Join us for an immersive summer experience in two of the most lively cities in Europe—Prague, Czechia and Berlin, Germany! Both Germany and Prague, while continually devoting themselves to ambitious energy transition goals and frequently ranked as some of the greenest cities in the European Union (EU), also grapple with the consequences of industrial phase-outs and populist conflicts around environmental policies, particularly between rural and urban areas. The program introduces students to international scholars, experts, and leaders in government and NGOs to understand the intersection of policy, politics, technology, and culture, and how those tasked with managing these complexities in the face of an intensifying global environmental crisis interact with problems and stakeholders.
We will spend one month in beautiful, Bohemian Prague, studying with local students at Charles University, one of the oldest and most-respected universities in the world. We will then head to Berlin, the city that never sleeps, to learn from experts at the globally-renowned environmental think-tank, Ecologic Institute. Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the culture and live like locals, with plenty of opportunities to explore museums, landmarks, and all that two or Europe’s best cities have to offer.
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students
- Travel Dates: May 9-July 3, 2026
- Course Dates: April 20-July 31, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Deposit Deadline: March 13, 2026
- Earn 9 credits
- For undergraduates: 6 SHAPE credits, 3 Experience credits
- For graduate students: 9 elective credits
Courses
Students must enroll in 9 credits
Undergraduate Courses
SS 4120 - Sustainable Development and Communities (3 Credits)
Focuses on cultural, social structural, historical, and environmental analyses of
sustainable development. Students engage with relevant social theory and practical
applications in sustainable development case studies.
This course will focus on sustainability and environmental policy and politics in communities, specifically devoting attention to rural/urban conflict that arises from different views on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Students taking the 2-credit option will be able to choose a shorter project option, and will choose 2 of the three labs while on location.
SS 3621 – Non-Profit Management (3 credits)
This course will focus on public and non-profit management of environmental organizations,
as well as their collaborations and interactions with other NGOs, the private sector,
national governments and their agencies, and international organizations.
SS 3960 - Cultural Immersion (3 credits)
This course will focus on students immersing themselves in both German and Czech cultures
through practical and experiential activities of their choice.
Graduate Courses
SS 5302 - Environmental Governance and Decision Making - Nature, Culture, and Power
(3 credits)
Reviews the dominant social scientific narratives related to understanding interactions
between society and the environment. Involves learning to think critically about environmental
problems and the social, political, and cultural contexts in which these problems
arise.
This course will focus on sustainability and environmental policy and politics in communities, specifically devoting attention to rural/urban conflict that arises from different views on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Students taking the 2-credit option will be able to choose a shorter project option, and will choose 2 of the three labs while on location.
SS 5320 - Special Topics in Environmental Policy (3 credits)
This course will focus on public and non-profit management of environmental organizations,
as well as their collaborations and interactions with other NGOs, the private sector,
national governments and their agencies, and international organizations.
SS 5201 - Cultural Dimensions of International Immersion and Research (3 credits)
Students reflect on their culture and assumptions about the world; discuss conducting
research responsibly; consider structural, material, and historical dimensions of
social problems and social change; and explore how to live and work effectively with
people from other cultural groups.
This course will focus on students immersing themselves in both German and Czech cultures through practical and experiential activities of their choice.
Course Descriptions
Itinerary
Students will be responsible for securing their own airline tickets and traveling to Václav Havel Airport in Prague, arriving on either May 9 or 10. There they will meet the program leaders and travel by public transportation to their dormitory.
| Days | Location and Activities |
|---|---|
| May 11-June 6 | Prague, Czechia |
| June 6 -July 2 | Berlin, Germany |
| July 3/4 | Return to Houghton from Willy Brandt Berlin Brandenburg Airport |
Costs
- $3,511.15 per student for 10-12 students
- $2,752 per student for 13-14 students
- $2,447.63 for 15 students
This includes:
|
Study Program Fee Includes |
Student Program Fee Excludes |
|
● Program lodging ● International health insurance ● Course tuition and fees ● Group excursions ○ entrance fees ○ transportation ● On-site transportation ● Group meals (limited) ● Faculty leader(s) ○ Flights and transit ○ lodging during program ○ Group meals ○ Group excursions |
● Travel to and from CMX ● Flight to and from CMX ● Personal travel ● Extra baggage fees ● Cell phones and SIM cards/data plans ● Non-group meals ● Extra snacks ● Personal expenses ● Souvenirs ● Independent activities/travel on free days ● Any extras outside the lodging basics ● Any emergency travel, excluding medical emergencies, or travel related to the student departing program early |
Deadlines
- Application deadline: March 6, 2026
- Program deposit deadline: March 13, 2026
Preparation
This course will take you out of your comfort zone and into situations which are new and exciting! You should be prepared to walk, ride public transport, immerse yourself in daily life, and interact respectfully with people of different cultures. You should also come to the program with an open mind and a flexible, positive attitude—which will yield unexpected encounters and rewards while traveling!
Study Away Information
Have more questions about studying abroad? Study abroad staff can help you with your pre-departure. Here are some other resources that will help you with your visit: