COUNTRY FACTS


Capital :

Warsaw

Population :

38,622,660

Area :

312,684 sq km

Language:

Polish, English

Religion :

Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christian

Continent :

Europe




Poland Located in the heart of Europe, Poland has a radically different look about it these days, having exchanged the greyish tinge of a state-regulated society for the anything-goes attitude of private enterprise. And Polish people have vigorously maintained a distinct sense of culture and community despite the trend towards a more modern life. Polish hospitality is legendary, and there's a natural progression from a chance meeting to an introduction to the extended family. A diverse range of activities are available for all to enjoy such as the beautiful Baltic coastal beaches to the north, the rocky mountain peaks to the south, lots of history, museums, and the arts.


Poland boasts one of the most colorful and varied histories in all of Europe. From the largest empire of 15th century Europe to total non-existence, Poland has had its fair share of good and bad times. Studying Polish language and culture will help reveal things to you that you never would have imagined.


Poland is RICH in cultural heritage. Equal to the size of New Mexico, Poland boasts 16 major regions, many of which have their own cultural traditions in dance, dress, and music. Also, since Poland was for many years (and still is!) at the crossroads of Europe, many treasures of art and music have found themselves within the current day borders. Just recently original manuscripts of Beethoven (!) were uncovered. They are now displayed annually in Kraków at the Beethoven Easter Festival.

Read, write, or experiment among the masters… Did you know that Poland has produced many Nobel Prize winners? Among them are some of history’s greatest writers, like Szymborska, Miłosz, and Sienkiewicz... Let’s not forget Madame Curie (two times!). Who would have guessed that she was formerly known as Maria Skłodowska? And who’s this Mikołaj Kopernik guy? None other than Nicolas Copernicus! Pretty amazing, huh?





Polish universities

The university-level education uses a numeric system of grades from 2 to 5, with grades every 0.5.

  • 2.0 - failing grade
  • 3.0 - lowest passing grade
  • 3.5
  • 4.0
  • 4.5
  • 5.0 - highest grade

There is no 2.5 grade. 5.5 is sometimes given as an "exceeds expectations" grade, but for all official purposes it is equivalent to 5.0. "3-" is occasionally (but very rarely) given as a "barely passing" grade, but for all official purposes it is equivalent to 3.0.

The grading is done every semester (twice a year), not once in a school year. Depending on the subject, the final grade may be based on the result of a single exam, or on the student's performance during the whole semester. In the latter case, usually a point system, not the 2-5 scale is used. The points accumulated during the semester are added and converted to a final grade according to some scale.

As a failing grade means merely having to repeat the failed subject, and can usually be corrected on a retake exam (and in some cases also on a special "committee exam"), it is used much more liberally, and it is quite common for a significant number of students to fail a class on the first attempt.

VISA PROCESS
Students must obtain a Polish visa in order to enter and stay in Poland legally. Visa approval to access Poland gives right of stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland only. Students intending to study in Polish University needs below mentioned documents to obtain the polish student visa.


Documents Required
Passport (must be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Poland).

  1. One passport-size photo.
  2. Completed application form.
  3. Fee, payable by cash/postal order.
  4. proof that you have registered for a language course (e.g. certificate of registration, receipt of course fees)
  5. An official letter from a university.
  6. Transport documentation, aeroplane ticket.
  7.  health insurance

Applications submitted without these requirements will not be considered by the Consular offices and will be returned to the applicant. Holders of Polish visa are still subject to immigration control at the Polish border and are not guaranteed entry. All visitors must possess sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay.

LIVING COST IN POLAND

Before going on to living cost for students in Poland, lets have some introduction to Polish Currency. Polish money (PLN) is counted in złoty (zł) and grosz (gr) 100 groszy = 1 złoty.
The coins are issued in 1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, 50gr, 1zł, 2zł and 5zł. The bank notes are issued in 10zł, 20zł, 50zł, 100zł, and 200 zł.
For international students - Daily necessities like food and clothing are still relatively inexpensive by western standards, however prices depend on the country of origin of the goods. Generally products made in Poland are less expensive than goods imported from the West. Foreign students should remember that if they want to travel, buy fresh fruit and vegetables in the winter, make phone calls abroad and lead an active social life they will spend a few hundred PLN per month (excluding cost of accommodation).
To give you an idea of the cost of living in Poland,  example:

  • Accommodation in a Student House 485 PLN per month
  • Private accommodation (living with Polish family) 200-500 PLN per month
  • Dinner in a student refectory 5-10 PLN
  • Dinner outside Campus 10-20 PLN
  • Breakfast and supper (if self-catering) 5-10 PLN

It is rather expensive to have dinner a la carte at a restaurant. Meals at small bars or "fast food" bar are less expensive.
Most grocery stores are open 8.00 am- 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. On Saturday they close early afternoon. Some stores are open on Sundays.
Other expenses:

  Cinema 14-22 PLN / show
  Cigarettes 3 - 8 PLN/ packet (20 cig.)