Survival Czech: Language and Culture as the Key to a New Home

Starting a new life in a foreign country is about much more than just learning new words. It’s about finding your bearings, understanding the context – and also feeling that you belong somewhere. A language barrier and cultural differences inevitably appear, often bringing confusion, uncertainty, or stress. That’s exactly why we created the Survival Czech course five years ago – an introductory language-and-culture program for those who are just beginning their journey in the Czech Republic and want to navigate this transition with greater confidence and less cultural shock.

The goal of the course is not to teach you perfect grammar. The goal is to give you support in everyday situations and help you overcome initial language and cultural barriers: how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, order food, make a doctor’s appointment, or understand basic social customs. In the course, we combine language with cultural context – because we know that words alone are not enough if we don’t understand the way people here communicate, think, and live.

The course is taught in Czech with explanations in English or Russian, depending on your choice. During three intensive lessons (or one longer workshop), we guide you through the essentials – the language, everyday phrases, and the unwritten rules of life in the Czech environment. We also explore topics that are personally relevant to you: your ideas about studying, working, relationships, or educating children in Czechia. We dedicate time to sharing your expectations, questions, and concerns, because we believe true understanding starts right there.

Survival Czech is not just about learning. It’s a space for your first safe anchoring. A place where you can ask questions, seek orientation, and begin to build a relationship with the place where you now live. Whether you came to Brno to study, for safety, or because of family – we welcome you with openness and respect.

After completing the course, you can continue in regular Czech language courses at all levels. If you need deeper support, you can also use individual language coaching or psychological counseling. We believe that language and culture are not obstacles but bridges – and we are here to help you cross that bridge safely.