Short Courses in Poland

SIGN UP FOR A LANGUAGE COURSE

There are a few renowned schools of Polish language for foreigners in the country. One of them is The Polish Language and Culture Centre for Polish People from Abroad and Foreigners. The school is located in Lublin, the biggest academic city of Eastern Poland. The institute offers various courses of Polish all year round to students at a different level of Polish proficiency.

Experienced and well-prepared academic staff teach how to use Polish in practical situations. They are aware of the most common language mistakes foreigners make and adjust the teaching methods to the individual needs of students’.

During Polish language classes the students have a chance to learn the elements of Polish history and culture so that they can better understand the reality of daily living in Poland. Field trips and cultural events are usually a part of the curriculum, too.

Apart from that, Polish Universities usually have a classes of Polish for their international students. You need to inquire about that at the International Students’ Office at your University or just ask "Think Poland" staff and they will be happy to guide you.

ADOPT THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE
Studying in Poland is not much different from studying abroad. Practically, the same study rules apply. Learning is implemented via lectures, classes, seminars, tutorials and labo­ratory work. In addition to obligatory courses, students may choose to participate in extra-curricular academic activities as well as join classes in other fields of study. Students are also obliged to participate in foreign classes as part of their study curriculum.

The academic year, covering 30 course weeks and ca. 30 hours of instruc­tion per week, is divided into two semesters: 1) the winter semester, lasting from 1 October to mid February, in­cludes 15 weeks of study, Christmas holidays, a winter examination session and winter holidays and 2) the summer semester (from mid February to 30 September), in­cludes 15 weeks of study, Easter holidays, a summer examination session and summer holidays;

Each semester ends with an examination period. The students are exam­ined in each subject separately. Exams are both written and oral. They are held to assess acquired knowl­edge and understanding. Practical skills tests may consist of exercises, individual and team project work, and job placement experience.

To complete a semester a student needs to achieve the minimum passing grades in all courses specified in the curriculum and also to receive satisfac­tory grades in all exams. Two semesters must be completed in order to gain admission the following academic year. However, there is a possibility to follow individual study programmes, which are defined and approved by the faculty council.

Candidates who fail in the first examination session have a chance to resit the exam in the additional exam session. Should a student fail on both occa­sions, he or she must repeat the year in whole or in part (certain subjects) depending on given faculty boards.

Practical Information

FIX YOUR FINANCE

Zloty is a Polish currency (zl, PLN). 1 zloty is 100 groszy (gr.) The banknotes are in values of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN and the coins are in the value of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 gr. and 1, 2, and 5 PLN.

In the near future, Poland plans to adopt the European currency Euro.

Currency can be exchanged in many banks or currency exchange shops. They are easy to be found in the city centers, airports, railway stations, places of tourist attractions, and in some hotels. If you would like to know what today’s exchange rate with your home currency is, check the Polish National Bank’s website
Think Poland also cooperates with some Polish Banks where you can set up a free student’s account online before your departure to Poland. Having your own bank account and an ATM machine will definitely come handy!

ARRANGE A VISA

Students from the European Union do not need a visa to study in Poland. Their ID is enough to cross the border and sign up to a University (with all the necessary admission documents, of course).

Students from outside the EU would need a visa to study in Poland. The procedures may vary depending on the country a student comes from. However, some of the requirements remain the same for all the countries and they include:

* A filled-in visa application form


* A valid passport


* Official letter of acceptance to a University in Poland


* A short CV


* School certificates and diplomas


* Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study (mainly English or Polish)


* Confirmation of having the funds for studying and living in Poland


* Health insurance


* A photo



CHECK YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE

In order to get a visa to Poland, students need to present a visa which will cover the first year of their studies in Poland. Once in the country, they are free to sign up to the National Health Fund, which costs only approx. 50 PLN (13 EUR) per month and covers their medical treatment in public hospitals. The International Student Offices at each University or our Think Poland office staff will be happy to guide the newly arrived students with regards to which forms should be signed and where delivered to.