Summer Program: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders

Cross Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders is a 10-day, all-inclusive program in Prague, Czech Republic designed for young people aged 16-22 with Czech heritage or an interest in learning more about Czech culture and studying in CZ. 

Our Program

Cross-Cultural Pathways is designed for students with Czech heritage or an interest in Czech culture, language, and history. Over the course of the program, students explore the Czech Republic and dive deeply into intercultural communication and leadership, all while having fun and making new connections.

Highlights of the program include:

  • Tailored tours of Czech Universities
  • Interactive and fun tours across Prague, Brno, and more.
  • A deep-dive into Czech history
  • A crash course on Czech language
  • Discussions with diplomats, vice-rectors, and experts in education

Program Details

 

Who the Program is For

The program is designed for third and fourth-generation Czech-Americans, but anyone interested in learning more about Czech culture is welcome to apply. 

The program is designed for students aged 16-22. If you would still like to apply but are not in this age range, please reach out to us. 

Many aspects of the program focus on the relationship between the Czech Republic and America, but students outside of America are more than welcome to apply. 

What You'll Learn

The academic portion of the program focuses on several parts of Czech Culture:

History

  • Learn about key historical developments in the Czech Republic and how it has impacted modern Czech culture
  • Students will dive into the history of the Czech Republic, including lessons on totalitarianism and the role of Czech history in the broader European context.

Language

  • Students participate in a Czech language crash course

Cross-Cultural Understanding

  • Engage in discussions of Czech-American relations with diplomats from both nations, and learn to lead within a multicultural team.
  • Participate in workshops and activities that explore Czech diplomatic relations.
  • Work on projects with Czech students that promote cultural understanding
  • Share cultural insights to build connections and bridge differences. 
Exploring Czech Universities

Explore opportunities to study at Czech Universities and take tailored tours of Czech Universities based on your academic interests.

Students will learn about the requirements and program options for studying in the Czech Republic, and talk to local university students and graduates about student life in Prague, Brno, Hradec Kralove, and Ostrava.

Fun and Free Time

Outside of the academic program, students will have time to relax, explore Prague, and spend time with local Czech students.

Some leisure activities have included a bike tour of Prague, laser tag, shopping, swimming in Divoká Šarká, and a Czech cooking class.

Program Costs

The tuition cost for our 2026 Program is $1450 USD. This includes:

  • Breakfast and lunch each day, plus a daily dinner stipend
  • Accommodation in Prague, and accommodation during university tours in other cities
  • Public transportation in Prague and train tickets to other cities
  • Transport to and from the airport
  • Multiple leisure activities, including swimming and cooking classes
  • All program instruction
  • 24/7 Chaperoning/supervision by the MIIC team

Program fees do not include transportation to Prague. 

Scholarships
  • Two full scholarships are available for Minnesota residents through Sokol Minnesota and the Czech and Slovak Cultural Center.
  • There is one half tuition scholarship available for non-Minnesota residents.
  • Students interested in either scholarship should contact lucy.roberts@miic.world for more information. 

Explore Prague, Make New Friends, and Dive into Czech Culture

This is a one-of-a-kind program that allows students to discover the beauty, architecture, culture, and language that the Czech Republic has to offer alongside Czech peers. The program will also feature tailored tours of Czech universities in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Brno, and Ostrava, as well as meet with university leadership.

Dates: July 14th-23rd, 2026

Program Fee: $1,450 USD (+ airfare to Prague)

2026 applications will open in October. Check back soon or email lucy.roberts@miic.world for more information. 

 

In the Media

Article: American students of Czech heritage took part in the 2025 Summer School

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York

The agenda is intensive and diverse. Participants explore Czech culture and history in depth. They take part in fun and interactive tours across Prague, Brno, and more. Students also tour universities, and in their free time, they can join local peers for activities that help them build lasting friendships.”

Article: BUT FEEC hosted students from the USA as part of the international program Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders

On July 19, 2025, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at Brno University of Technology (BUT FEEC) welcomed a group of students from the United States participating in the program Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders, organized by the Mestenhauser Institute for International Collaboration.

Article: Summer School: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders in the Czech Republic

“The Czech and Slovak Cultural Center of Minnesota received applications for the inaugural Summer School. The Board of Directors chose Zoe Otieno to receive a full scholarship.

During July 14-23, 2025, Zoe will embark on a leadership trip through Prague, Hradec Králové, Ostrava, and Brno.