What happens in Poland, stays in Poland! Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Northern Iowa) for

Study Abroad Programs in Poland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My eyes were opened to all the things that make up a people's national identity. The way I look at the world has totally changed. This experience will greatly help me in my future business career and has sparked a strong desire in me to continue my international travels.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professor Konrad is the key component of this capstone. He made it fun and educational.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Zygmund was wonderful! He is very organized and helped us schedule our excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our dorm was wonderful! Highly suggest to have the group stay there next year, very easy to get to the tram stop and not too far to walk either.

* Food:

Except for the restaurant at the dorm. We had the same thing day after day. At the end I couldn't even eat my meal because it was making me sick all the fried meat, more variety would be nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going to the mountains and Auschwitz-Birkenau were my favorite. I think some of the museums could be taken out so students don't get burnt out. Towards the end I was just ready to be done. Also, include a tour with Bernard Offen next year - it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Everyday I saw police. The only time I was nervous was walking through a park after dark, but we were in a group so it was fine. Overall I felt very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Any and every student should consider the Poland capstone. The class is about national identity so it doesn't matter what your major is. This class is easily applied to any major and regular everyday life. The best part is that Professor Konrad wants you to experience Poland and structures the class in a way that you can. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you don't want to miss!