Program spotlight: History and Area Studies
Are you fascinated by history, culture, and politics? Do you want to understand Central Europe from the inside out — not just through books, but through lived experience and language immersion? The History and Area Studies (HAS) program offers exactly that — a unique, interdisciplinary journey into the heart of Central Europe.
History and Area Studies, an interdisciplinary three-year BA program, is designed for those eager to explore the modern history, culture, and politics of Central Europe, with special attention to the Czech Republic. The program combines academic study in history and area studies with intensive Czech language training, ensuring you will gain both deep regional insight and practical language skills. The program is offered by the Institute of International Studies in close cooperation with the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies at Charles University, ensuring a combination of disciplinary expertise and high-quality language education. By the end of your studies, you will reach at least a B2 (Upper Intermediate) level in Czech, allowing you to engage confidently with the region’s culture and society.
What makes HAS stand out?
Why should you study the History and Area Studies? Here are the key aspects of the program that will help you develop and prepare for your future career
1. Understanding Central Europe in the context
The program will teach you how to grasp regional problems in their context. You will understand the historical and cultural underpinnings of Central Europe. Your language skills will provide you with an insider’s perspective into local and regional debates.
2. Study abroad opportunities
What would it be like to study Area Studies without spending some time in the chosen region? As a HAS student, you can take advantage of a wide range of student mobility opportunities. The international activities available to you will include study periods abroad lasting one semester or a whole academic year, practical placements, summer schools, and research trips abroad.
3. Institute of International Studies
HAS is delivered by the dedicated and friendly Institute of International Studies. We provide a broad spectrum of disciplinary and territorial knowledge that ensures that you make as much as possible from your studies. Members of the Institute are experts in their field, advising public institutions, participating in international research consortia, and regularly appearing in the media.
4. Friendly group and a lot of social activities
You will become a member of a cohesive body of students from around the world. The multicultural environment allows students to live and study alongside different cultures and world views. In addition, we organize social activities throughout the year, including trips outside of Prague, for all international students. Therefore, you will be able to establish long-lasting ties with fellow students from other programs.
5. Access to a wide range of professions
After completion of HAS, you can become a highly skilled employee in the civil service or diplomacy, in NGOs or international institutions as well as in private companies or mass media. You will also be well prepared for a variety of academic pursuits and will possess a wide range of knowledge and skills required in various social science fields.
As a HAS student, you will:
- gain insights into the historical, cultural, and political dynamics of Central Europe
- learn about approaches and methods from different disciplines including social and political studies and international relations
- achieve at least B2 (Upper Intermediate) proficiency in Czech
- benefit from small study groups and an individualised approach
- become part of a community of talented students from all over the world
- enhance your employability by developing your professional and academic skills
Choosing the History and Area Studies program means more than earning a degree — it means joining a community of inquisitive minds passionate about understanding the world through the lens of Central Europe. With its engaging courses, expert teachers, and immersive language experience, HAS will prepare you for a future where cultural awareness and global competence truly matter.
