AFS students are placed in cities such as Prague, Brno, České Budějovice and Plzeň, in smaller towns like Turnov, Mariánské Lázně, Příbram and even in rural areas both in Bohemia and Moravia. It is very easy to travel all around the country by various means of public transportation. Climatic conditions in both parts of the country are more or less identical, usually depending on the altitude. However, customs might vary to a point, between cities and the countryside or Bohemia and Moravia.

Most students are placed in traditional families; a one-parent host family is rather an exception. Predominantly, the AFS students have counterparts in their host families with whom they go to school. The way to school takes from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. It depends on whether or not a suitable school is near your place. Also, Czech students are used to traveling to school by bus, or metro (in Prague).

Czech families are usually very hospitable, friendly, and eager to help the student in many ways. Sometimes they have a tendency to treat the AFS student as a guest, and thus it is up to the student to try to take part in the host family life and thus become a real member of the family. This will enable the student to fully absorb our culture and lifestyle.

Czech parents can be a bit strict sometimes, but do not worry – they are this way only because they feel a sense of great responsibility towards their children and their wellbeing.  In general, a Czech family is a rather self-contained unit, with a regular daily schedule. In most cases both father and mother are fully employed, so they get up early in the morning (6 or 7 am), return home between 5 and 6 pm, and have dinner at 6 or 7 p.m. They go to sleep around 10 or 11 pm. The social life of a Czech family is not very extensive because of a great amount of work and other duties. However, they are rather keen on visiting and having visits from their relatives and friends, mainly over the weekends.

A traditional Czech family has two children and lives in a rather small flat in a city, however, it is more and more common to live in a small house with a garden outside the city and go to the city just for work, study, or special afternoon activities. They use the car often as the main means of transport, but also the public transport works very well and it is easy to get around on your own.

When the family lives in a city flat, it is quite common that the siblings share one room and it can also happen that you will share a room with your host brother or sister (of the same sex). The model of a Czech traditional family (where the father was the sole person responsible for the family’s income and the mother took care of the children and household) has changed a lot in recent years and it is not easy to specify the gender roles. Both parents take part in important decisions, if possible they also ask the opinion of their children (they especially discuss questions related to free time activities with the children).

Practically no family employs servants, so household chores, minor repairs, and a garden (if there is one) are carried out by the family. Each family member is expected to do their share by helping whenever necessary, and so will you. The usual types of housework are: setting the table, washing the dishes, cleaning your own room, sweeping the floor, vacuuming, light shopping, taking out the rubbish, etc. Most families have pets at home (dog, cat, etc.)

Not all Czech families speak foreign languages and in that case, the initial communication with host parents is via the host brother or sister who studies foreign languages. Though seemingly difficult at the beginning, it helps you a great deal if you have the will to learn the Czech language quickly.

Czech families often spend their free time doing various sports. The most popular winter sport is skiing; in summer hiking, biking and swimming as well as visiting various events, such as going to the theatre.

Nowadays, just about every family has an internet connection at home and a computer free to use, however, it is important to reach an agreement with your family regarding the amount of time you can spend on the internet, as it can be a problem when they feel you are more in contact with your friends abroad than with your new Czech family.

Important to remember

• Your host family decided to host AFS students of their own accord. They are not paid for hosting.
• Your host family wants to live with you. They want to learn from you about your country and show you their way of life.
• Your host family expects you to accept their daily schedule.
• Your host family wants to help you while you are in the Czech Republic. They want you to be a true family member.
• You have to change your shoes when entering the house, and some families are also accustomed to changing into more comfortable indoor clothes.
• Your host family expects you to accept their hygienic norms. (Ask them about the frequency and duration of showering they are used to and about the housework you are supposed to help with!)
• Your host family takes responsibility for you, that’s why they will always ask you where you are going and with whom, to be sure that you are safe during your entire stay in our country.

Primary school starts at the age of 6 and lasts 9 years. Secondary school lasts 4 years and it usually includes: General secondary schools (gymnázium), which are usually highly competitive and selective high schools specialized in teaching modern languages, natural sciences or specialized in physical training disciplines. This type of school usually leads to a higher level of education. Vocational schools (business, nursing, industrial, music, and art academies) Apprentice schools, attached to industries and services, related to the more practical side of life. Most Czech schools are public schools, though since 1990 new private schools have been established, especially on the secondary level, and their numbers have been steadily growing. There are 400-500 students in a school and 20-30 students per class. Students do not wear uniforms.

