This course will provide you with an introductory overview of major fields and key concepts and methods of psychology with particular focus on development of your skills to apply them in daily life and/or help you get prepared for study of psychology.
You will gain insights into historical roots of psychology. You will learn about research methodology and have opportunity to practice critical evaluation of classic experiments, contemporary studies, and ethical considerations.
While focusing on personality characteristics and their measurement, intelligence, decision making, managing emotions and stress, motivation, effective communication and presentation skills, you will have opportunity to discuss the topics in class, and to practically develop your skills to apply them in real life. You will be supported to identify your personal values, motivation and developmental goals. Attention will be given to contemporary challenges in psychology, e.g. the role of AI and ethical requirements in psychology, strengthening mental health to manage stress and anxiety in the modern digital world, to control influence of social media, etc.
Course term:
Available seats:
Price:
Category:
Status:
Deadline:
20. 07. – 31. 07.
2
950 €
Personal Development & Communication Skills
Few places left
20.07.2026
Course term: 20. 07. – 31. 07.
Available seats: 2
Price: 950 €
Category: Personal Development & Communication Skills
Status: Few places left
Deadline: 20.07.2026
The Introduction to Psychology course is an entry level course to Psychology. You will therefore have a better understanding of the applied psychological approaches, methods and tools used for defining ones personality characteristics and their measurement including intelligence, decision making process, coping with emotions and stress, motivation, effective communication and the level of presentation skills.
Teaching Methods: Lectures, presentations, in-class group discussions, role plays and exercises, feedback, examinations, article reviews, analysis of cases, homework readings and assignments, team project, etc.
Introduction to course and discussion on class expectations • Syllabus review • Introduction to psychology – definitions and overview
Basic concepts of general psychology • Six main psychological perspectives
Psychology as science • Research methods in social sciences • Key psychological experiments • Ethical aspects of psychological research
Biological basis of human behavior • Cognitive abilities • Intelligence and learning • Decision making and creativity
Emotions and moods in human behavior • Emotional intelligence • Stress management and conflict resolution, mental heath
Personality I: key concepts • Unique character and determinants of personality • Personality traits and types
Personality II: tools to identify and measure different personality types • Impact of personality on people interactions • Examples of personality tests and their usage
Motivation: key concepts and their application • Motivation at work: job satisfaction, employee engagement • Motivation in personal development and growth
Common mental disorders and their treatment • Contemporary challenges in psychology (role of AI, social media, ethical issues…) • Final project
Catch-up and/or reinforcement of previous topics • Final group exercise and recapitulation
Charles University in Prague
Psychologist, Counselor and Lecturer
Ivana Schmidtova is an experienced psychologist, manager, HR expert, and teacher. She earned both her Pharmacy Doctor degree and MA degree in Psychology at the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. She also obtained the coaching certification at the Academy of Coaching Excellence. She gained broad management and leadership experience, especially in the area of Human Resources Management, including local and international assignments, in one of the largest global pharmaceutical corporations (Merck & Co.). Currently, she works as a private psychologist, consultant and counselor, and teaches at the Anglo-American University and at the Charles University in Prague. Courses taught: Introduction to Psychology, Managerial Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Culture. Human Resources Management, Introduction to Management. Specialization: Psychology, Coaching, Counseling, Motivation, Career Development, Human Resources Management, General Management, Leadership, Communication Skills, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Culture & Change
Course fee includes the course itself, application fee, study materials, afternoon/evening social activities and events, welcome and goodbye drink as part of the graduation party. Other expenses, such as meals, accommodation, insurance, personal expenses, public transportation ticket, extra activities (such as trips outside of town over the weekend and entrance fees), and required equipment (i.e. pencils, paper for illustrations) are not included in the price.
Please note, after the 30th of April 2026 there will be a late enrollment fee charged in the amount of 100EUR on top of the course fee.
Feel free to contact our coordinator:
Andrea Josífková
Coordinator
+420 777 879 192
info@europeansummerschool.com
Elia Marmora
European Summer School means Knowledge & FUN. All the staff of ESS is highly qualified, from the teachers to the group leaders. I really recommend you all this experience, book your seat at ESS you WON’T regret it :)
Sonia Roopra, UK
I had the pleasure of undertaking the business management course in August 2021. I cannot recommend ESS enough! The activities schedule was structured perfectly, it was a great mix of it being both educational and enjoyable. All the staff are very knowledgeable and highly qualified. I really recommend this great experience to everyone. I feel grateful to have met lifelong friends from all over the world who I still keep in touch with to this day!
Ilaha Ibrahimli
While searching for the course to take both for educative and entertaining, encountered the European Summer School (not knowing a lot about it, took the risk and applied). Never could believe it will be such interactive activities along with 5 hours long lessons. Happy to be part of this class and be one of participants of such a diverse group. The team was well-supportive in all matters! Highly recommend to apply!
Diana
Have you always wanted to study abroad, but couldn't find the time nor resources for it? Then I think ESS is the perfect solution! In this two week program, I learned so much about myself, life, and Praha. Due to the well-structured program and communication with the activity leaders, you will have the feeling that you are on a holiday with friends whilst also being educated in things you are actually interested in. It was especially nice that you could take some time for yourself if you feel like it, although there is the possibility to participate the everyday activities. This overall experience has gotten a special place in my heart and I surely would recommend everyone (no matter what age or background) to attend such a summer course. Embrace life, educate yourself, and have an open mind!
