Program Highlights:
This program is designed for students who want to rapidly increase their Polish language skills while also learning about Polish culture. Intensive Polish language classes are complemented with lectures on Polish history, film, holidays, and traditions.
The University:
Founded in 1816 as the Royal University of Warsaw, today the university is considered one of the largest and most prestigious academic institutions in Poland with over 60,000 students. Our students attend courses at the Center of Polish Language and Culture “Polonicum,” which is the oldest Polish language and culture center for foreigners. Polonicum has well-experienced staff who use the most up-to-date teaching methods, so there is no better place to study Polish!
The City:
With a population of more 1.7 million people, Warsaw is an ideal location for those of you who like the big city life. It became the country’s capital in 1596 when King Zygmunt III moved the royal residence there from Krakow. Since then Warsaw has witnessed many hardships (it was almost completely destroyed during WW II), but it has emerged as a cosmopolitan city and the business center of the country. Here you can find modern architecture juxtaposed with carefully-restored palaces and castles. The city boasts a beautiful Old Town and many theaters, museums, monuments, restaurants, and parks. And since it is home to a number of large universities, there are plenty of college students to meet and socialize with.
Courses & Descriptions:
Fall Semester
Semester students generally take an intensive 90-hour Polish language course (all levels are offered), which is worth 6 semester credits. In addition, they can take 3 or 4 elective courses, each worth 3 semester credits. Elective courses are taught in English. You can earn between 15 and 18 semester credits.
Because the fall semester in Poland generally finishes in mid-February, students are encouraged to select our “Fall 2” program, which ends in February. If students can’t stay that long, they can apply for our “Fall 1” program and finish at the end of December. In this case, the university will make special arrangements for our students to take exams early.
Spring Semester
Students have two options to choose from for the Spring Semester. There is a super intensive “Spring 1” program, which includes TWO 90-hour Polish language courses, for a total of 12 semester credits. In addition, they can take 3 or 4 elective courses, each worth 3 semester credits. You can earn up to 24 semester credits.
For the “Spring 2” program students generally take an intensive 90-hour Polish language course, worth 6 semester credits, and 3 or 4 elective courses, each worth 3 semester credits. You can earn between 15 and 18 semester credits.
Summer
Summer students attend an intensive Polish language course (all levels are offered). Classes meet for 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Each level has a carefully designed syllabus to meet the needs of the students. In addition to the language lessons, students have additional lectures on aspects of Polish culture. Audiovisual programs in English are provided for beginners. Lectures on Polish language and culture are given for intermediate students. Advanced students can choose between Polish language workshops and literary-drama workshops. Additionally they may attend lectures given by University of Warsaw professors. Throughout the program Polonicum also offers music seminars, films (with Polish subtitles), “Polonez” dance lessons, and the course ends with a student theatrical and dance performance. You can earn up to 6 semester credits.
Transfer Credit:
The University of Warsaw is fully accredited by the Polish Ministry of Education. Most colleges and universities allow you to transfer credit from courses taken abroad. Before applying it’s important to speak with the study abroad advisor at your home institution to obtain pre-approval for your courses and determine how many credits you’ll receive. Every educational institution has different policies about transferring credit, so we encourage you to follow your institution’s regulations. Usually the number of credits that you receive depends on the number of teaching hours. Following the American system, we suggest awarding 1 semester credit for every 15 hours of class time or 1 quarter credit for every 10 hours of class time.
After completing the program, we’ll send your registrar or study abroad advisor an official transcript with the course titles, course hours, and grades. Your university will need this transcript to transfer credit.
Financial Aid:
It is possible to transfer your financial aid to pay for some or all of the program costs. The first step is to check with your home institution’s financial aid advisor before applying. Since every home institution has different rules, only your advisor can tell you what kind of aid can transfer. Study Abroad Poland is happy to provide you with a certificate of enrollment or any other documents that your university might require.
For more information about scholarships please visit our scholarships page.
Application Deadline(s):
May 27, 2012 - Summer
June 29, 2012 - Fall
June 29, 2012 - Fall 2
October 05, 2012 - Spring
November 16, 2012 - Spring 2
June 29, 2012 - Academic Year
Late applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Applying for our programs is simple! Fill out the on-line application form and wait for more information from us.