The usual school day starts at 8 am and ends around 2 or 3 pm. Typically, there are about 3 lessons of the Czech language, 3 lessons of German/French/Spanish, 3 lessons of English, 2 lessons of History, 2 lessons of Geography, 2 lessons of Physics, 4 lessons of Math, 3 lessons of Biology and 2 lessons of PE. The schedule is the same for every week. Students’ knowledge is tested by oral and written exams, which are classified on a scale of 1 to 5. The students can receive also a written evaluation, which replaces or supplements the marks.

• 1 = Outstanding
• 2 = Very good
• 3 = Good
• 4 = Poor
• 5 = Failing

Parents are informed about their children’s study results through the “Pupil’s Record Book”, which is mostly online, and at regular (trimester) meetings when they are also forewarned about possible failures or more serious disciplinary problems. At the end of the semester and at the end of the school year students receive report cards/certificates.

The AFS CZE Academic Program is designed to provide students with a wonderful opportunity to live with a Czech host family, be part of a Czech community and attend a Czech high school. Along with this opportunity comes responsibility. You should understand that this is an academic program and even if you have “already graduated” or are not depending on credits from this year to count towards your graduation in your home country, you have to attend the school lessons regularly and make an effort to perform well.

Schools also expect that the students they agree to host are coming on this program to study and to become full members of their high school community. Most schools are hoping that the Czech students in the high school will learn as much as you through their interaction on a daily basis in classes, in school clubs, and in activities.

You are expected to attend school on a regular basis, complete all work assigned both in and outside class, and show continuous effort throughout the year, working to your fullest potential. Be aware that you are representative of your country and AFS and your behavior will be judged by the school community as a representative of other AFS students and people from your country.

The AFS students are mostly placed in high schools of very good academic standing (gymnázium). Where appropriate, students can be also placed in other types of secondary schools, for example, business schools, that are similar to the previous academic institution of the student. The schools may be either state or private. Most of the students are placed at state schools, which is the most common way for Czech students too.

School attendance is compulsory. If absent the student must inform the teacher within a day (usually a written letter explaining the absence from the parents). Schools adjust the weekly schedule for you so that you don’t have to attend subjects that require advanced knowledge of Czech, but you may attend different courses with other classes. This situation can change when your language skills are better and you will be able to follow also the classes that would be too difficult for you during the first months.

AFS Students are usually not graded but verbally evaluated. They do not receive the same certificate as the Czech students. However, they can receive a certificate of school attendance. The first few months will be probably difficult whilst you are learning Czech but you will no doubt find that school is a perfect environment for learning about our culture and our people. It is there where you make most of your friends.

School expenses

Things that will be arranged at no extra cost to you are:

• School fees if necessary (only at private schools)
• School textbooks
• Transportation to and from school – the train, tram, or public bus

The AFS student must pay for:

• School supplies (such as pencils, copy-books, …)
• School trips – schools usually organize a one-week mountain trip during winter and sometimes day trips during the summer. These trips are not compulsory. However, it provides a great opportunity to meet with the students and teachers informally.

Not all schools offer activities. They may have some special interest clubs (computer, drama, sports); however, AFS students as well as Czech students mostly join sports clubs or pursue other types of out-of-school activities (e.g. dance classes, pottery, choir) organized by various youth organizations. Most Czech students have one or two extra-curricular activities they attend regularly once or twice a week. Some of these classes must be paid for. School and these courses are the most common places where teenagers develop friendships with each other.

The teachers are always treated with respect, there is quite a social distance between teacher and student, the teacher is perceived as an authority. The school has a strict order which is necessary to follow. If not, you can be expelled. The lessons are mainly theoretical, not very interactive or practical.

Czech students always use part of the afternoon for doing homework or studying for the exams. The exams are done throughout the whole school year, depending on the teacher’s decision.

Czech students are not very open at first: some of them are shy about speaking English, and some of them have just a small group of schoolmates they are friends with. Try to approach them actively, invite them to go out with you, show them your interests and you will find friends that will be interested in joining you, plus you will discover how friendly, enthusiastic, and fun-loving the Czechs are.

AFS Mezikulturní programy will prepare some obligatory activities for you, the purpose of which is to help you with the new cultural background you will encounter. These activities, called Orientation, will give you the chance to meet all the other AFS students staying in the Czech Republic. The orientations will be held in English. 

