Tips for doing an internship abroad in the Czech Republic

Going for an internship in the Czech Republic: the ultimate comprehensive guide for a successful adventure 🇨🇿

Are you dreaming of doing an internship abroad and starting to look at the Czech Republic? Great idea! Prague, Brno, Plzeň, Ostrava… this country is full of gems to discover during your stay. And you’re in luck, because here at International Horizons, we’re preparing an ultra-comprehensive guide, tried and tested by our students, to help you leave with confidence and make your internship a real success.

We’ll cover budget, transportation, housing, integration, pocket money, meeting new people, local culture… In short, everything we wish someone had told us before leaving. Buckle up, here we go!

Why choose the Czech Republic for your internship?

Before getting into the details, let’s start at the beginning: why is the Czech Republic a top destination for an internship?

First of all, it’s right in the heart of Europe. In just a few hours by bus or train, you can find yourself in Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, or Krakow. It’s perfect if you want to combine your internship with European exploration during your stay.

Next, the Czech Republic is above all a very safe, dynamic, and modern country, with a high level of education, an international-friendly job market, friendly locals (a bit reserved at first, but charming once the ice is broken), and a rather excellent quality of life compared to major Western European capitals.

Add to that a cost of living much more affordable than Paris, London, or Amsterdam, a rich cultural scene, diverse landscapes, and locally brewed beers that are world-renowned. You’re starting to see why Erasmus students and interns love settling here!

Let’s talk budget: how much should you plan for your internship in the Czech Republic?

Alright, let’s get really practical. You’re probably wondering how much you need to budget to live comfortably during your internship. Good news: we’ve done the math for you, using Prague as a reference (since it’s often where your internship will be).

Plane tickets

From France, plane tickets to Prague are quite affordable. If you book in advance and fly with low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Transavia, you can get a round-trip ticket starting from €100 to €150. During peak season, especially in summer, prices can rise up to €250-€300. If you travel in September or January, that’s usually when prices are the lowest.

A quick tip: also compare with bus or train trips if you’re in eastern France. Sometimes, it’s almost as fast and even cheaper.

Local transportation

Honestly, when it comes to this, the Czech Republic is a model! In Prague as well as Brno, the public transport network is excellent: metro, tram, bus — everything is clean, on time, and very safe.

A monthly student pass will cost you around €25 to €30 per month. In Brno, it’s even a bit cheaper. With this unlimited pass, you can travel anywhere in the city. No need for a car, expensive electric scooters, or costly ride-hailing services. Everything is simple, fast, and efficient.

Accommodation

It’s often the biggest expense, but good news: it’s still much more affordable than in France.

In Prague, expect to pay around €400 to €600 per month for a studio apartment in the city center or close to public transport.

In Brno, prices are a bit gentler: €300 to €500 for a decent studio.

If you choose to share an apartment (very common among interns and Erasmus students), you can easily get by with €200 to €400 per month, depending on the size of the place and the location.

A friendly tip: the further you move away from the historic city center, the lower your rent will be—without necessarily losing quality of life, since public transport will quickly get you anywhere you need to go.

Food and groceries

When it comes to groceries, the supermarkets are pretty good: Lidl, Tesco, Billa, Albert… You can do your shopping for around €150 to €200 per month if you cook at least a little. Fruits and vegetables are good quality, dairy products are inexpensive, while meat and fish are a bit pricier than in France.

When it comes to restaurants, the Czech Republic is the kingdom of unbeatable student menus. In small Czech canteens or local bistros, you can get a full meal for €5 to €8. A meal at a more “cozy” restaurant usually costs between €10 and €20. As for beer… it’s often cheaper than water: €1 to €2 a pint in local bars. Not bad, right?

Leisure activities

Concerts, museums, movie nights, clubbing — everything stays quite affordable compared to France.

Club entry fees: €5 to €15 (except for special events).

Cinema tickets: €5 to €8 per screening.

Museums: often free for students or at low prices (€2–5).

Cafés and bars: a cappuccino costs around €2, and pastries up to €3.

