Central Europe Summer
CzechMates + Business in Central Europe
May 7 - June 22, 2024
7 weeks, 6 credits
Application Deadline has PASSED: January 24, 2024
Application closed
Central Europe Info Session!
Learn more about this summer program to Central Europe from Michael Elavsky – your professor visiting from the Czech Republic, as well as Smeal International Business professor, Peter Mhando. We’ll review how to apply to this program, next steps and answer any questions!
Chat with students who went on this program last summer!
program overview
Explore business and globalization in the Czech Republic and Central Europe!
first half
During the first half of this program, students are enrolled in the CzechMates summer program through Masaryk University – the second largest university in the Czech Republic. Through an interdisciplinary course taught by a former Penn State professor, students will explore what it means to live in a global society and gain new perspectives on their personal and professional identity in a broader world (CzechMates, 2019).
second half
Travel to 4 countries in Central Europe!
This program is based in Brno, Czech Republic with overnight travel to Hungary, Austria, and Poland, exposing students to several cultures within Central Europe. Students will be in class in Brno during the week and enjoy 3-day trips to Krakow, Budapest and Vienna over the first few weekends as part of the CzechMates program.
Possible site visits may include:
- United Nations in Vienna, Austria
- Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary
- Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland
- South Moravian Innovation Center in Brno, Czech Republic
Students will have a free weekend to plan independent travel. Our suggestion? Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic! Just a short 2 hour train ride away and lots to discover.
Budapest, Hungary
Vienna, Austria
Krakow, Poland
Possible excursions to neighboring towns in the Czech Republic
Meet Local Staff & Student Assistants!
Masaryk University Summer Schools
Your study abroad experience will be enriched by all the wonderful work and activities organized by Masaryk University Summer Schools! Erin, Martin, and others will show you around Brno, help you get settled and oriented and fill your afternoons with fun and interesting activities. You will get to know local Czech students who serve as program assistants and take you to their favorite student hangout spots around town.
Local buddies is what makes this program so special and unique!
Expectations
Students should come prepared for an intense and enriching experience! At the end of this program, they will have developed new perspectives on globalization, furthered their understanding of EU and Czech economies, as well as increased their knowledge of global business and international entrepreneurship. This program is a good fit for students interested in business careers, entrepreneurship, and exploring our globalized world!
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.75 GPA or better at the time of the application
- Sophomore standing or above at the time of the program
- Applicants should have an interest in business
GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY
Why Study in Brno?
Check out the Masaryk University Summer Programs Instagram page! Search for our Penn State students from the Summer 2023 program!
Hidden Gem
You’ve heard of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, but you may not know of Brno. While Brno is the second largest city in the country, it remains a hidden gem to tourism, offering a unique atmosphere and authentic relationship with Czech culture.
University Town
Brno is a young, student-friendly city, home to 13 universities. Students will find it easy to navigate, affordable, and a great fit for foodies. Whether you’re in the mood for bite-sized treats or top-notch cuisine, Brno has many gastronomic options (Masaryk University, 2019).
Innovation Hub
Support from the community and local universities has allowed Brno to thrive, and it has developed a reputation as Central Europe’s Silicon Valley. Students will find a number of Czech and international businesses, successful start-ups, and IT talent. Red Hat, IBM, SAP, and Kiwi.com have all had success in this city of innovation.
the study in study abroad
Academics
All students will be enrolled in the following courses for a total of 6 credits:
COMM 499 Global Perspectives – Media, Communication, Culture
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy GS, IL, Inter-Domain or general elective credit for Smeal majors.
Professor Michael Elavksy
During the first 4 weeks of the program, students are joined by other PSU and study abroad students from the CzechMates program to take this 3 credit course.
Through a culturally-immersive learning framework, students will explore how globalization (as process, practice, and system) intersects evolving conceptions of media, communication, and culture as international phenomena. Utilizing directed engagements with the Czech and Central European cultural context (visiting Krakow, Vienna, Budapest, Brno, Telc and Southern Moravia), students will explore the Local as a context for understanding the Global, considering how their own culture, media, and means for communication (language, technology, symbolism, etc.) frame and connect their knowledge and personal experience of the world to broader understandings of their identity and perspective in the world.
During organized group travel to Vienna, Budapest and Krakow, students will have the opportunity to participate in engaged field trips, lectures and cultural activities. Students will also have ample free time for independent exploration of these vibrant cities!
Program activities include the participation of local Czech students who are here to help you find your way around and learn more about your host city!
IB 399 International Entrepreneurship
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy 3 credits of IL and general electives.
Professor Peter Mhando
The internationalization of the common multinational enterprise is challenged by the rise of relatively young entrepreneurial firms early on in their coming to being. Thanks to technological advancements, and globalization of markets these firms bring about a link between entrepreneurial behavior and business performance. International entrepreneurship (IE) as a study, resides in the intersection between international business and entrepreneurship. Of particular interest is the international new venture – Born Global.
This course familiarizes the student with the IE phenomenon and integrates theories and concepts from the IB, entrepreneurship and strategic management.
What does it mean to have an entrepreneurial mindset? How do you maintain an entrepreneurial mindset as your company grows and evolves in the global scene? This course will examine start-up companies that think globally from day one, rather than start-ups that decide to expand beyond the border once they are successful.
At the end of this course, students will understand how entrepreneurs:
- identify foreign market opportunities,
- translate ideas into international ventures,
- deal with key processes in establishing, management, and growth,
- develop route to market strategies to enter foreign markets,
- are different or similar across borders, and
- envision exit strategies
Students will develop practical skills in International Entrepreneurship (IE) through guest speakers and local site visits.
