Poland

Polish is the official language of Poland.

As Poland is a top tourist destination in Europe, it is common for local people to speak English, especially in urban areas.

Language learning prior to departure: As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources, such as Duolingo to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

For most programs, you will need a Polish National Visa Type D for stays between 90-365 days.

If you require a visa, you will need to:

• 1. Visit the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland's website

  2. Register for a visa appointment online

  3. Fill out a visa application form and gather all necessary visa requirements before your appointment at the Chicago consulate

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page on the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange website.

Phones

• • There are 5 main cell phone plan providers in Poland: Orange, Play, Plus, T-Mobile, and Aero2.

  • Purchasing a local SIM card is likely most beneficial for longer stays, and prepaid data plans are relatively inexpensive.

  • It is recommended that you purchase your local SIM card after you leave the airport, either at a provider store, a supermarket, kiosk, or drug store.

  • Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• • Internet connection is exceptionally good throughout the entire country, with strong signals even in rural areas.

  • WiFi connectivity should be available in public areas as well as at Jagiellonian University and in students' housing arrangements (dorms, apartments).

  • Read about cell phone plans, prepaid SIM cards, and internet plans in Poland.

Electricity

• • Poland, like many European states, operates using Type C and Type F plugs with two round prongs. You will need an adapter for your appliances, which can be purchased in country or prior to departure.

  • While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• • For money exchange or withdraw using a US debit card, visit a bank or an ATM.

  • Exchange rates at Polish kantors (currency exchange services) tend be higher.

  • When withdrawing money from a U.S. card, always withdraw and pay in local currency, to avoid your credit or debit card incurring additional exchange fees.

  • Popular banks in Poland for visiting students and travelers are: Bank Millenium and Citibank, due to English language availability.

  • It is always a good idea to consult your local US bank before travelling as well, even if just to notify them that your cards will be in use internationally.

  • Read about banking and credit/debit cards in Poland.

Climate

• • Poland's climate is similar to that of the Midwestern U.S., with slightly colder winters and slightly milder summers.

  • Temperatures in the summer average around 25 degrees Celcius (or 77 degrees Farenheit), and in the winter average between 0 to -5 degrees Celcius (or 32 to 23 degrees Farenheit).

Packing Tips

• • Snow boots and a winter coat, as well as a hat, scarves, and gloves are a good idea to bring, as it does snow in Poland in the winter months.

  • It is a good idea to pack for a relatively temperate climate, meaning bringing multiple pairs of long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters or cardigans.

  • Local residents usually wear long pants and short sleeves in public, even during the warmest summer months.

  • Young people gear towards dresses and shorts once the temperature begins to rise in the summer.

  • The cost of living in Poland in relation to the U.S. is lower, meaning it is a good idea to buy all necessary toiletries and personal items upon arrival. This will save weight space in your suitcase.

  • For perscription medications, check with your doctor before departure to make sure you have an ample amount of medication for your study abroad term, or the means of acquiring more in Poland.

  • For more packing tips, visit the Pre-Departure Checklist page.

Public Transportation

• • Travelling within Poland is easily accessible via bus or train, especially between larger cities.

  • You can view and purchase bus tickets online for travel throughout the country, as well as access train timetables and station locations.

  • A popular and inexpensive bus service in Poland is called Flixbus, with connections to 100+ cities in-country.

  • Train tickets and time tables can be viewed and purchased online via platforms such as Polrail, or directly at Polish train stations.

Flights

• • The largest and most prominent international airport in Poland is Chopin International Airport in the capital city of Warsaw.

  • Other international airports include Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk.

  • Trans-Atlantic connections are least expensive through Warsaw or Krakow, but flights within the Schengen zone and to nearby locations are plausible using smaller international airports.

  • Poland's national airline is LOT Polish Airlines. Other common airlines for use to/from Poland are Lufthansa, United, Swiss, SAS, and others.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. Note that how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process:

• • Visit the Department of State website

  • Look into the Diversity Abroad Resources available on our study abroad website.

The Illinois Safety & Security page gives important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with it.

Also, check out the U.S. Embassy page. and the Department of State website.

If your host provider or university doesn't automatically enroll you, consider enrolling yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

Peter, Spring 2015

• "Studying abroad in Krakow, Poland was one of the best decisions I made in college. Krakow is a beautiful city and a great place to spend a semester (or a year!). The food, culture, and nightlife is amazing and the cost of attendance/living is very affordable. I loved the classes I took and the professors I had. The classes were small and very interesting - I learned a lot about European history/economics/politics/and literature (all of them satisfied various UIUC requirements). I became close friends with the other study abroad students and local Polish students. The dorms, class buildings, and city center are all within a 20 minute walk of each other which made exploring Krakow very easy. I loved everything about studying abroad in Krakow and highly recommend it to anyone!"

Claudia, Spring 2019

• "Poland has been a very interesting experience. I have learned a lot and will continue to learn from what I experienced overseas. I am originally from a very large school in southern Illinois, so the small class sizes at the CES were a big change from the large lecture halls I was used to. I felt like I really got to know my professors and peers. I loved living in Krakow because everything was close to the Main Square, the city was incredibly fun to walk around and explore. One of my favorite parts about my abroad experience was being able to travel very easily with an airport so nearby. The dorms were also very clean, and we never had any issues with safety while I was living there. I loved the feeling of being completely safe and knowing that if there were any issues, anyone was friendly and willing to help. I would definitely choose to go abroad to Krakow if given another opportunity and I can't wait to experience the Polish culture again sometime in the future! These have been a great few months. Some advice to future travelers in Krakow is to take advantage of all the fun events and activities that occur throughout the community because that is the best way to be immersed in the culture. From the Main Square to the Jewish Quarter, there is an endless amount of activities and new things to try. Also, take advantage of public transportation because it is super convenient, cheap, and easy to navigate!"

• Poland was the first country in Europe to sign and ratify an official Constitution on May 3, 1791, and only the second country in the world to do so, behind the US in 1789.

• Polish Independence Day is celebrated on the same day as Veteran's Day in the US, November 11th.

• Poland re-gained its Independence on November 11, 1919, after the conclusion of World War I.