In compliance with the Czech Government's efforts to promote the Czech cultural heritage abroad, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MEYS) takes an active part in encouraging the Czech language teaching and learning abroad, in particular through support provided to the lectureships of the Czech language and literature established at more than 35 universities in 24 countries of the world. See an overview of lectureships which currently receive support from the MEYS that is published on the website of the implementing agency, the Centre for International Cooperation in Education (www.dzs.cz).
As a rule, the lecturers are assigned to teach abroad within the framework of international (intergovernmental or departmental) agreements. The ensuing expenses are borne jointly by foreign Parties (Ministries of Foreign Affairs or Education, universities) and the MEYS. The lecturers are usually employed by the respective foreign universities under contracts of service and receive remuneration according to local regulations.
Normally, the MEYS recommends one or two applicants for each individual position, based upon the result of selection proceedings held regularly at least once a year. The foreign universities concerned choose from among the nominees.
Moreover, the MEYS regularly provides the lectureships as well as some other departments of the Czech studies with study materials, textbooks, dictionaries, periodicals, maps, Czech fiction and poetry books etc., based upon requirements and recommendations of the lecturers.