Poland - a country of opportunities / Solidarity Summer School

Poland - a country of opportunities

The Republic of Poland. A country located in the heart of Europe, with a population of about 38 million people (6th in the EU). Member of international organizations, including the UN, European Union, NATO, UNESCO, WHO, WTO, OCED and others. Poland is a member of the Schengen area. Poland borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Telephone numbers from Poland begin with 0048, websites and e-mail addresses end with "pl". The currency is the zloty (PLN).

The capital of Poland is Warsaw. It is a large (1.7 million), modern city with superbly developed infrastructure and services. Krakow - the seat of our University - is the former capital of Poland, the second city in terms of population, an important academic, cultural and religious center. Krakow is one of the cities most visited by tourists. There are many beautiful cities in Poland, with thousands of years of history, combining historic centers with modern spaces, we hope you will get to know them yourself. Most of Poland's area is lowlands, in the north of Poland stretches more than 400km of the Baltic coast with sandy beaches, in the south are the mountains - the Carpathians and the Sudetes. Much of the land is forest, Poland also has a true primeval forest - the last in Europe.

Poland has for centuries been a meeting place of different cultures, religions and traditions, which has played a significant role in the history of our country and influenced the development of many areas of life, including culture, science, architecture and even culinary. All this makes Poland increasingly a destination chosen by tourists. Relaxation in nature, active leisure or a short citybreak. Everyone can find something for themselves.

Living in Poland

More and more foreigners are choosing to live in Poland. Their motivations vary, and we want to draw your attention to a few facts that make our country unique and attractive.

Environment

The climate in Poland is temperate, with maritime and continental influences. You can distinguish four seasons, in winter it is cold, for a short time it can be very cold, you can expect snow every year, in mountainous areas it certainly will be. Spring can be warm or cold, rainy or not, but it is always beautiful - similarly, autumn. Summer is hot, for a short time it can be very hot. Poland does not have the most dangerous weather phenomena or earthquakes.

See what the weather is like in Poland now

In Poland, nature is beautiful. We have been protecting nature for centuries so that future generations can enjoy it. There are many interesting species of plants and animals. A kind of icon of Polish nature is the bison, a species that has managed to be saved and preserved for posterity. Large wild animals are found in nature reserves, accidentally meeting them elsewhere is unlikely. Normal precautions should be taken, but nature in Poland is not dangerous, there is only one species of venomous snake, several species of poisonous mushrooms and plants. Don't eat, and preferably don't touch, plants and mushrooms you don't know.

Get to know Poland's nature

Air quality is also systematically improving in Poland. As a country with vast coal resources, Poland based its economy on burning fossil fuels, which caused pollution. We are currently undergoing a green transformation. The number of coal-heated households has dropped significantly, the number of electric vehicles is increasing, and public transportation is developing intensively, especially in large agglomerations.

People

Hospitality is one of the qualities that Poles particularly value. According to surveys, the key values for most Poles are family happiness, health and also peace of mind and an honest life.

Poland is an ethnically and linguistically homogeneous country. It is best to know Polish, which is helped by courses and training offered by universities. English proficiency is very high, in stores, banks, offices and on the street you are likely to communicate in this language, especially in cities. Websites usually have an English version, English menus are standard in vending machines.

The dominant religion in Poland is Catholicism. Poland is one of the most religious countries in Europe. Catholics from all over the world are sure to find their religious needs met in Poland, especially in the larger cities. Poland, today as in the past, is characterized by religious tolerance.

Poland is a safe country day and night, for men, women, children. Normal precautions should be taken, but Poland has one of the lowest crime rates in the EU. Access to firearms is severely restricted. The services are doing their best to quickly eliminate the effects of vandalism. Streets and sidewalks are clean, greenery and landscaping elements are well maintained. Public infrastructure is being developed all the time, including for the safety of citizens, streets and pedestrian crossings are illuminated, the network of safe roads is being developed all the time, new safe pedestrian routes and bicycle paths are being built, city centers are being turned off from traffic. The traffic law provides large penalties for bravado on the road and protects pedestrians. The number of vehicles is increasing, but the number of dangerous traffic incidents is decreasing. Safety is watched over by services - the emergency number nationwide: 112.

