Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education - Economics Institute

Services & Facilities

Building

Located at Politických veznu 7, one block from Wenceslas Square in the heart of historic Prague, the CERGE-EI building, the House of the Angel, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year allowing intellectual activity late into the evening and on weekends.

Libary

Our library was established in 1992 through the generous support of the Austrian government and the Westinghouse Education Foundation. It is state of the art, containing the most extensive and up-to-date economics collection in Central and Eastern Europe, with about 40,000 monographs, as well as subscriptions to more than 300 periodicals, 600 e-journals and access to several library consortiums.

As a result, the library houses a rich collection of contemporary economic literature focused on trans-national economics. As part of CERGE-EI’s outreach mission, it is open to the general public as well as to students, faculty, and researchers from other institutions. The library is equipped with the latest computer technology, offers access to widely used data-bases and statistical materials, and is an official depository library of World Bank and UNCTAD documents. Access to materials not in the library is provided through cooperation with other libraries around the world.

Computer Facilities

The Computer Department staff oversees CERGE-EI's LAN network based on both UNIX and Windows platforms. Facilities include a UNIX lab with high-speed workstations, and a PC lab containing state-of-the art computers. The whole building is covered by wifi which in turn is CERGE-EI computer labconnected to a high-speed trunk line. Most major software packages and the statistical software required for modern economic research are supported, as well as the latest version of word processing and spreadsheet programs. E-mail addresses are created for all students, faculty, and researchers. Special arrangements can be made for those requiring specialized computational support, including supercomputer access.

Student Life

The core of CERGE-EI is its student body. Over the first two decades of its existence, CERGE-EI has grown from 12 students taught by four visiting faculty to a program that each year educates more than 250 students from as many as 30 countries in its PhD, MA, MAE (Masters in Applied Economics) and Study Abroad programs.

CERGE-EI students form a very special community. Classes are small and students know each other well. The CERGE-EI experience is that of a close-knit family with a diversity of interests. You will always find someone with whom to study or to share your interests outside of class.

Sports Activities

Softball team

Traditionally, the talented CERGE-EI team participates in the Heavy Hitters Softball Tournament held each year. The tournament is well-attended by over 300 people and the funds raised from the event go towards educational programs. Though for many students softball is a new game, after some practice they are welcome to join our team, the Invisible Hands, and have a lot of fun.

Squash tournament

Squash has become an ever-more popular sport among the CERGE-EI community. Each October, CERGE-EI students and alumni hold a tournament in the nearby squash center. Everyone is invited to come, to support their team, network, and enjoy the action.

Ski trips

At least once a year (in January), students and faculty pack their skis and snow boards and strike out to the Krkonoše Mountains situated in the northern region of the Czech Republic to prolong their holiday a bit before the new semester begins.

Students Activities

Coffee breaks and movie nights in the Student Club

The student’s club provides an environment where students can relax and read a book, chat over a coffee, or play games. Even better, why not watch a movie with your colleagues after a long day? Movie nights have a tradition at CERGE-EI – thanks to the diversity of CERGE-EI students, you can enjoy the best movies from the countries of your friends and colleagues and get to know their cultures a little better.

International food party

At the beginning of the academic year, the CERGE-EI courtyard becomes for some hours a buffet of traditional food and drinks from around the world. Taste “bryndzové halušky“ from Slovakia, Ukrainian “borš”, Czech “nakládaný hermelín”, Russian fish salad, and good Georgian wine or Ethiopian coffee.

Beer parties

Czech Republic is famous for its beer. Several times each semester, an evening event is organized in a typical Prague pub to enjoy good beer in an informal atmosphere with friends, professors, and alumni.

Enjoying Prague

Prague is a spectacular city, filled with a rich collection of cultural heritage and activities, and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. CERGE-EI is located in the center of Prague, within walking distance of its main attractions. There are many pubs, restaurants and clubs nearby, which provide students with many opportunities for exploring the city together.

Ladronka Park

Hot and sunny weather transform Prague into one of the most beautiful places in the world. Ladronka Park is an ideal place for skating, beach volleyball, and barbecue. Just grab a blanket, some sandwiches, good sangria and good friends, and head out to this marvelous spot.

Accreditation

New York State Board of Regents Permanent Charters for the MA, PhD, and MAE programs.

Czech Republic Ministry of Education accreditation for the MA and PhD programs.