Freshman Year in Prague

The Freshman Year in Prague is designed to offer you the opportunity to take your first-year classes at Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague as part of the pathway to USC in your sophomore year. 

AAU recognizes that your priority is to successfully transfer into USC. That is why we work closely with USC to ensure that we offer the courses you need to meet the admissions requirements. 

Embarking on your first university semester in Prague is a shared experience among many at Anglo-American University (AAU). Our diverse student body includes a significant number of first-year students from the United States and over 80 other countries, fostering a unique and enriching environment.

While AAU provides you with the freedom to grow intellectually and personally in a different culture, at the same time, you will be surrounded by familiar American academic structures and student services, an environment that you will surely find exciting and refreshing. 

Anglo-American University (AAU), established in 1990 as the first private higher education institution in the Czech Republic, is located in the historic Thurn-Taxis Palace in Prague’s Malá Strana district. With students from over 80 countries, AAU offers a truly international education in small, interactive classes designed for authentic engagement and discussion.

All programs are taught entirely in English and implement American and British higher education approaches and methodologies. In 2016 AAU became the only higher education institution in the Czech Republic with both Czech and American accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, thus providing a double guarantee of educational standards. 

Admission to USC requires a prominent level of success in university-level coursework. Successfully completing this plan demands challenging work and focus. Please note that the Freshman Year in Prague is a path to USC admission, not a guarantee of acceptance. However, when fulfilling the below course plan, you will be able to complete transfer requirements for USC.

Course Plan

Coursework at AAU

During your year at AAU, you may choose from an array of courses across a wide range of subjects. Your AAU courses fulfill USC requirements; thus, enabling the transfer to USC. Most AAU classes are 3 credit courses. A normal semester load consists of 5 courses: thus, earning you 15 credits per semester. You will be registered and enrolled as a full-time visiting student at Anglo-American University, taking AAU courses approved by USC, earning AAU credits, transferable to USC. 

Your AAU academic advisor will be familiar with the conditions of your intended transfer to USC through the Freshman Year in Prague program. 

The USC Fall Semester in Prague program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Czech culture while benefiting from American educational methodologies. Anglo-American University (AAU) is located in the historic Thurn-Taxis Palace in Prague’s Malá Strana district, near landmarks like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Prague, recognized as a top student city, offers affordable dining, vibrant entertainment, and rich cultural experiences. Its central European location also makes it an excellent base for travel.

AAU offers students the opportunity to live together with their classmates from different countries and cultures. AAU’s housing is within 20 minutes of the AAU Campus located in the Holešovice district which is a lively area full of shopping opportunities, parks, and restaurants. According to the Guardian, Holešovice has been named one of the top 10 coolest neighborhoods in Europe. The building has 24/7 security, WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, bed linen, and laundry. Students may choose to live in single or double rooms.

Detailed information about AAU Student Housing can be found here.  

As a full-time visiting student at Anglo-American University, you will be paying AAU tuition and fees.

Anglo-American University (AAU) provides support to students through the visa application process. The university supplies all necessary documents to secure a student visa, which permits you to reside in the Czech Republic for the duration of your program and travel within the Schengen Area.

To ensure timely preparation and delivery of the necessary documents for your visa appointment, we encourage you to apply for the program, secure housing, and complete all payments as early as possible. For the Fall 2025 semester, it’s advisable to schedule your visa appointment no later than June 15, 2025, at the appropriate consulate. Please note that European Union citizens do not require a visa to study and reside in the Czech Republic.

Once you decide to participate in the program as a full-time visiting student, you can apply by filling in the  online application form. Please ensure you designate USC as your “Home University” in your application. This authorization allows USC to share your admission documents with AAU, facilitating a seamless enrollment process.

During your stay you will benefit from a centrally located campus and vibrant student life full of events. You will be able to participate in a range of student clubs, engage with the Student Council, contribute to AAU’s student magazine – the Lennon Wall or student radio – Sound Bricks  and finally visit famous sites like Charles Bridge or Prague Castle all within a few minutes’ walk from AAU. 

All Freshman Year in Prague program students are entitled to the following benefits at no additional cost: