Soccer exchange in the Czech Republic: annual and semester programs with university preparation
Sports exchange programs in the Czech Republic combine professional training with language study and preparation for European universities. There are about 30 games a year, direct contact with scouts from professional clubs and infrastructure that few places in Brazil can offer. The experience prepares the athlete both for a possible soccer career and for continuing their academic training at prestigious institutions.
Why choose the Czech Republic for a soccer exchange
The Czech Republic's location in the heart of Europe makes it easy to travel and connect with the main centers of world soccer. Prague is just a few hours from Munich, Vienna, Dresden and Berlin, destinations that are part of the students' cultural program. This geographical proximity increases the chances of exposure for clubs from different countries.
The country offers long-stay visas for students with a simplified process. During the program period, it is possible to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This gives autonomy for young people to gain professional experience while developing as an athlete.
Czech institutions follow European Union educational standards, with internationally recognized diplomas. For athletes who wish to pursue a university career, the path is open both in the Czech Republic itself and in other EU countries.
Professional structure with official partnerships
The soccer programs take place at facilities of the Football Federation of the Czech Republic, located in Prague. The training sessions take place on club fields such as FC Aritma Prague, which uses high-end artificial turf, and on the natural turf of FC Sparta Praha, the 12-time Czech league champion.
The partnership with Sparta Praha goes beyond the use of the facilities. Since 2016, there has been an official agreement that guarantees athletes opportunities to play at a professional level and watch Czech Football League, Europa League and Champions League matches. Other partner clubs include Bohemians and Meteor.
All coaches are UEFA certified, guaranteeing European teaching standards. The work methodology follows the guidelines of the Czech Football Federation, which oversees the entire training process of the athletes.
How annual and semester programs work
Foundation Annual Program (12 months)
The full program starts in September and runs until August of the following year. There are 560 hours of language study (Czech or English) at the institution, plus 60 hours of mathematics included. The total workload amounts to 620 academic hours combined with daily soccer training.
During the period, the athlete participates in approximately 6 official cup games, about 10 friendly matches and can reach 30 matches a year. The games generally take place from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with Monday being a day off. Not all students play for the official team, only the best are selected by the coaches to represent the club in the 5th Czech division.
Foundation Biannual Program (6 months)
For those looking for a shorter experience, there is the option of six months, starting in January and continuing through August. There are 380 hours of language, 60 hours of mathematics and complete training, totaling 440 hours. The dynamics of training and games follow the same pattern as the annual program, proportional to the period.
Both programs include optional university preparation for students who intend to enter European colleges after the exchange. Understand how Pathway programs work can help with academic career planning.
What's included in the full package
Every student receives full support from application to arrival in Prague. Reception at the airport is guaranteed, as is the registration of foreigners with the police, mandatory for those staying in the country for a period longer than 90 days.
The package includes a full soccer uniform from Nike, the program's official sponsor. T-shirts, shorts, socks, sweatpants and training materials are provided. For academic activities, each student receives an institutional t-shirt.
Also included is:
- Official acceptance letter from the accommodation and educational institution
- Full support for obtaining a visa with the coordinators
- Czech telephone chip for local communication
- 24-hour support from coordinators throughout the stay
- Language level certificate and course diploma at the end
- Access to qualified teachers and sports facilities
- University counseling with the coordinators
- Support for the nostrification of academic documents
Cultural programming and trips around Europe
The athlete's complete education involves cultural experience. Therefore, the programs include regular activities that explore the historical heritage of Prague and nearby cities. The schedule varies according to the duration of the exchange, and is more extensive for those who stay the full year.
Activities include a welcome party, guided tours of Prague, visits to museums and exhibitions, a boat ride on the Vltava River and a trip to the largest zoo in Europe. The Prague water park is also part of the itinerary, as are musical evenings and farewell party.
Trips outside the Czech Republic take students to Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov, two historic Czech cities with preserved medieval architecture. International trips include Dresden and Berlin in Germany, Munich, and Vienna. These experiences broaden the young athlete's worldview and create memories that go beyond soccer.
