Summer School: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders
Travel. Learn. Lead.
The Mestenhauser Institute is excited to present our 2025 Summer School: Cross Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders. It is a 10-day program in Prague, Czech Republic designed for young people aged 16-22 with Czech heritage or and interest in learning more about Czech language, history, and culture, as well as discover opportunities to study at a Czech university.
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)
Scholarships Available
There is one half tuition scholarship available for non-Minnesota residents. To apply, contact institute@miic.world.
Explore Prague, Make New Friends, and Dive into Czech Culture
Program highlights include workshops on cross-cultural leadership and Czech culture, and leisure activities such as a bike tour of Prague and boat trip.
Program Highlights
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.