Cultural Capital

What does it have to offer? Well, France has pioneered art house movies, modern fashion, visual art, pastries, and wine, something the French people are extremely proud of. Their cultural influence extends to more ‘practical’ inventions such as the taxi, metric system, and antibiotics. France remains important, not looking over its shoulder, hosting some of the largest and most powerful businesses on the planet.

Look outside of Paris

It may be tempting to jump to Paris and study in the capital, ignoring the rest of the country, but Paris is not your only option when choosing to study there. There are plenty of other cities that you can study abroad in if you want to tap out of the fast-paced sophistication of Paris and opt into a slower pace of life, enjoying simpler pleasures. Whilst looking at France to spend your time studying abroad, think of Grenoble, Lille, Lyon or Toulouse as veritable choices. They offer a smaller, vibrant, local city experience.

Welcoming atmosphere

France actively wants to tempt students from across the globe to study within its borders, so the country would be especially welcoming and inviting to you. In recent years, France has made a large effort to recruit more international students. To do so, the French government has simplified the visa process, and in some cases, even offers grants to entice foreign students to study abroad in France. This is great news for any prospective students outside of France and the EU who are nervous about the visa process when studying abroad in France.

Choices abound

As a student, you are spoiled for choice in France. There are over 3,500 higher education institutions within its borders. If you choose to study in the country, you can take your pick from an almost unlimited number of schools, programmes, and locations. You should take full advantage of this opportunity and do whatever your heart desires. For instance, you can study wine management in Dijon, or a programme in innovation or entrepreneurship in Marseille. Regardless of your choice, you are sure to have an incredible time studying abroad in France.

Perfect weather 

Most of France enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year due to its prime location in Europe. Students who don’t like extreme temperatures will find the weather extremely comfortable when studying abroad in France. Because of its geographic diversity, students can find a more Mediterranean climate in the south of France. Or, if the snow is your thing, try the country’s mountainous regions to get a full winter experience. Either way, when you study in France, you will be able to enjoy perfect weather while also visiting a wide variety of exciting new places in the region.

Haute Cuisine

The food in France may be one of the main drivers that brings anyone to France, let alone students. As a student, you’ll be able to sample these delicious delights for as long as you live there. France’s most lasting and pervasive influence on the rest of the world is its food.

Unless you haven’t enjoyed a croissant, some brie on a baguette, or a glass of champagne to celebrate New Year’s Eve (or anything, for that matter), then you are among the few who can honestly say they have never enjoyed or experienced the taste of France. It plays a pivotal role in French society. As an international student, you will struggle to be disappointed by the variety and quality on offer. In addition, the food is unexpectedly affordable.

Study French in France

French is one of the world’s most beautiful, most stereotypically romantic languages, and what better place to learn French than France itself. Studying abroad in France, you will have an incredible opportunity to learn how the language works, how one word flows to the other, how to affect French’s melody through practicing with the locals. Learning another language whilst studying abroad will strengthen your chances both career-wise and friendship-wise. If, however, you have no desire to learn another language, there are many courses that can be taught entirely in English.

The gateway to Europe

France borders six different countries, so studying in France provides the perfect base for travelling across and through Europe. With this choice, you will find yourself not only exploring what France has to offer, but also places such as Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. You can make use and take advantage of France’s affordable, extensive, and efficient transport links and network. Whether on land or through the air, France offers the opportunity to travel regardless of your student budget.

Plus, France’s transportation system is affordable, efficient, and extensive. Therefore, whether by plane, train, or automobile, you can travel the world, even if you’re an international student on a budget.

Negatives of living in France

There are, of course, certain factors that can ward you off living in France as an international student. Many French people have a reputation abroad for being arrogant, the food is not always fantastic, and the weather may not be as temperate as we have said, especially in the northern regions of France. Also, in a cold, arrogant atmosphere, you may not be able to speak in English to anyone easily in France, as locals there tend to speak only French. Because of that, it might be stressful for you to interact with fellow students or local communities, which means that you will have to make the extra effort to learn the language.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Paris

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Berlin is a top destination to consider if you want to study abroad. This article will shed some light on the city’s universities, its student life, higher education options and its other attractions – so you can decide whether you want to study abroad in Berlin.

