Mezinárodní letní jazyková škola

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Frequently Asked Questions

ISLS SCHEDULE 2026
1. 3. 2026Start of the online application form for language courses of ISLS
30. 4. 2026Deadline for registration of teachers
19. 5. 2026Deadline for registration of participants of ISLS
13. – 31. 7. 2026Realisation of the International Summer Language School
Daily programme

English, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean

Day

9:00 – 10:30

10:30 – 10:45

10:45 – 12:15

12:15 – 12:20

12:20 – 13:05

13:05 – 14:00

14:00 – 15:30

Mo – Thu

teaching

break

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

teaching

Fri

teaching

break

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

free

 

French, Italian, Spanish

Day

8:30 – 10:00

10:00 – 10:15

10:15 – 11:45

11:45 – 11:50

11:50 – 12:35

12:35 – 13:30

13:30 – 15:00

Mo – Thu

teaching

break

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

teaching

Fri

teaching

break

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

free

German

Day

8:30 – 10:00

10:00 – 10:15

10:15 – 11:45

11:45 – 12:45

12:45 – 13:30

13:30 – 15:00

Mo – Thu

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

teaching

teaching

Fri

teaching

break

teaching

teaching

free

free

Czech

Day

8:30 – 10:00

10:00 – 10:15

10:15 – 11:45

11:45 – 12:40

12:40 – 13:30

13:30 – 15:00

Mo – Thu

teaching

break

teaching

lunch

teaching

teaching

Fri

teaching

break

teaching

teaching

free

free

 

The number of teaching hours per:

whole-day three-week course (all languages): 99

whole-day two-week course (all languages): 66-70

whole-day one-week course (all languages): 33

 

AFTERNOON COURSES

Beyond the standard classes, we also organize afternoon courses, which are designed for those who cannot take three weeks of holiday.

one-week afternoon courses run from Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm – 6:25 pm or 4:00 pm – 7:15 pm (depending on course choice).

two-week afternoon courses run from Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm – 6:25 pm or 4:00 pm – 7:15 pm (depending on course choice).

The total number of teaching lessons is 15 – 20 class hours.

 

The number of teaching hours per:

two-week courses: 30

one-week courses: 15 – 20

 

Global scale of the Common European Framework of Reference Levels

Proficiency levels in foreign languages

Language 2 users can…

A1

… understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at meeting concrete needs. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. They can interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2

… understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, and employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.  They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1

… understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.  They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons, and explanations for their opinions and plans.

B2

… understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including specialist discussions in their field. They can participate in a conversation so fluently and spontaneously that they can carry on a normal conversation with native speakers without this being an increased effort for either interlocutor. They can write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of topics and explain their point of view on a current issue, indicating the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

C1

… understand a wide range of difficult and long texts and recognize the implicit meanings of texts. They can express themselves fluently and readily without overtly searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. They can produce comprehensible, well-organized, and detailed texts on complex topics, demonstrating mastery of compositional formations of connective expressions and means of cohesion.

C2

… easily understand almost everything they hear or read. They can summarize information from a variety of spoken and written sources while presenting polemics and explanations in a logically organized form. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and accurately, and distinguish subtle shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

 

Adapted from:

Council of Europe. (2025). Global scale – table 1 (CEFR 3.3): Common reference levels. Retrieved November 30, 2025, from Council of Europe portal: www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale

GDPR

University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB) with registered office at Univerzitní 2732/8, Plzeň 30100, company ID: 49777513 as the administrator processes your personal data in your registration at the International Summer Language School (ISLS) to ensure your participation at the ISLS in accordance with Article 6 (1) (b) of the General Regulation on the protection of personal data as a compliance with the contract, or for the implementation of measures taken prior to the conclusion of a contract at the request of the data subject. Your personal data is processed to ensure the administration and organization of the ISLS and to keep records of ISLS participants. Your personal data are processed for 5.5 years from the date of commencement of processing (date of registration).

UWB is authorized to use your personal data only in accordance with the purposes above or for the legitimate need of state control bodies and law enforcement authorities. UWB is also authorized to provide your personal data only to organizations cooperating with the UWB for achieving the above mentioned purposes. With such entities the UWB undertakes to conclude a contract containing the same conditions for the processing of personal data.