Optional Internship Extension
Students interested in combining study abroad with an internship may consider applying to the CzechMates Internship program in addition to this Smeal study abroad program. At the conclusion of the second course, you would stay on in Brno for an additional 5 weeks to take part in a full-time internship, organized and mentored by CzechMates Program Director, Michael Elavsky.
This requires an additional application and program fee to CzechMates: Brno, Internship and Summer Course (Summer). Please select “Internship Only” option in the application.
Please discuss with Smeal Office of International Programs, if interested. Internship credits would not satisfy any Smeal degree requirements, but don’t let that stop you! Students have found these experiences to be incredibly valuable and meaningful for their personal and professional goals!
faculty
Meet Your Professors
Peter Mhando
Smeal College of Business, Associate Teaching Professor of International Business and International Affairs
My principal research interests lie in the interaction of multiple fields, broadly categorized under economics, finance and management. I thus examine themes through multi-disciplinary lenses, with particular interest in theories and evolving research methods, specifically in International business and International development.
My work broadly examines the influence of contexts on international business environment and I am specifically, interested in the analysis of 21st century international business operations and the interaction between economic development and business growth. My lines of inquiry generally explore how businesses in emerging economies evolve and contribute to societal well-being.
Michael Elavsky
Masaryk University, Department of Media Studies and Journalism
Michael Elavsky is the program director of the CzechMates program and professor at Masaryk University. He is an award-winning American instructor and research scholar (formerly tenured at The Pennsylvania State University) with 20 years in-country academic experience including 2 US State Department Fulbright Scholar appointments.
As an American, he shares the cultural background and understanding of the students’ home and universities, incorporating academic standards and ethical tenets that align with their educational goals and aspirations.
As an expert in international education, he is committed to encouraging students to push themselves to explore their human potential and grow as citizens of the world.
earn 6 credits towards the
International Business Minor
The International Business Minor is an academic credential for Smeal College of Business students to demonstrate their education in international business at Penn State and globally.
logistics
Housing, Travel & Meals
Students will be supported during the program by Masaryk University.
Where You’ll Stay
Students will be staying in shared accommodations in Brno in a local hotel. You will live with other PSU students from this program. Biggest perk of the housing – Hot breakfast is included!
During field trips, students will stay in shared hotel or hostel rooms with other program participants.
Getting Around
All program-related travel is included and will take place either by train, bus or private coach.
While in Brno, students will be given a public transportation pass to get around town easily. You’ll learn how to take the tram around Brno and break in your walking shoes as you explore.
Good Eats
Students will be responsible for most meals throughout the duration of the program. Dining options in Brno are plentiful and inexpensive. Vegetarian options are easily available as well as many types of international cuisine.
Students will discover local favorites and get to experience authentic Czech cuisine during their stay. Meal costs in Brno are quite affordable compared to other big European cities.
what’s it like?
Student Stories
“No matter where you are in the world you’ll always connect with the things you love.” – Maia pictured here in Krakow, Poland
Meet Maia!
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Maia participated on the Central Europe Summer program (Summer 2023). She chose this program for the unique opportunity to travel to other countries and enjoyed meeting students from other schools and from the Czech Republic.
Maia is a Smeal Global Rep, which means that she has returned from abroad and is excited to share her experiences with students exploring the program. Feel free to reach out to Maia to ask questions about what it’s like!
Email: mgk5277@psu.edu
Smeal Student, Summer 2022
“When I chose to study in Brno, I didn’t know a single thing about the city, let alone how to pronounce it. Aside from the weekly excursions to neighboring countries, the classes taught by both Michael and Lou were far more engaging than anything that I have expeirenced in America. This was a breath of fresh air for my higher education.”
Masaryk University Instagram
“First week of summer school in the books. Full of bikes rides, hikes, tours, morning runs, quiz nights and of course – class!
Telč and Třebíč were great but we’re looking forward to showing our first group of students around Brno for the next 3 weeks!”
(@summer_masaryk, May 12, 2023)
Francesca Soto, Summer 2022
“Brno quickly becomes your second home and you feel comfortable and confident walking around the city. The visits to Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, and numerous towns in Czechia allowed me to see the beauty of so many different cities, learn their history and expand my knowledge of Central Europe culture. I would highly recommend this program to anyone!”
Masaryk University Instagram
“This weekend some of the summer students traveled to Kraców where they got the chance to go on a tour of the city and learn about the local history.
The students also had a very meaningful educational experience when they stopped at Auschwitz on the way to Kraców.
The trip ended with a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.”
(@summer_masaryk, May 22, 2023)
Budget
Cost & Scholarships
There are many ways to reduce the cost of study abroad. One key strategy is to plan ahead and select a program that makes the best use of credits towards graduation requirements. Smeal International Program Advisers are available to meet with students to help them select the best program to meet their academic goals.
Click here to view the Budget Sheet for this particular program:
Smeal Summer Study Abroad and International Internship Scholarship
Smeal students are encouraged to apply! One easy application to be considered for various financial awards.
***Scholarships are need-based and require that a FAFSA has been filed to be considered.***
Most PSU scholarship awards are made after the program application is due (January 27) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).
Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
Penn State Office of Student Aid
Have a Question?
Meet with an Adviser!
Make an appointment with a Smeal International Programs Adviser to learn more about study abroad programs, discuss academic fit, and how to apply! We offer in person advising in the Business Building (Suite 484) or virtual advising through Zoom.