Overall monthly budget

To sum up, if we add it all up, here’s a realistic estimate for your monthly budget in Prague or Brno:

Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle, how often you go out, and your accommodation. But overall, with less than €1,000 per month, you can already live very comfortably in Prague!

Where to exchange your money?

 

 

Let’s move on to a super practical question we get asked all the time: where to exchange your euros into Czech crowns (CZK)?

The advice is simple: avoid exchanging money at the airport!
Rates are often terrible, and fees are usually hidden in the fine print.

Once you’re downtown (in Prague or Brno), you’ll find plenty of exchange offices with very competitive rates. Choose those that advertise “0% commission” and compare rates before exchanging your money. Also, be cautious of offices located right in the busiest tourist areas — sometimes their rates are worse than just a couple of streets away.

Our tip? Bring a small amount of cash for your first expenses (€50–€100) and do your main currency exchange once you’re downtown.

Otherwise, many interns also use international bank cards like Revolut, Wise, or N26, which often offer very good exchange rates and low fees on local payments or withdrawals.

Make sure to check with your French bank before you leave about their fees for foreign currency payments and withdrawals abroad, so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises.

How to fit in well in the Czech Republic during your internship?

Now that the logistics are under control, let’s talk about a super important topic: your integration on site. Because yes, succeeding in your internship also means fitting in, making friends, understanding the culture, and fully enjoying the experience.

Learn a few Czech words

Even though many Czechs (especially young people and office colleagues) speak English, a little effort on your part will always be appreciated.

Hello = Dobrý den

Thank you = Děkuji

Please = Prosím

Goodbye = Na shledanou

There’s nothing nicer than seeing a foreigner try a few words in the local language. You’ll see — smiles will come right away!

Discover Czech culture

Don’t limit yourself to your office and apartment. Visit museums, attend classical music concerts (the Czech Republic is a true cultural cradle), and try typical dishes like svíčková, goulash, or the famous knedlíky (bread dumplings).

Also take advantage of the many local festivals and traditions: Saint Nicholas Day in December, the Easter egg hunts, and the magical Christmas markets in Prague.

Meet lots of new people

There are plenty of ways to meet people:

Join Erasmus parties (very active in Prague and Brno)

Join Facebook groups for expats

Take sports classes, join clubs

Try language exchange tandems

Don’t hesitate to chat with your internship colleagues after work.

The more socially active you are, the richer your experience will be on a personal level.

Stay curious and open-minded

Like anywhere when living abroad, you’ll sometimes need to adapt to habits different from your own. Czechs can seem quite reserved at first, but once trust is established, they are very warm and loyal friends.

Avoid constantly comparing France and the Czech Republic—be curious and observe. You’ll learn a lot and come out of this experience richer and wiser.

Take the opportunity to travel and explore the country!

The Czech Republic isn’t just Prague and Brno! During your internship, take advantage of weekends to explore the country:

Český Krumlov: a true fairy-tale setting, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Karlovy Vary: famous for its thermal springs and its international film festival.

Kutná Hora and its incredible ossuary decorated with human bones.

Plzeň: the birthplace of Pilsner beer.

The Sudetes or Bohemian Mountains: perfect for hiking.

And thanks to the Czech Republic’s central location, you can also visit all of Central Europe cheaply by bus or train.

In summary

Doing an internship in the Czech Republic means experiencing:

an international professional experience,

a deeply enriching human and cultural adventure,

in a safe, affordable, and very well-located country in Europe,

with beautiful landscapes, a rich history, and a very lively student life.

If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to step out of your comfort zone, you’re going to have an unforgettable experience.

And now, it’s your turn to take action!

Are you convinced? Ready to take the plunge and do an internship in the Czech Republic?
Contact us at International Horizons!
We’re here to help you find your internship, assist you with the paperwork, advise you on accommodation, and above all, make sure your adventure is an absolute blast from start to finish.

And for all your other questions, don’t forget we also have a special FAQ about internships abroad on our website. You’ll find all the answers to those questions you might not always dare to ask 😉