 

For more information: https://www.zcu.cz/en/University/GDPR/index.html

Certificates and Credits

CERTIFICATES STATING THE NUMBER OF LESSONS AND CREDITS

Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the accredited language course they attended and upon meeting the minimum attendance required (at least 75% participation). The certificate specifies the total number of lessons of the language course and the number of credits awarded.

Subject to the requirements set by the language-section coordinators, students (especially university students) may apply for recognition of the credits earned for a completed language course. The credit value of ISLS language courses is as follows:

  • Full-day three-week language courses: 6 credits.
  • Full-day one-week language courses: 2 credits.

CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING THE CERTIFICATE

After the start of the ISLS, participants will be informed by the coordinator of their respective language section about the requirements that must be fulfilled.

 

HOW TO HAVE CREDITS RECOGNIZED

Upon presenting the ISLS certificate, students may apply for recognition of the credits within the language-elective courses of their study programme at the faculty’s Office of Student Services. Recognition of credits for a completed ISLS course is subject to the decision of the faculty in which student is enrolled. Students are therefore advised to check with their Office of Student Services before starting their ISLS course.

NOTE: Participants who do not meet the requirements necessary for obtaining the certificate of successful course completion may still receive a certificate of attendance, issued upon request.

TEFL students - General informatiom

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE

Now in its 36th year, this highly intensive, three-week program is designed so that you can earn a TEFL [Teaching English as a Foreign Language] Certificate, the introductory credential necessary to work in many schools in non-English speaking countries. The 100-hour program offers vibrant, interactive classes plus supervised practice teaching experience and classroom observations with authentic English learners of all abilities.

In a truly international and supportive environment of the larger International Summer Language School with its 600 participants studying 8 languages, the program provides you with the perfect opportunity to decide if a career in teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language (ESL/EFL) is right for you for a year, a few years or even the rest of your life.

There is no upper age limit, but you must be at least 18 to enroll independently in the course. You do not need any knowledge of another language. Nor is it important if you speak British, American, Canadian, or Singaporean English as long as you are able to be a good role model for your future students. All accents and backgrounds are welcome and contribute to the diversity of World Englishes.

Designed for native and near-native [C1] speakers of English who have completed at least the first year of college/university, the course is taught by TEFL instructors with Ph.D.’s and years of experience in the field, both in the United States and around the world.

Once you begin the course, you and your classmates will:

  • discover your own learning styles, strategies, strengths, and challenges;
  • explore a variety of approaches to planning and teaching lessons;
  • discover how to teach using the most advanced technologies or a simple blackboard;
  • from Day 4 on, engage in supervised practice teaching  of your own class of authentic EFL [English as a Foreign Language] students;
  • learn to evaluate and adapt materials to meet the needs of your students;
  • develop your own materials for effective instruction;
  • practice teaching English through content [CLIL/CBI];
  • understand the uses and misuses of different assessment tools and approaches;
  • build a repertoire of classroom management skills for all levels of instruction;
  • make conscious your innate knowledge of English grammar (syntax and morphology) and the English sound system (phonology);
  • apply theories of second language acquisition [SLA] to enhance learning;
  • appreciate the cognitive processes of SLA and their challenges;
  • value the role of errors in SLA and appropriate error correction and feedback;
  • understand the importance of cross-cultural issues in teaching and living abroad;
  • study how to work with groups with specific needs (ESP), such as scientists or business people; and
  • discover how to find and apply for EFL positions;  and
  • most importantly, learn how to continue growing as a TEFL/TESL professional.

This program meets the international standards of the largest professional organization in the field, TESOL. See Standards for Short-Term TEFL/TESL Certificate Programs

TEFL Attendance Certificate

The TEFL Certificate is granted by the University of West Bohemia, a state-sponsored institution of the Czech government.

Three levels of certificates are granted:

  1. Certificate of successful completion
    To earn this level, a participant must attend all coursework, teach his/her practice classes, and successfully complete the professional portfolio which includes
    1. copies of all formal observations done of the participant,
    2. daily lesson plans, and
    3. a variety of exercises done
      1. in class, such as observing both course peers and experienced TEFL instructors, and
      2. out of class, such as developing  materials for classroom use, interviewing a TEFL professional, conducting a mini-needs analysis for an ESP class, evaluating a coursebook, preparing a resume appropriate for an EFL/ESL position, and discussing professional ethics.
        This person demonstrates a high level of commitment and is ready to begin independent instruction in a supportive environment.
  2. Certificate of completion
    At this level, a participants must attend the coursework, teach his/her practice classes, and turn in a portfolio which includes

     

    1. copies of all formal observations done of the participant,
    2. daily lesson plans, and
    3. exercises done in class, such as observing both course peers and experienced TEFL instructors.This person is ready to begin supervised instructing in a supportive environment.
  3. Certificate of attendence
    There are two different routes to this level of certificate:
    a. An experienced ESL instructor may choose to audit the course to learn about new methodologies and approaches and to work in an international environment.

