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Geographic and cultural description
Poland is located in central Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Poland measures approximately 120,733 square miles.
Its population as of 2025 is 37,410,000
The country’s official language is Polish; less than 40% of the population has some level of English proficiency.
Fun Facts!
Fun Facts!
Poland is home to Malbork Castle, the world’s largest castle.
Eating pizza with ketchup is common!
Poland is home to the first upside down house.
Student Testimonial
Student Testimonial
Olga Bukowska
Olga Bukowska
Navigating life at Brenau University as a Polish student involves a balance of honoring my heritage while adapting and respecting a new environment and another culture. I make an effort to uphold the traditions central to my identity, celebrating popular holidays like Christmas and Easter, just in a slightly different fashion, the Polish way. This includes indulging in Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), marking the religious and cultural significance of Trzech Króli (Three Kings Day) and Boże Ciało (Corpus Christi), honoring loved ones on Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints’ Day), and even remembering to wish family members a happy Imieniny (Name Day). This practice of maintaining my cultural rhythms and traditions is important, yet the respect for the American culture and their hospitality also has to be mentioned.
Polish (Baltic) Sea
The ability to live in a different country has also highlighted the differences between Polish and American values, particularly in the concept of respect. In my experience, the Polish understanding of respect is deeply intertwined with keeping ones word and demonstrating a profound sense of personal accountability, a nuance that is not always immediately seen in a new cultural context.
Polish Grave during All Saints ( Wszystkich Świętych)
Polish Mountains in the Winter – City: Zawoja
The historical and national resilience that is part of Poland's story, combined with the strong emphasis my parents placed on the value of education, has taught me a deep-seated drive to persevere, even during the biggest challenges, and learn.
To other students coming from similar cultural backgrounds to a place like Brenau, I would offer this advice: embrace the opportunity with an open heart. Fully respect the culture that is hosting you and providing you with a new path, while simultaneously allowing you to nurture your own traditions. The goal is not to choose one over the other, but to live in a state of symbiosis, allowing both cultures to enrich your life through mutual respect and understanding.
Recipes to try!
Recipes to try!
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