Spennandi skiptinám í Tékklandi

The Czech Republic is an attractive cultural destination thanks to its natural beauty and numerous well-preserved historic sites. Its architectural monuments, which feature a variety of styles, serve as living evidence of its rich history.

The Czech Republic is divided into two regions: Bohemia and Moravia. The two regions differ in terms of their landscape and traditions. The north and east of Bohemia are well known for their mountains. South Bohemia boasts many small lakes and ponds, while Moravia is home to wonderful caves, sunflower fields and vineyards.

Many castles and chateaux, which are major monuments of historical eras, are popular tourist destinations. Both Bohemia and Moravia are also home to many genuine architectural gems. This applies to some major Czech and Moravian towns, the historic centres of which have stood the test of time and retained their former splendour. Examples of folk architecture can also be found in other parts of the country, such as the timber cottages in the mountain regions of North Bohemia. The Czech Republic is a well-developed country, with the vast majority of its population employed in commerce or industry.

Language

The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, a West Slavic language with roots similar to Slovak and Polish. Czech is used in government, education, media, and everyday communication. English is widely taught in schools and commonly spoken among younger people, while German and Russian are also spoken to some extent, particularly among older generations or in border regions. Regional dialects exist, but the standard Czech language is generally understood nationwide.

Food

Czech cuisine is hearty and comfort-oriented, reflecting Central European traditions. Staples include meat, potatoes, bread, and dumplings. Traditional dishes include svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce), goulash, knedlíky (dumplings), and vepřo-knedlo-zelo (pork with dumplings and sauerkraut). Soups are common, and desserts like koláče (sweet pastries) and trdelník (rolled pastry) are popular. Beer (pivo) is a central part of Czech culture, and the country is renowned for its world-class brewing traditions.

Weather

The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, often with snow, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, while summers are warm, sometimes hot, with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild temperatures, colorful landscapes, and changing weather patterns. Weather can vary regionally due to the country’s hilly and mountainous terrain, and sudden changes are not uncommon.

Religion

The Czech Republic is one of the most secular countries in Europe, with a significant portion of the population identifying as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious. Historically, Roman Catholicism dominated the region, and its cultural influence is still visible in architecture, holidays, and traditions. Other religions, such as Protestantism, Islam, and Judaism, are present but practiced by a small minority. Religious festivals are often celebrated more as cultural heritage than personal faith.

Host families with AFS are voluntarily hosting, come from all kinds of socio-economic backgrounds and can be very different from each other. Where they live can also vary; some of them live in cities, while others live in more rural or suburban areas.

Host families are often located in small towns and villages, rather than large cities; it is also common for grandparents to live with their children and grandchildren.

AFS students in the Czech Republic usually attend a “Gymnázium”, high schools of very good academic standing, studying subjects such as Czech language and literature, history, geography, physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physical education, and two foreign languages.

Family

English is not widely spoken in many Czech families, but this can actually be the fastest way to learn the language!

Parents feel a great deal of responsibility for their children, so they tend to be strict and expect them to help out with household chores. This in no way implies that Czech families are unwelcoming; on the contrary, they are described as sociable and willing to help AFS students.

Leisure time is largely devoted to sports: ice hockey and skiing are definitely popular in winter, while in summer people go hiking, biking and swimming. Cultural events, theatre and visits to art galleries are other popular activities among Czechs.

School

Education is compulsory until around age 15–16, after which students continue to secondary education. High schools (střední školy) are divided into general academic schools (gymnázium), vocational schools, and specialized technical or artistic schools. Academic schools prepare students for university, while vocational schools combine practical training with classroom learning. Education is highly structured, and students face exams that influence their progression to higher education or careers.

The school day starts at 8 am and ends around 2 or 3 pm. Students are usually placed in the eleventh grade of a state school, although they may be enrolled in a private institution instead.