A participant who finds the course too demanding because of time or content may earn this level by attending  90% of the coursework and teaching all of  her/his practice classes. A person who receives a Certificate of Attendence for this reason is not truly prepared to be an independent instructor and should be treated accordingly by potential employers.

Participants who miss more than one of their practice classes with students from the ISLS will receive no certificate and may be asked to leave the course with no refund. Our „practice“ students who are learning  English expect and deserve your best. However, they know that you too are learning. Because of the residential nature of the ISLS, inappropriate or disruptive behavior by any participant will not be tolerated at any time during the program.

TEFL students - Assignments

You will complete introductory assignments prior to your arrival in the Czech Republic. The description of these will be emailed to you after the registration deadline. They will primarily consist of exploring basic TEFL issues and learning about the Czech Republic. You will bring these completed assignments (hard copies) with you to the ISLS. They will be evaluated after the first class meeting. After that, they will become a part of your collection portfolio.

At the end of the program, you will submit a collection portfolio for a review. It will be a compilation of your assignments, handouts, lesson plans, observations etc. To make things easier for you as well as the evaluators it is recommended that you purchase a binder to keep all of these items in. Also, you might benefit from having some plastic sleeves in the binder for “non-traditional” materials you develop for your classes.

TEFL students - Structure of the Course

The TEFL course is a fully intergrated component of the University of West Bohemia’s International Summer Language School [ISLS] now enrolling almost 600 students in courses in seven languages. The practice classes taught by the TEFL participants are actual non-native speakers of English enrolled in the ISLS.

  • Five days a week, TEFL participants spend:
    • one 90 minute class period exploring TEFL/TESL theory, interculteral communication, and professional development and background
    • one 90 minute class practicing highly practical classroom activities and management, preparing lesson plans, and debriefing taught lessons ;
    • one 45-minute class applying the techniques of TEFL/TESL by leading small groups in English of students enrolled in the ISLS.
  • First week, participants take:
    • four 90 minute classes learning practical Czech to understand the “challenge” of learning a second language in context and to experience techniques for working with beginners who do not speak your language
  • Second and third week, participants complete
    • observations of EFL teachers from the UK, Australia, the U.S., Canada, Germany, and of course, the Czech Republic.
    • independent tasks to develop awareness of their teaching skills
  • Each student will receive at least two formal observation reports from a highly experienced EFL instructor.
  • To pass the course at the highest level, each participant must prepare a profession portfolio of activities by the end of the course.
TEFL students - Participation Fee

Please notice that the below-mentioned fee is in CZK. See the actual exchange rate for payment in foreign currency at the Komerční Banka. The payment in foreign currency must be equivalent to the amount in CZK and all bank charges related to the transfer must be borne by the payer.

The fee for the three-week stay is   CZK 34 900 (about USD 1662).

It covers the following items:

  • tuition for classes, supervised practice teaching, and observation
  • provision of course materials
  • accommodation in single room and breakfasts
  • 2 whole day trip and 3 excursions
  • afternoon and evening programmes
  • card for public transport in Pilsen (20 days)
  • service of the reception team
  • administration fee
  • certificate

The fee does not include:

  • transportation to/from Pilsen [Plzeň in Czech]
  • lunches, dinners (although inexpensive lunch is available on campus)
  • incidentals, such as laundry or souvenirs
  • visa if necessary (not needed for USA, Canada, and many other countries)

Meals (optional)
Lunches will be available for purchase at the campus cafeteria.
We do not provide dinners.