Student hub

The German capital of Berlin is an extremely attractive option for students, especially international students. The vibrant city has something on offer for everyone. Culture and art admirers can find creativity flowing through every corner of the city. Party animals can head to the many pubs, bars and nightclubs dotted around the city. While nature enthusiasts can enjoy Berlin’s weather by exploring one of the city’s many parks. Berlin’s history is also a fascinating past to uncover and there are plenty of opportunities to do so around the city.

In addition to its countless recreational activities, Berlin is also known for its affordability as compared to other European countries. This makes it appealing to students who have limited or relatively volatile sources of income. According to a study by FairFx, Germany is the second cheapest country to study in. This can be attributed to the various offers available to students, such as free travel around the city and discounts at several retail and departmental stores, galleries and libraries. As compared to other European cities, Berlin’s living costs are exceptionally low while also offering a high quality of life.

The student population is also quite significant in the city which means it is easy to meet and socialise with students who study at other universities.

How many universities are there in Berlin?

The city has five major public universities and more than 20 private, professional and technical universities and colleges, offering a wide range of courses over numerous disciplines. There are also several international schools in Berlin. A major pull factor for opting for university education in Berlin is that there are no tuition fees. This means that, with the required grades, you can access the best schools to study in Berlin.

What is student life like in Berlin?

Student life in Germany is known to be vibrant, exciting and adventurous. This is especially true for Berlin which, as a popular study destination, is full of young students from different universities, cultures and countries. The international community of students in Berlin increases your chances of meeting people from your home country as well as learning about different cultures too!

Why is Berlin a great option for higher education?

If the multitude of high-quality universities and other colleges in Berlin are not enough, here are other reasons why you should consider Berlin for your further studies:

• English is a prevalent language: Berlin is not a place where people only speak German. Since the city is a global hub, most universities teach courses in English.
• High-quality education: Universities provide high-end teaching and offer internationally-renowned degrees which are a significant benefit if you are considering working in a different country.
• You can choose from a diverse range of courses: The universities in Berlin offer a multitude of courses that are spread over numerous disciplines. This provides you with the flexibility to choose a course that fits your budget, vocation and schedule.
• You get access to many scholarship programmes: Certain students have the opportunity to apply to German scholarships if they decide to study in the country. The German Academic Exchange Service (or DAAD) are examples of scholarship organisations that provide scholarships to international students.
• Study gaps are not an issue: German universities have no issue with admitting students who are returning to their studies after a long time, unlike some countries such as India.
• Great career options after graduation: Berlin is a hub for start-ups and international corporations. If you want to extend your stay in Berlin after the completion of your course, there are plenty of job opportunities in multiple fields.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Lisbon

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Education

First things first, if you want to study abroad then the operative word is study. Where you choose greatly affects the quality of education you receive. Lisbon offers students a qualified network of both public and private universities and research centers, promoting close collaboration with higher education institutions of international standing (such as MIT or Carnegie Mellon).

There is a scheme called ‘The Lisbon MBA,’ which was created through a partnership between the Nova University of Lisbon, the Catholic University of Portugal, and the MIT Sloan School of Management. The city itself additionally offers a variety of extended research programmes. Universities and research centers in Lisbon encourage exchange between teachers, students and researchers through various international cooperation programs.

Affordable Tuition and Cost of Life

Lisbon is one of the lowest cost cities in the European Union. The cost of attending higher education is also lower than average.

Accommodation

Lisbon offers around 72 students residences, principally located in the city centre, with easy access to the various campuses around the city. Lisbon also boasts numerous internationally acclaimed hostels; offering high-quality accommodation at reduced prices, which have received several awards.

Sporting Opportunities and Great Climate

In Lisbon the sun shines for approximately 289 days a year! Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is known for its unique light. There is excellent cuisine, with plenty of bars and restaurants for you to discover and enjoy.

Lisbon being the sunniest capital in Europe means you have the freedom to try and practice a huge variety of sports such as jogging, biking, hiking, golf, horse riding, football or skateboarding. The proximity to the river allows you to go rowing, canoeing, surfing, sailing or kitesurfing. There are two spectacular coastal sites nearby (Guincho and Ericeira), which are surfing hotspots. There is a reason Lisbon is the 2021 European Capital of Sport.

