Wroclaw: Old World Charm with New World Attractions Past Review
By Nanette Z (International Studies/French, Anonymous University) for
Study Abroad Programs in Poland
Doing this program has helped me realize my desire to teach english as second language in Poland. Once I get my certification I plan to move there so that I can help other's gain an important tool that will help them get ahead in their lives. Even if that doesn't work out I definitely want to travel and continue to explore new people and places.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Even though we did not have any homework, the schoolwork throughout the day at school was engaging, challening,and fun and I truly learned a lot. I went to school every day from 9 until 3. We had the same teacher throuhgout the course, which was a little disappointing to me because I would have preferred a few other teachers to add some variety. Nevertheless we did many different types of activites including group activities such as skits or games, individual work such as writing and grammar, and also pronunciation. It was a well-rounded course and very beneficial to me as someone who already spoke Polish but in need of fine tuning in reading and writing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in the program was super super nice. The coordinators from Study Abroad Poland were always extremely helpful and genuinely interested in making sure that everything was clearly explained and fit with my desires. The student leaders in Wroclaw were also very nice and energetic. It was good to have them around since they were obviously knowledgeable about the city--restaurants, bars, museums, parks, events. etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The student dormitory that we stayed in was perfect for me. I shared a room with my best friend. There was a communal kitchen and bathroom and we also had two additional roommates who shared their own room. Living there was a great way to make new friends. The amenities were nice. We could cook our own dinner if we so desired (by why do that when there are so many deliciously cheap restaurants around?) The dorm was right next to a tram stop so that was convenient. The part of town it was in was more quiet and peaceful than other parts of the city. I particularly enjoyed being able to commute via the rent-a-bike. There was one station located right outside the dorm. There was also a large shopping mall a five minute's walk away. |
| * Food: |
The food was AMAZING. The lunches were honestly one of my favorite parts of the day. Yes, it was a cafeteria but man, completely unlike any cafeteria food you have ever had. It was delicious! I am not a vegetarian but I often sat at the vegeterian table since they frequently served pierogi, which I love. Hands down best food I ever ate. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program includes a weekend excursion to the Biadne Skaly,some hot springs, and some mountains in Southwestern Poland. It was definitely worth going because it was beautiful. They have other weekend events as well including various city outings like going to restaurants and bars with the group. There is definitely an endless amount of things you can do. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe at all. Poland's not as scary as some people think it is. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Whatever you do, go study abroad. If you don't you will forever regret it. Wroclaw is an amazing city to go to in Poland. It is so beautiful and charming and everyone that I met there was friendly and caring. If you want to actually learn Polish, this is the program for you. You can also choose to party and goof off and have that be successful too. Either way, go out there and put yourself in an unfamiliar place. It may be scary but it's also very rewarding. You will learn a lot about a new culture, its people and traditions as well as yourself. |
