impacts of refugee settlement in the Czech Republic.
  • Design policy briefs, empirical reports, and communication flyers on refugee integration and protection for local and international action.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


Key Topics

  • Refugee resettlement in the Czech Republic
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  • Social and cultural integration challenges facing refugees
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  • National identity formation and right-wing and ultranationalist ideologies
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  • Ethical challenges of the “business of help” as it relates to refugee protection
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  • Experiences of asylum seekers in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany

Human Rights and Refugee Protection in Central Europe

Human Rights and Refugee Protection in Central Europe – syllabus (coming soon)

(3 credits)

Refugee Integration and Cultural Transformation

Refugee Integration and Cultural Transformation – syllabus (coming soon)

(3 credits)

Research Methods and Ethics

Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus (coming soon)

(ANTH3500 / 3 credits)

Czech

Czech – syllabus (coming soon)

(CZEC1003 / 3 credits)

Independent Study Project

Independent Study Project – syllabus (coming soon)

(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)

Homestays

Prague

You will live with families in Prague (both urban and suburban areas) for five weeks to experience the Czech lifestyle, culture, and language. Families are chosen based on their interest in the program theme, and many are affiliated with refugee resettlement through personal or professional endeavors. Students often cite their homestay experiences in Prague as the highlight of their program, and relationships between host families and students often last long after the program’s conclusion.

Other Accommodations

Hostels and small hotels

Discover the Possibilities

  • Cost & Scholarships

    SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.

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  • HEALTH, ACCESS & IDENTITY

    A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

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