Friendly People and a Welcoming City

Lisboners are friendly and spontaneous. 42% speak two foreign languages and at least 23% speak three. The most spoken foreign languages are English, French and Spanish. Lisbon is home to numerous communities from Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Ukraine, India and China, among others.

Culture and Creativity

History is present at every corner when we walk through Lisbon’s old neighborhoods of Baixa, Alfama and Castelo. At night, you can easily find places to hear Fado, Lisbon’s typical musical genre, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity in 2011. There is always something happening in Lisbon, from major concerts to film and music festivals. Lisbon has a wide range of cultural facilities, shops and places of leisure with strong links to the city’s traditional neighborhoods. It is a truly creative city with a variety of cultural events and over 75 museums and galleries.

Safety

Security is one of the strengths of the city of Lisbon and is even considered one of the safest capitals in Europe. Portugal and Lisbon have low indicators of violent crime.

A Green City

Environmental sustainability is one of Lisbon’s strong points. The city has a network of station points to supply electric cars and of cycle paths connecting residential areas to services and green areas. Besides the city’s major green areas – Monsanto Forest Park and the Bela Vista Park – there are also several parks and gardens of historic and artistic interest, where you can relax and enjoy the city.

Leisure and Entertainment

Lisbon hosts events (many of international notoriety) throughout the year for a diversity of audiences (E.g.: the Web Summit, the Rock in Rio festival, the Volvo Ocean Race, etc). Along the Tagus waterfront are numerous places to dine, drink or dance, such as the Alcantara Docks. The area of Bairro Alto, home to the city’s original Fado houses, is now full of bars and small res­taurants.

A Cosmopolitan City Open to the World

Lisbon is not only Europe’s Atlantic hub, but also that of Africa and the Americas. Portuguese explorers set sail from the Tagus river in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries to give “new worlds to the world” (Luis de Camões, in “Os Lusiadas”). Lisbon has always welcomed new people and cultures, lending its inhabitants a spirit of great openness towards foreigners, as evidenced by the many favorable testimonies of those who work or study here.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Rome

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You will inevitably make your way towards the Colosseum. One of the greatest examples of Roman architecture and engineering, it was once the site of gladiator battles. The Colosseum stands the test of time as a historical marvel and a destination on many bucket lists.

Many Rome study abroad programmes will be based within walking distance of other incredible sites, such as the Pantheon, Scalina Spagna, and the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to throw a coin into the latter, legend says this ensures a return trip to Rome someday!

Exploration

One of the benefits of studying abroad and living there means you will begin to be drawn to places off the beaten track. For example, the Aventine Keyhole is an opportunity to gaze simultaneously at the amazing landscapes of three different countries through a rather inconspicuous brass keyhole. Located on an unmarked door in a piazza on Aventine Hill, the keyhole offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City. The villa grounds just outside of the door belong to Malta. Beyond the villa, the grounds belong to Italy. You can get an unforgettable view of three countries without even leaving Rome!

Shorter trips to Rome often only explore the sites above ground. Studying abroad in Rome allows you time to tour Underground Rome. Beneath the city lies subterranean sites rich with history. Explore the cells beneath the Colosseum where lions and people awaited their fate before their entrance onto the Colosseum floor. You’ll also have time to visit Saint Peter’s tomb in the Vatican Necropolis, the Domus Aurea, and the Roman catacombs.

Food

The food in Rome is famously delicious and will live up to its distinguished reputation. Your study abroad programme may include a meal plan that would allow you to sample every delicacy in the city.

You will have the opportunity to try authentic Roman street food such as suppli (rice balls that have been fried and stuffed with mozzarella and bolognese sauce). If you are in a rush, you will be able to grab a slice of pizza al taglio, which is crispy, thin, and square. Classic Roman pasta dishes are, of course, available, such as bucatini all’Amatriciana or carbonara.

Every corner in Rome will be able to supply your hungry lips with the best espresso and gelato in the world. You could even spend your time in Rome taking cookery classes and learning how to make the best food in the world for yourself.

Beauty

Your courses during Rome study abroad programmes will be located in some of Rome’s historic centres. Roman landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Vatican may be within a short walking distance.

The campuses you take your courses at will often be outfitted with state-of-the-art computer labs with printing facilities, reference libraries, and student lounges. Be sure to ask your programme coordinator for details about what your campus has to offer you.

You can also be sure that your programme will provide on-the-ground staff dedicated to welcoming and supporting students during their time abroad. These staff members are available to offer study abroad in Rome tips on academics, accommodations, travel advice, and adjusting to a new culture.

Language

Studying abroad in Rome is a great way to immerse yourself in Italian culture and it’s language. Some consider Italian to be the most romantic of the Romance Languages, with the added bonus of being considered one of the easier languages for native English speakers to learn. Many English words actually share Latin roots with Italian words, and verb tenses in English and Italian are very similar. The written Italian word is very phonetic, and therefore easily understood, making it straightforward for beginners to pronounce words from dictionaries.

There’s no better way to learn a language than through immersion. For those interested in learning as much Italian as possible, many programmes offer certificate programmes or full coursework in Italian language – be sure to ask your programme coordinator or advisor for details. Incorporating foreign language proficiency into your undergraduate curriculum and enhancing your CV will open many doors to you in the future. You can also fully immerse yourself in the Italian language by choosing an Italian homestay during study abroad in Rome. You’ll be able to experience authentic Italian life and surround yourself with native Italian speakers.

Travel

When studying abroad in Rome, you are situated in central Italy and the heart of Europe. The opportunity to see the world is quite literally at your doorstep! Many Rome study abroad programmes offer travel opportunities as a part of your study abroad package.

Look out to see if day trips to Assisi, Spello, and the Umbria region are included in your programme. You will be able to explore medieval villages, enjoy sightseeing with an art professor, tour the Basilica of St. Francis, visit a mill, and indulge in delicious olive tasting.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Madrid

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Quality education

One of the most significant benefits of studying in Madrid is that the qualifications of most Spain-based schools are recognized worldwide. Educational institutions here, such as the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, have a worldwide reputation in excellence as far as education and training is concerned.

In fact, Madrid offers some of the world’s best training in research, technology, and innovation. The education here is subject to continuous grading and scrutiny by the government, professional bodies as well as other stakeholders. This scrutiny helps in maintaining and improving the already high standards of Madrid’s education system.

Cultural diversity

As people from all over the world come together to study in Madrid, you’re exposed to not just one culture, but many others as well. The culturally diverse nature of Madrid lets people from different countries all over the world meet and interact.

A study from 2012 showed that over 17,000 international students studied in Madrid during that period. Can you imagine how many there are now? The point is, studying in Madrid allows you to meet people of diverse origins and cultures. You can easily network, make valuable connections and establish lasting friendships with people from all parts of the world.

Besides, Madrid’s geographical location and infrastructure also lets you travel to other cities and countries in Europe. If you’re a globetrotter, this is reason enough to want to study in Madrid.

Remember, getting to experience and learn about other cultures can be a significant boost to your knowledge. This is especially true if you plan to establish a successful international career in the future.

Interesting lifestyle

 Apart from cultural diversity, living and studying in Madrid is also very interesting. From the sunny weather, cultural events and recreational facilities to art galleries and famous museums, Madrid has something for everyone.

After all, the city is one of the most popular destinations in Spain and Europe. Those who study here have access to the famous Prado and the Reina Sofia. These offer cheap entry fees and occasional discounts to students.

Opportunities to learn Spanish

Spanish is one of the world’s most spoken languages, with roughly 469 million speakers. It is also widely recognized as an official language in many countries. Therefore, studying in Madrid will help you learn Spanish and improve your language skills, as well as give you an edge in the international market. Besides, once you learn Spanish, learning other Romance languages, like French, Portuguese and Italian, becomes much easier.

Cost of living

For most international students, the cost of studying and living abroad is usually a major concern. Luckily, Madrid is much more affordable compared to other cities when it comes to studying abroad. Taking an undergraduate course in Madrid is way cheaper than taking the same course in London or many other famous cities.

For those coming from outside the EU, you may have to pay more. If you’re repeating a subject, you may also have to pay more. Although the variance is still reasonable compared to what you might have to pay in other expensive cities. Most institutions here offer scholarships that, if you’re lucky enough to get, can significantly reduce the cost.

As for the cost of living, Madrid is considerably less expensive than other cities in developed countries, and has been ranked as one of the world’s most affordable cities for young people. The standard of living is also high. So, you don’t really have to worry about expenses when studying in Madrid.

