Why Poland?

Europe offers many advantages for those who seek an international destination for their future academic studies. Higher education institutions across Europe offer admission to students from all over the world, and the most important thing is this education is, in most instances, inexpensive and high quality. Therefore, it makes sense to study in Europe no matter where you are from. Undeniably, Europe and it’s off-shoots such as USA, Canada, Australia etc. provide the best education possibilities in the world, but Europe is the richest among such possible destinations in terms of what it offers to international students. It offers great places to live, and good opportunities to work, in an environment steeped in everything that modern civilisation can offer .And if you are convinced that Europe can be your destination for education, then there are some good reasons that might make Poland that destination.

COST : for most programs tuition typically will be between 2000-5000 Euro/year depending on school and program you wish to study. Howeverm there are even programs cheaper than 2000 euro. Likewise, living costs (accomodation+food+tranport) will be around 2500 – 4000 Euro/year depending on type of accomodation and your spending habits. Total costs can be as low as 4 500 euro or as high as 9000 euro which is still much cheaper than most countries in the world. A shared flat in the city center for 100-150 EUR or a room in a student dormitory for 100 EUR? Furthermore, a monthly public transport ticket costs only 12 EUR per month, and during the warmer half of the year you can use public bikes which are almost free of charge. After a few weeks in Poland, you’ll certainly learn how to get a cinema ticket for 3 EUR or a tasty lunch for less than 5 EUR. Poland is the promised land for the ones who are thrifty.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

This is where Poland beats the competition. Most foreign students nowadays come to poland because of jobs. Poland offers lots of part-time and full-time job opportunities. It doesn’t put a cap on number of weekly hours for part-time jobs so that students can work as much as they need. Poland also gives all graduates one extra year of visa extension to stay and find a job. and if they stay and work another 3-4 years they can get a permanent residency in Poland.

QUALITY OF EDUCATION

It is a little known fact that Poland beats most countries in the world in quality of education. The pronblem with countries like Finland, Germany, Poland, Holland and similar countries is that they dont have very famous universities and a big name in education but they all beat USA, England and Australia in international assessment exams.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Poland is an incredible country with an inclusive and rich educational background. Studying in Poland will give you a high quality European degree, recognized all around the world. Since 2004, Poland has been part of the EU and this allows students to spend a year as an exchange student in any EU country. This a huge chance for students to learn another foreign language as well as experiencing another country and culture fully.

Culture and Entertainment

Polish culture is well known in the world, for both historical heritage and present achievements. Polish cultural institutions provide high quality entertainment for all tastes. The number of festivals, book fairs, concerts, gigs, and other kinds of entertainment is massive.

For sports fans in 2012 Poland hosted the UEFA European Football Championships. One of the most important sports events in the world that attracted thousands of fans from all Europe .

For classic music lovers, Since 1959 the Fryderyk Chopin Society and the Stołeczna Estrada have organized concerts of Chopin music in the shadow of the statue and these concerts have featured many renowned performers over the decades. Concerts are held from mid-May to the end of September each year with performances taking place twice on a Sunday – at 12:00 and at 16:00. The opportunity to hear the music of this great composer at one of the city’s most beautiful spots is one of the most wonderful experiences in the city during the summer. Entrance is free.

New Year’s Eve in Poland is like New Year’s Eve in other parts of Europe. Individuals host parties, attend private events, or head to city squares for fireworks extravaganzas. January 1 is often a day for concerts in auditoriums and carols sung in churches throughout Poland. For example, if you travel to Krakow Poland in January, the Philharmonic performs a year-opening concert.

Christmas is a magical time in Poland during which animals are said to speak and forgiveness is offered to those who have offended. The Christmas Eve feast, known as Wigilia, is shared by family members. The day after Christmas, Poles observe St. Stephan’s Day, which extends the Christmas celebrations.

In Poland, Easter traditions are both symbolic and fun. Blessed food, decorated eggs, church services, Easter palms, and seasonal markets help to mark this springtime celebration of faith, joy, treasured customs, food, and family

Juwenalia is Polish for a college student festival that occurs in May or early June before student exams. This event is marked by colorful parades, contests, games, and parties. Juwenalia is an annually anticipated event and started in 15th century Krakow, Poland

Parks

Warsaw is famous for its beautiful parks and gardens. You can find gorgeous scenes to get away from the stressful atmosphere of the urban life and create a space for yourself to breathe. Here you can find some of the most popular in Warsaw:

Lazienki Krolewski: 01-999 Warsaw

https://www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl/en

Park Szczesliwicki : Włodarzewska, 05-077 Warsaw

http://parkszczesliwicki.pl/

Saxon Garden: Marszałkowska, 05-077 Warsaw

https://www.likealocalguide.com/warsaw/saxon-garden

Shopping

Shopping malls, small designer boutiques, flea markets and fashion fairs are some of the tempting shopping options available in Warsaw. You can find stores featuring the leading global and European brands, both from the top shelf as well as more affordable options.

A good idea would be to get yourself something special and choose Polish fashion designs and products tagged “Made in Poland”. If you are looking for bargains, on the other hand, check out the Warsaw outlets.

You can also find many different shops around the city for daily needs, such as Biedronka, Zabka and Tesco, which can be found all around the city:

http://www.biedronka.pl/pl

https://www.zabka.pl

https://tesco.pl/

There are also bigger malls which offers a variety of different shopping options:

How to apply for the residence permit?

