Here you will find answers to questions people usually ask in relation to their planned studies. It may also be useful to double check the Information section. If you cannot find an answer here use the feedback form and ask us. We can then put the answer here and you may help others this way.
How does credit system work?
An average course is worth 3 credit hours. This generally means you will go to school 3 times a week. However there are courses which are worth just one credit (e.g. labs, outdoor courses) and courses which are worth 5 credits (e.g. 1st year language where you have to go to a class every day).
What is the maximum of credits I can take?
The scholarship pays up to 14 credits per semester. However in the past it was not a problem to take less credits during the first semester and more in the second or vice-versa as long as the total didn’t go over 28 credits from August till May. Note that you cannot use these credits during the summer.
What is the minimum of credits I have to take?
The legal requirement is that you have to take at least 12 credit hours. However since the scholarship pays for 14 credits it would be a waste not to use all of them.
Hint: Combine 1/3/5 credit hour classes to use up all your credits.
What classes can I take?
You can study anything you like. You don’t have to stick with classes from you major. Take the opportunity and learn something new or take classes you cannot back home.
What is difference between undergraduate and graduate?
In the U.S. undergraduate programs are equivalent to “bakalarske studium” in the Czech Republic and they last 4 years. The Robitschek Scholarship only pays for undergraduate classes. Even if you are above “bakalar” level or just finishing it, taking undergraduate classes still might be beneficial for you. Sometimes one class is jointly taught as undergraduate and graduate. It is shown in the course catalog something like “400/900”. There are higher expectations for graduate students in the class. You can only register as “undergraduate” but you might benefit and be academically stimulated by the presence of graduate students in the class.
Where can I find what classes are offered?
The place to start is the course catalog.
What are those numbers 101, 302 etc.?
These three digit numbers show the level of the class. They can range from 100 to 499. With 101 being a class for absolute beginners (freshmen) and 499 the highest in the undergraduate program. With the Robitschek Scholarship you can only take classes up to 499 level. In Languages you may consider doing some self-studying for couple days and start straight from 102 or even 201.
TIP: Take harder classes.
Where do I find important dates?
Check the academic calendar to find out what dates you will have to be in school and what will be happening when.
How busy will I be?
You will probably be more busy than at any Czech university. It might almost feel like going back to high school. You will have assignments from week to week. Nothing you could not manage but don’t underestimate the time you will have to spend studying and doing homework.
What classes should I take?
Languages
Do this regardless of what your area of interest is. At UNL you can start from scratch and learn Japanese or join second year Spanish, whatever you fancy. The languages you can study include: French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish. More details at the Department of Modern Languages.
Sports
UNL has one of the best sport centers you will probably ever see. You can get in shape, travel, learn how to climb, all as part of the program. Look for ODED or FITN classes in the course catalog. Some of these classes have fairly high special fees. Don’t worry about it, the scholarship will pay these.
Other
Take classes from your major which you cannot take back home. Study something related to United States like the history etc. Explore new fields!