Local sports

The people of Madrid love sports. The city is practically the epicentre of football in Spain, and you can see this from its football teams: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. These are among the top football teams of Spain as they feature prominently in La Liga. They also do well in the Champion’s League. If you have a keen interest to study as well as partake in sports, Madrid is the place for you. All universities here have state of the art sports facilities at your disposal.

Transportation

Another reason to study abroad in Madrid is the transportation system. When living in a foreign city or country, you want to be able to do things and move around as efficiently as possible. Madrid allows you to do all of this.

The zero-mile marker located at the heart of this city is the hub of all Spanish roads. The Puerto del Sol marker allows you to travel to any area you want with great ease.

Apart from the highways, Madrid is also linked with a well-developed railway system that allows you to travel to other cities as smoothly as possible. You can decide to travel to Barcelona in less than three hours and get to experience the rich Spanish culture in its authentic form. You can even choose to go down to Valencia and get to experience the beautiful coastal weather and scenery.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in London

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Below we have listed (some, not all) reasons studying abroad in London is one of the best choices for students looking overseas.

World-class Universities

Educational opportunities are bountiful in London. Multiple top universities are located in the city with a wide selection of programmes available. These include the London School of Economics, Central St Martins, St. George’s University of London, King’s College London, Imperial College London, Royal Academy of Drama, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, University College London.

These institutions are as varied as they are prestigious; St. George’s is a medical school offering courses in a hands-on clinical environment. It’s also the only university in the U.K. dedicated to medicine, science and health and shares its campus with a teaching hospital. University College London (UCL) is a leading university consistently listed in the QS World University Ranking’s Top Ten. Richmond, the American International University in London is the first university in the U.K. to have the authority to grant both U.S. and U.K. degrees. Richmond has a thriving international student body, with students from over 100 nations.

Professional Opportunities

London is a global centre for finance, technology, business and the arts. In fact, the size of London’s economy is larger than that of several (small) European nations. As one of the command centers for the global economy, students will find no shortage of professional opportunities when studying abroad in London.

You will be able to undertake internships and experience in a wide variety of fields, including advertising, art and design, art history, event planning, fashion, finance, marketing, media, journalism, music, non-profit, politics, public relations, psychology and theatre.

Historical and Cultural Sites

It is rare to get to live in a city with such rich and contrasting histories as London. Old and new stands side by side, medieval buildings that survived the Blitz alongside some of the tallest buildings in the world. You will be able to visit the historic Tower of London and learn about its dark history (it was used as a prison in the 16th and 17th centuries). Now, the Tower of London is now a protected World Heritage Site and one of England’s most popular attractions. You can walk by Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official residence. Built in 1703 and remodeled numerous times, the Palace has an impressive 775 rooms and the largest private garden in London. Don’t forget to visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the most famous clock tower in the world! Big Ben has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, looms 315 feet above the city and has become an icon of London and Britain.

You will be able to visit many attractions and activities as a student, with student prices – often discounted or free, students can enjoy activities such as a Harry Potter tour, trips to a football match, performances at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

Thriving Food Scene

London is a multicultural city with culinary masterpieces available from all corners of the globe. There’s no shortage of traditional British dishes like an English breakfast, tikka masala, mincemeat pies and pastries. Students will also find culinary delights from all over the world, with (almost) every culture in the world represented in restaurants across the capital. Head to Brick Lane or Brixton for the most interesting and exciting foods London has to offer. Students studying abroad in London will have incredible access to London’s diverse cuisine.

Sports

Few cities rival London’s sports scene. Football—known as soccer in the U.S.—is the most popular spectator sport in London and has several of England’s leading stadiums and clubs.  You can visit the national stadium, Wembley, in Northwest London. The home of many sporting events are here – rugby in Twickenham, Cricket at Lord’s, and tennis at Wimbledon. London has hosted the Summer Olympics the most times in modern history, having hosted the Olympics three times.

If you study sports science or management abroad, you will be spoiled for choice in London.  You can visit London football stadiums whenever you like/can afford to – such as Stamford Bridge, the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the Emirates, Craven Cottage, Selhurst Park, and the Olympic Stadium, as well as Olympic Park (home of the 2012 London Olympics). No matter what your major or interests, London has all the resources a college student could want when studying abroad!