You need to get an appointment first in the following link: https://kolejka-wsc.mazowieckie.pl/rezerwacje/pol/login

Then you will select your type of stay in Poland after you create an account. Once the appointment date is set, all you need to do is to gather all necessary documents before your appointment.

What documents are needed to apply for the residence permit?

1. 3 copies of the application for a temporary residence permit filled in the Polish language (a link to an online application form: https://wnioski.mazowieckie.pl/MuwWscEww/Choice – once you fill it in, print it)

2. Confirmation from the University of acceptance for studies, or continuation of studies, or a certificate of participation in the training course

3. Proof of payment of the required tuition/course fee (if payable)

4. Documents confirming having health insurance or coverage by the insurer of the cost of treatment in Poland

5. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the costs of living and return travel to the country of origin or residence and the cost of tuition/training course

6. 2 photocopies of a valid passport

7. 4 photographs:

• undamaged

• sized 45×35 mm

took in the last six months on a plain white background

with good focus, clearly showing the eyes and face from the top of the head to the top of the shoulders

the face should take 70-80% of the photo

the photograph should show the person looking straight ahead with the eyes open, not covered by hair, with a natural facial expression, and mouth closed

https://www.mazowieckie.pl/en/for-foreigners-1/residence/temporary-residence-pe/education/501,What-documents-do-I-need-to-submit.html>

What is the cost of getting the residence permit and how to pay it?

The fee of 340 pln shall be paid upon the submission of the application for the residence permit to the following account:

Receiver: Urząd Dzielnicy Śródmieście Miasta Stołecznego Warszawy

Bank: Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA

Account number: 60 1030 1508 0000 0005 5001 0038

The residence card fee of 50 pln shall be paid upon the receipt of the decision to the following account: Receiver: Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki Biuro Administracyjno-Budżetowe

Bank: NBP O/O Warszawa

Account number: 83 1010 1010 0137 1022 3100 0000

Working Time Regulations in Poland

Time is money, we all know that. Polish law regulates the working time for everyone legally employed in Poland. What does it look like in practice and how many hours a week are you allowed to work?

According to the Polish law, a standard working week is 40 hours within 5 working days, which amounts to 8 hours on average per day and is considered a full-time employment in most workplaces. Moreover, there is a set of obligatory days off, which in 2018 amount to 13 days.

Work While Studying

You can help pay for your education by working part-time while you’re studying.

International students have the right to work while studying in Poland as long as they are enrolled in an Institution. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must also hold a valid residency permit. The right to work applies to all students, including those who are in Poland for the first time, those who are enrolled in the first year of a university program, and those who are enrolled full-time in a language school.

20 hours work permitted during studies as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays.

Full time work is permitted for Residence Card holders.

Work After Graduation

Students from member countries of the European Union may work in Poland without restriction after they graduate. It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful country after you complete your education here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you don’t need a permit to work here. Just make sure your stay permit is in order. You can stay back for further 2-3 years as long as you can prove that you can financially support yourself without seeking any government benefits. Students who obtain a job or accept employment can obtain a Work Permit.

Blue Card

All kind of professionals can apply for a Blue card once they find an employer. This is valid initially for 2years and than extended for further 3 years and the person can work all over European Union in the Blue card scheme participating countries After 5 years you can apply for Permanent Residence option.

Websites you can find jobs

  • Praca.pl

  • Jobs.pl

  • Linkedin.com

  • Bestjobs.eu

  • Careersinpoland.com

  • Indeed.com

Public Holidays in Poland - 2018

Date Day Holiday
1 Jan Mon New Year's Day
6 Jan Sat Epiphany
1 Apr Sun Easter Sunday
2 Apr Mon Easter Monday
1 May Tue Labour Day
3 May Thu Constitution Day
20 May Sun Whit Sunday
31 May Thu Corpus Christi
15 Aug Wed Assumption Day
1 Nov Thu All Saints' Day
11 Nov Sun Independence Day

Most Useful Polish Phrases

Translation Phrase Translation Phrase
Polish language język polski, polszczyzna that one m: tamten
f: tamta
n: tamto
hello cześć how much? ile?
good morning,
good afternoon
dzień dobry English language język angielski
good-bye do widzenia yes tak
good night dobranoc no nie
please proszę I don’t understand Nie rozumiem
you're welcome proszę bardzo where's the bathroom? Gdzie jest łazienka?
don’t mention it nie ma za co generic toast: Na zdrowie! (or just "Zdrowie!")
thank you dziękuję do you speak English? Czy mówi Pan po angielsku?
Czy mówi Pani poangielsku?
Czy mówisz po angielsku?
this one m: ten
f: ta
n: to
what is it? Co to jest?

Days of the week, months & seasons in Polish

English Polish
Monday poniedziałek
Tuesday wtorek
Wednesday środa
Thursday czwartek
Friday piątek
Saturday sobota
Sunday niedziela
January styczeń
February luty
March marzec
April kwiecień
May maj
June czerwiec
July lipiec
August sierpień
September wrzesień
October październik
November listopad
December grudzień
Spring wiosna
Summer lato
Autumn/Fall jesień
Winter zima

Polish Numbers

English Polish
0 Zero Zero
1 One jeden
2 Two dwa
3 Three trzy
4 Four cztery
5 Five pięć
6 Six sześć
7 Seven siedem
8 Eight osiem
9 Nine dziewięć
10 Ten dziesięć
20 Twenty dwadzieścia
50 Fifty pięćdziesiąt
100 Hundred sto