• Upon arrival to the Czech Republic, you will take part in the Survival Orientation for two/three days. Please do remember to bring all necessities with you for these days (such as your own towels, soap, slippers, etc.). During this Orientation Camp, you will receive most information about our country, everyday life, school, shops, and transport and also some tips on how to act in new situations. At the end of this camp, your host family will meet you and take you to your new home. After your arrival, we will inform the AFS office in your home country that you have arrived safely and they will pass this information to your parents. We cannot ensure mobile phone coverage, nor access to phones during the Orientation. Please inform your parents about that, so that they are not worried! 
• Cultural Orientation takes place 6 weeks after your arrival. It offers you time to speak about the first cultural differences and similarities you have met, problems you have encountered, and ways to deal with them. 
• A Mid-stay Orientation is usually planned 5 months after your arrival. 
• The End-of-stay Orientation is usually organized close to the end of your program. 

We also offer lots of activities organized by volunteers (such as picnics, sightseeing, ski trips, barbecues, etc.) You will have plenty of options if you wish to attend any of these events, however, you have to pay for the journey and cover the necessary expenses yourself. Volunteers, young returnees, and staff provide support throughout the whole year.

Should you take your shoes off or not when visiting friends? Should you say hello to people in lifts? These might not seem the most obvious things to ask about when considering do’s and do not’s in your own country, but of course, things which you don’t even think about at home can be a big issue elsewhere. Here is a list of the most common mistakes to be aware of:

Greetings 

One of the things you will immediately notice in the Czech Republic is that people say hello and goodbye to complete strangers in various situations, and this can take a little getting used to. For example, if you enter or leave a shop you should say Dobrý den (Good day) or Na shledanou (Goodbye) respectively. Obviously, in larger shops such as hypermarkets, you don’t need to greet people as you enter, but you should certainly acknowledge the person at the counter. The same goes for lifts, and also compartments in trains. In the mornings when you come to school, don’t forget to greet the teachers you meet in the hallways. 

The idea behind all this is that you’ve acknowledged somebody’s presence in an enclosed space, and it’s quite polite when you think about it. Although it will feel strange at the beginning, soon it becomes a reflex, and when you go back to your home country you’ll find you’ll have to stop yourself doing it automatically when entering a shop, lift, etc. 

When it comes to physical contact, you will notice that Czechs tend to shake hands a lot but that is about it. Shaking hands is a formal greeting or goodbye, so you will probably encounter this at school, for example, if you meet the headmaster, etc. It is not common among friends. 

There are two types of greetings – formal and informal. The informal one Ahoj/Čau (Hello) you say to your friends and family members. The formal one Dobré ráno/Dobrý den/Dobrý večer (Good morning/afternoon/ evening) you say to people you do not know very well, teachers and other authorities. 

The Footwear Question 

You should take off your outdoor shoes when entering a Czech flat or house. The same goes for when entering a school. Usually, at school, there is a locker room called “šatna” where you change your outdoor shoes for slippers and hang your coat or jacket. 

This special habit is important especially during winter when the boots we wear can be dirty from snow and mud. Your Czech host family will probably have rows of indoor footwear arranged near the front door or in a show cabinet called botník. The first space at the entrance door is called předsíň and it is used to change shoes and hang coats or jackets. 

Sniffling 

Sniffling is considered extremely bad manners, and so people blow their noses and carry tissues at all times. It is normal to blow one’s nose in public places. People consider it much more polite than sniffling. 

Punctuality 

When you are meeting a friend it is quite common to come on time or 5-10 minutes late, not more. You have to be very punctual when meeting an older person or when going to school. If you arrive late to school, it is sometimes marked as an absence or you will be not allowed to come inside until the break starts! Punctuality should also be observed when arriving at official events, there it is also expected that you arrive about 5-10 early. 

Your experience 

As you will spend more time in the Czech Republic, you will observe many differences in customs and practice. Be sure to pay attention to these differences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more attention you pay to the way things are done, the more you will learn about the Czech culture, and the more successful you will be able to adapt to the Czech way of living. 

Visitors at home 

Most families like to receive visitors. However, it is usually an activity that is well planned in advance by the family. It is not very common to bring your friends home when the parents don’t know about it. Czech families are used to keeping their privacy, so normally “a visit” means cleaning, shopping, and cooking – don’t let your host parents become nervous about unexpected visitors. Don’t forget to consult any of your visits. 

Czech character 

Czech people can be often perceived as “cold” at first. However, when you get to know them closer, you discover they are very open in sharing their feelings and thoughts with their friends and have a very warm relationship with their closest friends and relatives. We are also very open about our negative emotions and you might think from this that Czechs as pessimistic. The simple reason is perhaps that in your country you are not used to sharing negative emotions with people around you. This approach is present also in education – if you don’t like something, you should say it (the same goes for parents and children). Sometimes, to speak only about the positive is perceived as hypocrisy, because life is not always only positive. It can be difficult, but try to be open in your emotions! For the family, it is very important to receive feedback from you. If you don’t share it with them, they may see it as if you were keeping a distance. 

