Poland-A Fun and Wonderful Place to Learn Past Review
By Theresa B (Communications, University of Northern Iowa) for
Study Abroad Programs in Poland
I have really learned so much about what it means to be a part of a country. I have also learned what it means to be American. This is something that is difficult to understand until you have been somewhere else. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! I had such a wonderful time with some really great people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Honestly, the reading was a bit intense, but I skimmed most of it and got the gist of it all. I thought my professor was very fair in how he graded and set up class times. We had class for 2 hours at a time but not everyday. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My professor was the best I ever had in any course at UNI. He was real and not stuck up. He was willing to do what we wanted and took in to consideration how tired we got etc. Overall, the best professor I have ever had! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Towels, toilet paper, radio, sheets, pillows and hand soap were provided. Closet space was awesome! It was a 5 minute walk from the grocery store and an ATM. The key policy was very nice (they held your keys when you left so you wouldn't lose them and so that your roommate could get back in if you weren't around. It was also a short 10 minute walk from the tram. |
| * Food: |
The little restaurant next to the dorm was very accommodating and provided vegetarian food for one of my fellow students. Very nice atmosphere. Cheap! Only 11-12 zlote for a full meal. Otherwise there are some really great places on the square and outside the square. I would also suggest that everyone go to Cupcake Corner. BEST CUPCAKES OF MY LIFE!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Karaoke at a pub in the square was one of my favorite nights as well as partying in the club called Carpe Diem. This place is located just off the square. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Poland. The only people that made me feel uneasy were the homeless and beggars. I had never seen so many downtrodden people before. |
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | ANY STUDENT WOULD BENEFIT. I think national identity is something everyone should know about in this changing and globalizing world. I would strongly encourage anyone who was interested in Studying Abroad to go to Poland. It is sort of a forgotten country, even though it has a rich history and many historical landmarks. |