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Paris

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There are plenty of reasons why they would do this, as Paris will open your eyes to how millions of people live many miles from you. By studying there, you will be able to immerse yourself in Parisian life. It is a cultural melting pot and the oldest city in Europe. Below are five reasons why you should study abroad in Paris.

Paris has some of the best universities on the planet

By studying in Paris, you will be able to take classes at world-famous universities. World-famous here means world-class education, and you will be able to take your pick from universities such as the Sorbonne (which has been split into 13 autonomous universities, under the heading Paris-Sorbonne University), École Polytechnique, University of Paris, and the Normale Superieure Paris. This is not a comprehensive survey, of course, but you will stand out from the crowd when you list one of Paris’ famed institutions on your CV.

Make sure that, once you are inside these halls of learning, you take advantage of everything that the university and their modules have to offer. The extra-curricular element of your studies is likely what you’ll remember most fondly, as they will offer everything from student clubs to guest lectures, as well as day-trips and internships. You can expect to be taken to Giverny, Versailles, and Fontainebleau, as well as places closer to the centre of Paris, such as to museums, galleries, the opera, or the cinema.

You can study almost anything

Regardless of what you are studying before you leave for Paris, the city has so many courses and programmes that you will find one that satisfies your academic needs and matches your interests. Whether you’re studying economics, education, architecture or art history, you can be certain there will be something for you. The course lengths vary, so you can spend summers or semesters on chosen subjects. There are a number of comprehensive programmes available if you are wanting to immerse yourself in French culture, and you can take courses in French cinema (think Godard, Varda, etc) to key political issues such as immigration. Whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, it is doubtful that you would have a problem finding programmes that fit with your study schedule.

Expense may not be as big an issue as you think

Whilst, yes, Paris is a very expensive place to live, students who will worry about budgeting will still be able to afford to study in the city. Most study abroad programmes in Paris will be expensive, but many of these programmes will include housing, cultural activities, tuition, insurance, and many excursions in the programme fees. This means your money is going a long way. Furthermore, many institutions in Paris, and France more generally, offer discounted or free entry for students. This means you can visit the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and the Pompidou affordably.Even if a whole year abroad of academic study is out of your monetary reach, many of these programmes offer shorter – seasonal – sessions that can be as short as a single month. Furthermore, you will be able to apply for bursaries and scholarships, as well as receiving help with financial planning.

Learn to speak French

An obvious advantage to studying in Paris is that your French will naturally improve. It is an official language of diplomacy, the official language of the European Union, and one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world – from Paris to Dakar to Marrakech, French comes in useful – so the ability to learn to speak French is a huge advantage across the board. There are many modules available entirely in French, or you can take intensive sessions in order to learn French. The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture, the food, and the people. You’ll start picking it up before you know it!

A previous knowledge of French is often required by many study abroad programmes in Paris. Fear not, nearly every programme has classes to help students of all proficiency improve their French. Organisations will have intensive language and culture courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers.

Its Paris

Paris is often viewed as the most beautiful, most romantic city on Earth. There is a countless array of art, architecture, food, entertainment, fashion, and nightlife for you to enjoy. You can peruse bookshops and walk the road of the artists in Montmartre, sample fresh bread from your local patisserie, sip espresso in Les Deux Magots. The initial culture shock will lay the ground for your personal growth and change.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Prague

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Why are so many people going to Prague and talking about how fabulous it is? Is it centuries of incredible architecture, wonderful music, enticing atmosphere, low prices, or some of the best beer and wine in the world?

All of the above are true! But maybe you can best see by putting a picture in your mind: It is evening. You are walking over a long cobblestone bridge built in the 1300s — the Charles Bridge — which for centuries was the only bride over the river.

All along the bridge are statues of saints from the 1700s, and artists selling their paintings and photography. In front of you are fairy-tale towers from the 1400s and 1500s. There are riverside cafes and bars with people talking and laughing. Beyond them is the green dome of a church where Mozart himself played the organ in the 1700s.

You ask yourself if this can all be real, and you discover to your delight that it is. That fact begins to sink in when  you stop at a cafe and order a cava (coffee) or pivo (beer) and drink it all in.

