MIIC: Connecting Education with the World

Mestenhauser Institute for International Collaboration (MIIC) is a non-profit organization based in Prague. The Institute encourages intercultural competencies and international cooperation among individuals and organizations. Its mission is to support an inclusive international environment and promote cross-cultural collaboration. The organization continues to follow the vision of Professor Josef A. Mestenhauser, an outstanding Czech-born academic who emigrated to the United States.

MIIC works closely with universities worldwide. The Institute organizes workshops, public events, and interactive webinars. These activities are designed to help students and professionals improve their intercultural communication skills. Moreover, MIIC supports smoother and more inclusive integration processes for international students coming to Czech universities.

2025 Summer Program: Cross-Cultural Pathways for Young Leaders

In summer 2025, MIIC launched the pilot edition of the summer school in Prague. The program is designed for high school and university students with Czech or Slovak heritage. The program also welcomes students who are interested in Czech culture and language, or who may be considering studying at a Czech university.

The agenda is intensive and diverse. Participants explore Czech culture and history in depth. They take part in fun and interactive tours across Prague, Brno, and more. Students also tour universities, and in their free time, they can join local peers for activities that help them build lasting friendships.

This year, students developed research projects—for example, comparing U.S. and Czech culture—and presented their findings at the University of New York in Prague. The program also featured expert-led workshops, lectures, and excursions to institutions such as Karolinum, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and leading Czech universities. The program proved to be a great success, and applications for 2026 will open in October. Students from the pilot year shared their impressions in a short video:

“I just learned so much about Czech history and culture. Honestly, I had no idea before coming on this trip, but now I feel a deep sense of fulfillment having experienced and learned so much.”

— Connor 

“The people who would benefit from this program are definitely those interested in studying abroad, expanding their cultural knowledge, and—if you have Czech roots—exploring them more deeply here.”

— Nadia

Opportunities for Czech Universities – World Expert Series

Every year, MIIC organizes lectures and workshops as part of its World Expert Series initiative, bringing experts from around the world directly to Czech institutions. These sessions are custom-designed in cooperation with the host university and focus on the topics and challenges most relevant to them. The program supports the development of key skills such as communication, critical thinking, presentation, and leadership, all of which enhance the quality of teaching. It also fosters networking and cooperation by connecting universities with embassies and cultural institutions.