Questions for Potential Sponsors
What does an organization gain from sponsoring a project?
The students begin working on their projects for seven weeks before arriving in the Czech Republic. During this time, they write a formal project proposal and investigate issues with respect to the project. Once they arrive in Prague, the students work for another seven weeks, collaborating with your organization to produce some form of solution.
What kinds of projects are typically completed?
Projects can be in many areas, such as art, history, architecture, sustainability, tourism management, and others.
Some ideas of projects students can work on are listed below.
- Help your organization increase its visibility.
- Develop recommendations and a plan for problems your organization faces.
- Create digital (electronic) materials to help your organization.
- Improve a process or product at your organization.
Past projects at the Prague Project Center can be found here. Example projects at other project centers can be found here.
What are the backgrounds and qualifications of the students who come to the center?
WPI recruits active, project-oriented individuals who learn to work in a fast-paced environment. These students are in their third year and typically study science and engineering, while still being well-rounded in other areas. They spend 7 weeks before coming to Prague researching the project and its surrounding issues.
How do students and organizations collaborate throughout a project?
Before arriving in Prague, students will contact their sponsors periodically though email or video calls. After the students arrive, the group works on the project independently of the sponsor, with meetings several times a week to check in on the progress being made.
How much time do students put into a project?
Between the preparatory term and the work done in the project term, student groups spend over 1800 total hours on their projects. While in Prague, students are expected to work 40 hours per week.
What responsibilities does a project sponsor have?
Sponsor responsibilities include:
- Providing a short (one-page) description of the project, prior to its start.
- Providing a Liaison for students to contact.
- Engaging with the student team through video call or email while they are preparing for the project.
- If possible, providing a space for the students to work during their 7 weeks in Prague.
- Providing guidance, supervision, and support for the project during the 7 weeks students are in Prague.
- Weekly meetings with the team and faculty advisors. As needed, other meetings during the work week to provide feedback and guidance to students.
Questions for Potential Students
What is it like living and working in Prague?
Prague is a beautiful city where the old world meets the modern world. It is easy to traverse, and the city can be accessed by walking or taking one of the many forms of public transportation. Cobble-stone streets, beautiful architecture, and charming culture make the city a popular traveler destination. Learn more about Prague sites and Czech culture the to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
Is it expensive to live in Prague?
Prague is a very affordable city to live in by U.S. standards. For instance, the website Numbeo estimates that food prices are about 50% cheaper in Prague compared to Worcester. It is possible to explore much of the city on foot or public transportation, making it easy to explore on a student budget.
What kind of projects are completed?
Past projects at the Prague Project Center can be found here. Students may work with local organizations, such as museums, artists, or tourist bureaus on problems these organizations face.