Charles University, Czechia
Charles University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Yet it is also renowned as a modern, dynamic, cosmopolitan, and prestigious institution of higher education. It is the largest and most renowned Czech university and is also the best-rated Czech university according to international rankings. There are currently 17 faculties at the University, plus 3 institutes, 6 other centers of teaching, research, development, and other creative activities. The Department of Russian and East European Studies is the leading teaching and research institution in the Czech Republic in pursuing the study of Central European, Balkan and Eurasian areas. Organizationally, the department is a part of The Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague. It conducts interdisciplinary research of modern history, contemporary politics, international relations, culture, and literature of the studied regions. Its members investigate a wide range of research grant projects commissioned by the Czech Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Defense and other government agencies, corporate sector, and NGOs. The department managed several study programs within International Area Studies including Balkan, Eurasian, and Central European Studies.