Preparing for European universities
Many athletes use the soccer exchange as a gateway to universities in Europe. The Czech Republic is home to internationally recognized prestigious institutions, with study options in English or Czech. Some of the main ones are Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University in Brno, and Palacký University in Olomouc.
The Foundation program prepares students for entrance exams. Language classes follow a methodology focused on academic proficiency, not just conversation. The math workload helps to level the knowledge required for courses in the exact areas.
Real career opportunities in soccer
The observation structure works in a professional manner. During official games and tournaments, scouts from Czech clubs and other European countries monitor the athletes' performance. The MSM Football Academy operates as an official club in the 5th Czech division, with the real objective of selling players at the end of the term.
Partnerships with Sparta Praha, Bohemians and Meteor open doors for testing and evaluation. Players who excel during the program receive invitations to train with these teams or participate in evaluation periods. Some get professional contracts or opportunities in the basic categories of larger clubs.
In addition to the opportunities in the Czech Republic, the exposure to competitions and the network of contacts created during the exchange facilitate selection processes in other European countries. The certificate of participation in the program and the game videos serve as a portfolio for future applications.
Ideal student profile
The programs accept athletes from different levels, but there is a selection process for the official team. It is important to be dedicated to training and willing to learn in a competitive environment. Not everyone who enrolls plays in official competitions, this definition comes after evaluation by the coaches.
The basic knowledge of English helps a lot, since it is the common language among students of different nationalities. For those who choose the program in Czech, no prior knowledge of the language is necessary, as classes start from scratch.
Athletes who participated in high school programs abroad they generally adapt faster, as they have had experience living outside Brazil. But this is not a prerequisite, the support of the coordinators assists at every stage of the adaptation.
Summer camps as an initial experience
For young people who are still not sure if they want to do a long program, there are summer camps for 2 to 4 weeks in July and August. These programs combine intensive training with cultural immersion and serve as a test before a larger commitment.
Available modalities include soccer, tennis, dance, fitness, and martial arts. The languages offered are English (with an option to focus on IELTS), Czech, and German. The profile of the participants ranges from 14 to 25 years old, including school groups.
The summer camps follow the same support structure as the annual program, with exclusive coordination, Nike uniform, public transportation card, and all cultural activities included. It's a way to get to know the city, test your level of training and understand what it would be like to live in Prague for a longer period.
Visa and required documentation
The long-term visa for study purposes in the Czech Republic has a relatively simple process compared to other European countries. The institution provides all necessary documentation, including official acceptance letter and proof of accommodation.
The team Be Easy offers full support throughout the process. It is necessary to schedule an interview at the Czech consulate, provide translated and certified documents, financial proof and valid health insurance. The analysis period varies, so it is important to start the process 3 to 4 months in advance.
Upon arrival, foreigners must be registered with the police within 3 business days. The local team accompanies the student in this process and ensures that everything is done correctly. Once the registration is complete, the athlete receives the residence permit that is valid for the entire period of the program.
Comparison with other European destinations
The Czech Republic offers specific advantages that other countries do not have. The cost of living in Prague is more affordable than in capitals such as London, Paris or Barcelona. The local currency is the Czech koruna, not the euro, which helps with the monthly budget.
The central location makes weekend trips to other countries easy. From Prague to Munich it's just 4 hours by bus, Vienna is 3 hours away and Berlin is 5 hours away. These cities appear on the cultural itinerary of the programs, but they can also be visited independently.
The Czech education system follows European Union standards, with courses taught in English at many universities. For athletes interested in pursuing an academic career in Europe, this represents a strategic gateway. Compare career options abroad helps you make more informed decisions.
Connection to long-term programs
The networking created during the exchange also has value. Meeting other athletes, coaches, and coordinators from different countries generates connections that may be useful in the future, whether for new sporting or academic opportunities.
Be Easy
Be Easy connects young Brazilian athletes to quality sports programs in Europe, focusing on integral development. Our team accompanies every step of the process, from profile analysis to arrival at the destination. Contact us and discover how to transform your sporting talent into an international experience.