State

Poland is a democratic State, the law is the foundation of order and is respected. Poland's free market economy is steadily developing. The wealth of citizens is increasing.

Attractive studies

Poland has a rich network of higher education institutions that offer quality education. The number of study programs in foreign languages, especially in English, dedicated to foreigners, is increasing every year. Polish science functions in the world circulation, universities conduct research at a high level, and they also employ outstanding foreign lecturers for teaching work. Education programs in Poland must meet European standards. Polish universities participate in international student exchange programs, which means that while studying in Poland, one can do part of their studies in another country. Polish diplomas are recognized around the world. In recent years, a great deal has been invested in teaching facilities, modern buildings and lecture halls, laboratories and studios, and digitization of studies. Universities also offer places in dormitories, which are cheaper than renting apartments on their own. Studying for foreigners is usually paid, it depends on the field of study, it is best to ask directly at the university in question. The cost of student life in Poland is difficult to estimate, it depends directly on consumer choices, but it is certainly among the competitive ones compared to other EU countries, however, in this matter it is best to contact currently studying foreigners and there are already about 85,000 of them. The number of foreigners studying in Poland is growing every year, it has doubled in the last 10 years. Foreigners account for about 7.1% of all students in Poland (figures for 2021). The number of English-language study programs is also growing, and there are now about 400 of them.

The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow also offers studies for foreigners. If you speak Polish, all majors are available to you. We have also opened recruitment for studies in English. As part of the first degree program, the English-language offer includes Philosophy and a specialization in Journalism and Social Communication: Communication and Media Studies, while the second degree program includes a specialization in Philosophy: Philosophy, Ethics and Religion. Tuition fees are 4300 zloty/semester.

We are growing with students in mind . See how the construction of the new campus is progressing

Poland supports the internationalization of its studies through programs aimed at foreigners, financed from the national and EU budgets. Such programs are currently offered through NAWA. For example, free study programs are being opened; our university has twice implemented such a program. Nawa also offers attractive scholarships that allow you to study for free and even partially cover the cost of living in Poland. If you are considering studying in Poland, be sure to visit the NAWA website.

Foreigners going to Poland to study must remember to complete all the formalities, friendly and modern offices will help. EU residents only need to register their stay at the Provincial Office and purchase health insurance. Residents of most other countries will need a visa, the obtaining of which allows them to travel throughout the Schengen Area. Learn more on the website of the Polish consulate appropriate for you.

For more information about studying in Poland, please visit: https://study.gov.pl/

Attractive job

Jobs in Poland are attractive both financially and in terms of working conditions, which is why more and more foreigners are coming to Poland to work. Unemployment rates in Poland are low, the unemployment rate in January 2023 was 2.8% (EUROSTAT) and on top of that it is significantly lower in cities. The average unemployment rate in the EU is 6.1%. According to this study, the lower unemployment rate in the EU is only in the Czech Republic. Economic statistics for Poland and the EU can be found on the Eurostat website.

Part of job satisfaction is earnings. Although the Polish economy is growing and salaries are rising, we understand that they could always be higher. Currently, the minimum salary in Poland is 3490 gross and the average salary is about 7000 PLN. Earnings in Poland are growing steadily. Poland's economy is changing. We are proud of this. Not so long ago Poland was recognized as an exporter of cheap labor and the unemployment rate was close to 20%.

Innovative Economy

Poland is becoming a leader in digital transformation in Central and Eastern Europe , and such technology giants as Microsoft and Google have decided to invest in our country. Poland is also home to an increasing number of startups developing advanced technologies and mobile applications, as well as innovative solutions in the field of artificial intelligence. All this makes Poland considered one of the most promising places in Europe for the development of the IT industry.

To learn more about Polish history, visit the links below

E-Books by The Institute of National Remembrance of Poland

- A Guide to the History of Poland

- The Fighting Republic of Poland 1939–1945

- The Katyń Massacre

Videos (YouTube) by The Institute of National Remembrance of Poland

- The Light of Freedom (a video on the Solidarity Movement)

- The Unconquered

- The Unconquered: Trying Times

- Game for Independence

Other interesting materials about Polish history

- Animated History of Poland