PAYMENT DETAILS

The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer. For this way of payment, please include the following information:

Beneficiary:
Zapadoceska univerzita v Plzni
Univerzitni 8
301 00 Plzen
Czech Republic
Bank transfer to (address of receiving bank):
Komercni banka, a. s.
Na Prikope 33 /cp 969
114 07 Praha 1
Czech Republic

SWIFT address: KOMBCZPPXXX

Bank Code: 0100

Charges-details: fee is charged to YOU

Account No. for payment in CZK: 48 11 53 02 57
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ8101000000004811530257

Account No. for payment in USD: 48 45 49 02 57
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ3201000000004845490257

Account No. for payment in EUR: 48 45 50 02 67
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ0401000000004845500267

Details of payment:
in format: 634003xxxx (xxxx- put Your Registration ID (4 signs)) and Payer´s name

TEFL + international students - Application process

You are advised to send the completed Appplication form to the school organizers by May 31, 2026 in order to reserve your place in the ISLS. But please, do not hesitate to apply after the deadline. If any spots are available, we will inform you about your acceptance to the program even after the scheduled deadline.

Notice: All students who need a visa (doesn’t apply to the students with USA passports and for citizens of many other countries) are advised to apply at least 3 months before the beginning of the ISLS. For more information please check the VISA link in section General Information.

International students - Participation Fee

PARTICIPATION FEE FOR THREE-WEEK COURSE in a single room:

Please notice that the below-mentioned fee is in CZK. See the actual exchange rate for payment in foreign currency at the Komerční Banka. The payment in foreign currency must be equivalent to the amount in CZK and all bank charges related to the transfer must be borne by the payer.

PRICE: CZK 38 690 (about EUR 1548).

It covers the following items:

  • tuition (99 teaching hours)
  • provision of course materials
  • accommodation in a single room and breakfasts
  • 2 whole day excursions
  • afternoon and evening programme

The fee does not include:

  • travel to/from Pilsen
  • health insurance and visa (for students with visa duty)
  • lunches and dinners

 Meals (optional)
Lunches will be available for purchase at the campus cafeteria.
We do not provide dinners.

 

PARTICIPATION FEE FOR THREE-WEEK COURSE in a double room:

Please notice that the below-mentioned fee is in CZK. See the actual exchange rate for payment in foreign currency at the Komerční Banka. The payment in foreign currency must be equivalent to the amount in CZK and all bank charges related to the transfer must be borne by the payer.

PRICE:  CZK 34 890 (about  EUR 1395).

It covers the following items:

  • tuition (99 teaching hours)
  • provision of course materials
  • accommodation in a double room and breakfasts
  • 2 whole day excursions
  • afternoon and evening programme

The fee does not include:

  • travel to/from Pilsen
  • health insurance and visa (for students with visa duty)
  • lunches and dinners

Notice: Individual scholarships are available to students from Eastern Europe and developing countries. Requests for scholarships must be submitted as early as possible and are subject to individual approval.

Meals (optional)
Lunches will be available for purchase at the campus cafeteria.
We do not provide dinners.

 

PAYMENT DETAILS

The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer. For this way of payment, please include the following information:

Beneficiary:
Zapadoceska univerzita v Plzni
Univerzitni 8
301 00 Plzen
Czech Republic
Bank transfer to (address of receiving bank):
Komercni banka, a. s.
Na Prikope 33 /cp 969
114 07 Praha 1
Czech Republic

SWIFT address: KOMBCZPPXXX

Bank Code: 0100

Charges-details: fee is charged to YOU

Account No. for payment in CZK: 48 11 53 02 57
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ8101000000004811530257

Account No. for payment in USD: 48 45 49 02 57
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ3201000000004845490257

Account No. for payment in EUR: 48 45 50 02 67
IBAN format of the bank account: CZ0401000000004845500267

Details of payment:
in format: 634003xxxx (xxxx- put Your Registration ID (4 signs)) and Payer´s name

 

The payment should be done in 10 days after receiving a confirmation letter stating the student´s ID at the latest. After receiving the payment we will provide the student with an acceptance letter (if necessary).

Notice: All students are asked to send a bank statement confirming the payment by June 30, 2026, at the latest to the following e-mail: isls@ujp.zcu.cz or mailing address: University of West Bohemia, Institute of Applied Language Studies, Univerzitní 22, 301 00  Plzen, Czech Republic.

Institute of Applied Language Studies
Univerzitní 22,
301 00 Plzeň,
Česká republika
isls@ujp.zcu.cz
www.ujp.cz

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University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
Univerzitní 8,
301 00 Plzeň,
Česká republika
www.zcu.cz