The trip
We traveled to Prague with a study group for DePaul University, School for New Learning, where all the students are at least 24 years old, many of them working professionals going back for a degree, but including people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our group of 14 made up the class “Prague: And Historic City of Art, Architecture and Music,” which led us to learn a lot about art, architecture and music, but also much more. Students, in addition to writing journals about daily events, were free to branch out into studies of Czech economics, politics, history, religion and other aspects of culture.

New musical experiences
Many in our group had never attended a classical event or an opera before. We went to two fine concerts — both of which included music by Mozart — who loved Prague and visited four times. One concert was in a thousand-year-old church.

We went to two operas: Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in the same theater where he conducted the premiere, ad Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” in the beautiful State Opera House. Everyone found them fascinating.

Some students went to a rock club, of which there are many in Prague. Some went to the biggest disco in all of Europe. Others went to the top jazz club in Prague, Reduta, where President Clinton played the saxophone his visit — there’s a picture on the wall.

We also took the Jazz Boat, which goes up and down the river Vltava, while people eat and drink, admire the famous architecture lit up at night and enjoy the jazz.

We visited the Cafe Slavia, where Czech freedom was secretly planned, and attended the famous multimedia Magic Lantern theater. Some people even went on the spooky nighttime ghost tour.

Daytime adventures
We learned about 1930s Functionalism and Art Nouveau architecture on Wenceslaus Square, and the unbelievable variety of architecture on the Old Town Square , where — just by turning your head — you can see Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architecture.

A few blocks away, there is even Cubist architecture. And Prague has a building, called the Dancing Building, by contemporary genius Frank Gehry.

We took walking tours and boat tours on city history, dined at outdoor cafes, rode the Metro to art galleries, had lunch in a Renaissance courtyard, and walked the Jewish Quarter, which has the oldest synagogue in all of Europe.

Fast history
Prague is in Central Europe, Bohemia, which is a region of today’s Czech republic. For centuries, this beautiful city was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the official language was German. Charles IV was a great ruler in the 1300s, who built the bridge and the New Town, and established the still-famous Charles University.

Then in the early 1900s, a man with a Chicago connection helped make history: Tomas Masaryk who at one time taught Slavic languages at the University of Chicago. Masaryk was a friend of President Woodrow Wilson, and got Wilson to back the idea of carving a free country called Czechoslovakia out of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. This dream came true, and Masaryk was elected President of Czechoslovakia, which remained free from 1918 until Hitler seized it in 1939.

Prague suffered under the Nazis for more than four years, until the Russians rolled in to “save”  them in 1945. But the Czechs then immediately became part of the Soviet block, enduring more than 40 years of slavery under a secretive, repressive communist government known for its spies and arresting people.

Prague tried to loosen things up in the hopeful Prague Spring of 1968, when people led by Alexander Dubcek sought a “socialism with a human face.” But the ugly sight of Soviet tanks rolling in to suppress any reforms reminded the world just how bleak Prague remained.

Finally in 1989 freedom was in the air — and Vaclav Have, a dissident playwright who had been repeatedly beaten and jailed by the communists, led thousands of people in the non-violent Velvet Revolution. Russia backed down, a free country was born and Havel was elected president.

Food and drink
Czech food comes out of the old Empire, with lots of dumplings, pork, chicken and hearty goulash. As things are getting more international, you can do as we did and visit a Chinese restaurant, the vegetarian Country Life, and eat pizza in cellars a thousand years old. Drink bottled water. The fresh beer is some of the best in the world, and the wine is excellent.

Chicago connections
At one time Chicago was one of the biggest Czech cities in the world — Pilsen was a Czech neighborhood. Now many Czech-Americans live in Chicago suburbs. George Halas, founder of Bears, was a Czech-American, as was Anton Cermak, mayor of Chicago.

Before you go
Visit the Savvy Traveler or another good bookstore, and stock up on good guidebooks, including Frommer and Steves.

Buy CDs of dvorak’s “Slavonic Dances” and symphonies, and be sure to listen to the most famous piece of Czech music of all, “The Moldau” by the father of Czech national music, Smetana. Rent Czech filmmaker Milos Forman’s Academy Award-winning “Amadeus,” filmed in Prague.

For more information, check our the Czech tourism site and the Prague tourism site.

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