The Czechs are not very self-confident. It is difficult for us to talk about our qualities and success. We are mostly too modest to do that. On the other hand, we like to celebrate the success of others such as closest friends and relatives. 

Snídaně (breakfast) is generally eaten around 7 am (on weekdays, weekends are different) depending on family habits. Most often one of the parents prepares it for everybody or you take a snack by yourself. We regularly eat bread with jam, cheese or ham and tea. During the school day, there is usually a longer break around 10 am when most students have a snack. The host parent will either prepare it for you, or you will do so yourself. Do not be afraid to ask about this. 

Oběd (lunch) is served at school during weekdays so you eat with your schoolmates. Don’t expect a lot of vegetables or fruits – the meals are mainly composed of meat with sauce and potatoes, rice, pasta or dumplings. Together with the main meal you will have soup and dessert. During the weekends it is usually the mother who prepares lunch for all family members (the children often help her) and everyone eats together. If you take the initiative from time to time and offer to cook something from your local cuisine, they will be more than happy! The Czechs are usually quite open to trying new recipes.

Večeře (dinner) can also be a main meal similar to lunch. Sometimes the family doesn’t have a “big meal”, but only bread with cheese or ham. Dinner is typically eaten between 6 and 7 pm and is often a unique opportunity to meet all the family members and talk. Take advantage of this and try to be there even if you are not hungry. 

Typical Czech dishes are rather heavy and do not include many vegetables or fruit. Nowadays the situation is slowly changing for the better. Here you have some examples of the most typical meals you shouldn’t miss!

• Pork with dumplings and cabbage (knedlo-vepřo-zelo)
• Czech pancakes (lívance)
• Dumplings (knedlíky)
• Cream sauce and cranberries (Svíčková s brusinkami)

We have gathered information regarding the main topics of your exchange experience in the Czech Republic and how it can be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on our hosting experiences for a group of 70 exchange students since September 2020. We hope this information will help you to have a better understanding of how the Czech Republic is dealing with COVID-19, and how the Czech Republic and AFS Mezikulturní programy Czech Republic are responding. We are all together in this and we are all public health agents, let’s work together to overcome this situation. You can find official information here:

Re-Open Europe: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/CZE/7011

Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic: https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/en/

Visit the Czech Republic: https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Covid-19

As you will be asked to provide information about your home country, we suggest you bring along some materials with information on your country, town, and pictures of your home, parents, friends, and school. You should be prepared to speak about the standard of living in your country, history, geography, political system, etc. Your family, school, and friends will greatly appreciate it as it will broaden their knowledge and enhance intercultural learning. Also bringing along some little souvenirs from your country/state as gifts for your host family and people you meet during your stay is a good idea. It may happen that not only your host family and friends will ask you about your home country, but that you will have the opportunity to do school presentations for other students. 

Your national office will inform you about the visa procedure before your departure in time! You will have to apply for a LONG TERM VISA at the local Czech Consulate in your country (with the help of an AFS office) a minimum of 2 months before departure! At least three days (for non-EU students) or 30 days (for EU students) after arrival, all AFS participants have to register with the Czech Immigration Office. 

Try to learn as much as you can also about the Czech Republic. There are many internet pages where you can find interesting information about our country and local culture. Try to find some similarities or differences with your own culture, identify things that you are looking forward to or which may be difficult for you. Knowing it from the outset can help you a lot. 

Here are some tips: 

#VisitCzechRepublic

EveryCulture.com

afs.cz/basics-information/

Credit cards are the easiest to use. You can find ATMs almost everywhere (except for small villages) and they accept all types of credit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, Master Card, American Express, Dinner’s club). 

You will need approximately 1200 USD for the Year Program and 600 USD for the Semester Program (it depends on your own needs during your stay). We advise you to have a small amount of cash with you in case you want to buy something during your journey. Upon arrival, you can change it into Czech crowns (you can always change USD or Euro with no problems). 

Here you have some price examples: 

• Lunch in a restaurant – around 180 Kč (9 USD) 
• Orange Juice (1 liter) – 30 Kč (1.5 USD) 
• Coca-Cola (0.5 liter) – 30 Kč 
• Movie ticket around – 150 Kč (7 USD) 
• Bus/tram one way ticket – from 24 Kč (from 1 USD) 
• Brand Jeans – 2 000 Kč (100 USD)