Cultural Diplomacy
The Mestenhauser Institute runs multiple cultural diplomacy and partnership projects with policy makers which aim to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and build connections across sectors to embrace diversity. MIIC has held multiple programs, events, and conferences that promote cultural diplomacy within the field of international education, but has also launched our first cultural diplomacy project for youth, Summer School in the Czech Republic: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders.
Summer School Cross-Cultural Pathways
The Mestenhauser Institute’s summer program immerses students in Czech culture, history, and universities.
Partnerships for Internationalization
Partnering with the Czech Ministry of Education and the University of Minnesota
Bridging Continents
Student Leadership in International Education recognizes outstanding student contributions to international education
Summer School
Summer School Cross-Cultural Pathways
The Mestenhauser Institute is proud to announce our newest cultural diplomacy project, Summer Program in the Czech Republic: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders. The program is designed for high school and university students with Czech and Slovak heritage, an interest in Czech culture and language, and/or an interest in studying at a Czech University. It combines an intensive curriculum focused on Czech culture and history, site visits to culturally significant places across the country, university tours tailored to student interests, and free-time activities with local students who will share cultural insights and build lasting connections with participating students
Czech History and Culture
Learn about key historical developments in the Czech Republic and how it has impacted modern Czech culture, and take a crash course in the Czech language. 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. Learn about and experience modern Czech culture including architecture, food, and identity.
Navigating Czech Universities
Explore opportunities to study at Czech Universities and take tailored tours of Czech Universities based on your academic interests. 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.
Develop 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, and share cultural insights to build connections and bridge differences.
Summer School Programme
Video: Introduction of Summer School by Instructors
Partnerships for Internationalization
Driving Quality Institution-wide Internationalization
Partnering with the Czech Ministry of Education and the University of Minnesota
In October 2024, The Mestenhauser Institute hosted an exclusive higher education conference titled “Driving Quality Institution-wide Internationalization”, a landmark event with the Czech Ministry of Education and the University of Minnesota based on cross-sectoral partnerships and focused on the challenges faced by Czech and Slovak universities in delivering comprehensive internationalization. The conversation involved over 50+ university leaders and policymakers, as well as top experts from the United States, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
The event leveraged the expertise of strategic management specialists from the University of Minnesota and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Speakers included Czech policy makers and university leaders. Participants explored essential topics through interactive sessions focused on strategic design, holistic evaluation, leadership styles, and capacity building.
Bridging Continents
Bridging Continents in Partnership with the US Embassy
The event “Bridging Continents: Mestenhauser’s Blueprint on the Future of International Education”, hosted by the Mestenhauser Institute in partnership with the US Embassy in Prague and the American Center in Prague, brought together academics, researchers, students, and working professionals to discuss the legacy of Dr. Mestenhauser and the path forward for international education. The entire discussion can be found below.
Watch the full event here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP60fZ3F5Sc&t=57s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stMS-JxxL5U&t=3s