Easy Languages

Program

Destination

Poland, one of the oldest countries in Europe, was first founded as an independent state in 966. It prospered throughout the middle ages and into the modern period until Swedish and Russian incursions in the 17th and 18th centuries ate away at the kingdom’s territory and independence. The 19th and 20th centuries marked a sad period for Poland, in which the great powers of Europe fought incessantly for control of this strategically located country.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Poland; the country rebounded from the post-communist transition faster than any other former communist nation and now boasts a robust market economy and a stable democratic government. Its citizens voted to join the European Union in 2003 (its sixth largest country with a population of almost 39 million people) and analysts expect that it will join the Eurozone between 2009 and 2013.

Kraków, one of Poland’s oldest cities and its traditional capital, is home to some 1.4 million people and is the spiritual centre of Poland. As the traditional residence of the Polish kings and the home for the high aristocracy, the Krakow cityscape was the showcase of Polish art and architecture. The eclectic mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture gives the city a cosmopolitan air that puts it on par with almost any other city in Europe.

Unlike most European cities, however, Krakow has maintained its historic atmosphere throughout centuries; in 1978 its centre was the 29th entry on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. There is much more to do in Krakow than site-seeing, however, and it hosts 18 university-level schools, for a total student population of 170,000, over 10% of the population! The presence of so many institutions of higher learning gives Krakow a very dynamic, energetic atmosphere, and the streets are full of interesting restaurants, bars, and, of course, shopping.

School

The school is situated on the first two floors of an historic building dating back to the end of the 19th century and located some 10 minutes by foot to Krakow’s central square. 9 tram lines and 2 bus services connect to the school.

Classes are held in 8 spacious, well-lit rooms, equipped with audio/visual materials, over-head projectors and white boards. There is also a study room with library and free Internet access.

The teachers are chosen very carefully and are all native Polish speakers. They are university graduates with extensive teaching experience. They have also been specifically trained to teach Polish as a foreign language.

Activities and excursions

We believe that practicing Polish outside class and getting to know Poland and its culture is essential to language development. It is for this reason that we organise a variety of activities outside of class for our students. Our programme includes: Lectures on Polish History, Literature, Film and Legends; Polish Cuisine Workshops; Guided Tours and Trips; Pub and Restaurant Evenings with Teachers and Polish Students; Barbecues and Horse riding; Meetings with Local Students; Film Screenings ...

Some of these activities are included in the course price, however there are extra fees for others, especially those that include admission or transportation fees.

All of these activities are always available throughout summer and also throughout the year upon request. They are included in the programme price, except for horse riding and certain activities which necessitate entry or transport fees.

Courses

The programme is based on 6 different levels, ranging from beginner to advanced speakers. The classes are small, with an average of 4 students per group (maximum 8 in busy season), which helps to ensure that the students are given personal attention and the opportunity for self-expression. We never place more than two students of the same nationality in a group.

On the first day of class, all students (except those who have no previous knowledge of Polish) take a written and oral assessment test before the start of courses, to ensure that students are placed in the appropriate group.

At the end of the programme, students are given a certificate of completion, specifying their level of Polish and number of hours of attendance. If they so desire, they can also obtain an assessment certificate, which includes a detailed analysis of their competencies in the Polish Language.

We offer two types of courses to our students:

• General Polish:
  This 20 hour a week programme aims to develop the learner’s general language competence and the ability to communicate in an international environment and everyday situations, as well as at work and in social situations. Throughout the course, learners expand their vocabulary repertoire and learn new grammatical structures. Through practice, they improve their ability to communicate, read and write fluently and correctly. The curriculum includes a wide range of topics such as, real life situations, Polish history, art, culture, literature and tradition, social problems, politics, and media. Lessons run from Monday to Friday, from 9am-10:30am and 11am-12:30pm.
  
  
• Combination Courses:
  This course is a combination of the General Polish programme in the morning, followed by private lessons in the afternoon (an additional 10 hours a week), for a total of 30 hours of instruction per week. Private lessons are catered to the needs and weaknesses of individual students, making this the fastest method for learning the language and developing specific language competencies.
  
  

Accommodation

We offer two possibilities for lodging.

• Host family
  
  

To make the most of your immersion in Poland, we suggest living with a host family.

This is an efficient means for students to regularly communicate with Polish people and to get to know Polish culture. Families are carefully selected by our local representative according to strict hospitality criteria and are, according to availability and preference, close to the school or to the centre of town.

These families will generously share their daily lives with you and give you the opportunity to practice Polish all the time.

Students receive a single room, a shared bathroom, and take their meals with the family half board (or just breakfast).

• Residence
  
  

Alternatively, more independent students can opt to stay in our residence hall, in a private room.

Meals are not included. Residences are situated 3km from the school (about 25 minutes' walk) and 10 minutes from the main square in Krakow (Glowny Rynek).

The rooms are furnished (bed, bedding, wardrobe, etc) and have a private bathroom.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Both the general and combined programme courses begin every Monday for students with some previous knowledge of Polish.

Absolute beginners must start on the following dates:

• General programme: 03/01, 31/01, 14/03, 7/05, 21/05, 11/06, 25/06, 09/07, 23/07, 6/08, 20/08, 17/09, 08/10, 12/11, 3/12.
• Combine course: 03/01, 17/01, 31/01, 14/02, 28/02, 14/03, 28/03, 18/04, 7/05, 21/05, 4/06, 25/06, 2/07, 09/07, 16/07, 23/07, 30/07, 6/08, 13/08, 20/08, 27/08, 10/09, 24/09, 08/10, 22/10, 12/11, 3/12, 10/12.
  

Please note that the school will close for the following national holidays: 01/01, 25/04, 1-4/05, 07/06, 15/08, 01/11, 24-31/12.

The complete fee structure for this programme is laid out in the table to the right. Fees include:

• Programme chosen by the student,
• Accommodation as chosen by the student
• Course books & academic materials
• Selected social and cultural activities
• All administration fees

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Krakow
• An (optional) transfer is available between airport and accommodation - see price table.
  
  

If you prefer, we can book your flights for you. This must be made clear at the moment of enrolment.

If you intend to book your own flight, try to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday following its end.

Visa Information

EU residents do not normally need a Visa to enter Poland.

Citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc, can stay in Poland without a Visa for up to 3 months.

If you intend to stay for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa (type D) before arriving.

Students coming from such countries must acquaint themselves with the visa application procedures involved at their local Polish Embassy or Consulate.