Program Highlights:
This unique program takes place at the Department of International Polish Studies (IPS) at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. For the semester/year, the offered curriculum, based upon highly original programs, is taught in English by distinguished experts from the most influential and leading academic centers in Poland (i.e. Krakow, Warsaw), important figures of artistic life, and also by professors from abroad. The curriculum is run in five modules: Literature, Culture, Jewish Studies, History, and Language. The summer program focuses on Polish modernity, as a social and cultural process in Poland. Students will become familiar with the history and culture of contemporary Poland, the way it has developed, and the problems it has encountered en route to becoming a modern society.
The University:
Study Abroad Poland invites students to study for a semester or academic year at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Founded in 1364, the Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland and the second oldest in Central Europe. It is ranked one of the best universities in the country, and its alumni include such famous figures as Nicolas Copernicus, King John III Sobieski, Pope John Paul II, Norman Davies, and many more. The university has a long tradition of academic excellence and has about 47,000 students.
The City:
The university is located in the heart of Krakow. Undoubtedly Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For centuries Polish kings and queens resided there before the capital was moved to Warsaw. Today the city prides itself on being the center of Polish culture. With over 6,000 historical buildings and monuments, Krakow is also a great place to learn about the country’s history. Since this was one of the few cities that was not destroyed during WW II, the Old Town still retains its medieval layout and some of the buildings date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Due to its beauty and historical significance UNESCO named Krakow to its original list of World Heritage Sites in 1978. Krakow will enchant you with its charming Old Town, historic royal castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill, majestic churches and numerous museums, cafes and shops.
Courses & Descriptions:
SEMESTER/YEAR
Generally students take a Polish language class and 3 elective courses. The Polish language course consists of 72 teaching hours and is worth 4 semester credits. Most courses are worth 4 semester credits.
You can earn between 12 and 16 semester credits (18 and 24 quarter credits if you are on the quarter system).
In addition to your classes, each semester the IPS organizes a unique study travel program. Each destination includes aspects of education, tourism, and fun. Every study trip focuses on the literary, cultural, historical, social, and political characteristics and features that the study trip specifically targets. If the study trip destination is to a larger city that contains a university, lectures with professors of the particular university and meetings with local student groups are possible to arrange.
The costs of travel and accommodation of one study trip, to be determined by the IPS, are included in the program fee. The costs of all other study trips are borne by the student. Click here for a list of Sample Study Trips.
SUMMER
Summer students will enroll in the two required courses listed below, which are worth 4 credits each. Polish language classes will be available if at least 3 students with a similar level of proficiency express interest. The additional cost of 45 hours of language instructions is $400 per student. The availability of language classes will be announced at least a week after the application deadline.
- Modern Polish Literature and Culture (Required)
- Modern Polish History (Required)
- Polish Language
The ISP also organizes an attractive study travel program including guided tours of Krakow’s most famous sites, a 4-day study tour to Vilnius, Lithuania, a day trip to Auschwitz, and a 2-day trip to the Polish Highlands – Zakopane.
Transfer Credit:
Jagiellonian University is a university 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.
Scholarships are available on our scholarships page.
Application Deadline(s):
April 09, 2012 - Summer
June 15, 2012 - Fall
November 16, 2012 - Spring
June 15, 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.
