If you are traveling to Prague and you wish to develop a deeper understanding of the Czech language, you have a number of options available. Perhaps the best involves enrolling and studying in a comprehensive Czech language class while you are there. Here is a list of some of the Czech language schools you can attend when you are in Prague and their features.

Municipal Course
The first option available to you comes from the Czech Ministry of Culture and the City of Prague.  They offer a Czech language course (usually in the summer) that fully immerses you not only in the Czech language but also Czech culture.  Administered by the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies, this course teaches you the Czech language through traditional lessons as well as guided tours to interesting sights and places in Prague, discussions with well-known personalities of Czech cultural life, and trips outside of Prague.  Here are some other features offered through the program:

• Students will receive a Certificate of Completion once the course is done.
• After the course, those interested can take a language exam in order to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, if they so desire.
• The minimum age requirement for attending courses is 18-years-old.  However, younger persons may attend the courses if their parent accompanies them.
• In special cases, a shorter term can be negotiated and approved in advance.

As appealing as this course is, if it does not work with your schedule, there are some other options for learning Czech while you are in Prague.

Czech Language Training
Established in 2001, Czech Language Training is a private language studio that provides top quality teaching of the Czech language for foreigners.  It prides itself on offering enjoyable, interesting and effective courses for students of all levels, taught by friendly, understanding (and understandable) tutors.  Besides the standard services provided by most language schools, Czech Language Training also offers these specialties:

• Only four to six students in their standard group courses.  This offers a balance between a big classroom (where one can become easily lost) and one-on-one instruction (which can be a bit overwhelming).  This set-up allows for quick progress.
• If you miss one of your classes, your tutor will send you all the instruction and homework you missed by e-mail.  This keeps you up-to-date and keeps the whole class together.
• You only enroll for one month, and the payment is only for one month.  You do not have to worry about paying (and staying) for a trimester, a semester, or even a full year.  You simply go month by month.
• You can change your schedule or intensity before each month starts.
• You can evaluate your classes after each month.  This gives you the opportunity to influence how your class is taught.
• Czech Language Training also runs regular film evenings giving you the chance to learn the language in a different context, and it gives you the opportunity to learn more about the Czech culture.
• Czech Language Training has its own library, with books, DVDs and other materials available for checkout.  This allows you the chance to learn more of the Czech language on your own time.

Czech Language Training has a wide variety of classes available, including individual, one-on-one classes, standard group classes (a maximum of six students per class), and special courses for English speaking children.  If you are looking for an excellent way to learn Czech while in Prague, Czech Language Training may be the best option for you.  Another possibility:

Akcent International House – Prague
Established in 1990, Akcent International House is one of the largest private language schools in the Czech Republic.  Some of the courses available at Akcent include:

• Czech Study Summer – a three-week language and culture program.  Designed for students of all levels, the course is divided into 72 morning and afternoon lessons.  In the morning you’ll focus on creating and developing basic language skills.  The afternoon features practical language activities, songs, quizzes, and games.
• Intensive Three-Week Course – this is another class designed for students of all levels.  You’ll meet 60 times if you take this class, and the maximum number of students in your class will be eight.  It meets every morning.
• Czech Express – this is a special one-week program.  This course is based entirely on communication.  You will listen to recordings of dialogues, repeat the most common phrases, and practice the new language in a fun and enjoyable way.  You’ll also create your own dialogues based on what you heard.  This class is limited to three students per session.
• Standard Courses – these courses typically last a semester and are the best option for people staying in Prague for a longer time and wish to improve their Czech skills on a regular basis.  The advantage to this type of course is its systematic structure.  By meeting on a regular basis, but with enough time between classes, it gives students the chance to truly digest the language and practice it in every day situations outside the classroom. 

Learning a new language can be a difficult process.  If you plan on visiting Prague and you are worried about not knowing the language before you arrive, do not worry.  You will have plenty of opportunities to learn Czech once you get there.  Simply pick the course that best suits your style – you will have plenty from which to choose – and start studying.  Good luck!