CIEE Central European Studies Program in Warsaw, Poland

Description

The Central European Studies study abroad program in Warsaw, Poland is intended for students who have an interest in Poland and Central Europe, as well as political, social, and/or economic transformation from a state controlled to a democratic market-based system.

Academic Program
Established in 1989, the program provides a broad-based academic program combined with an in-country cultural experience. The program offers students Polish language instruction and a series of specially designed courses in such fields as Central European politics, literature, history, and economics, as well as the option to enroll in Warsaw School of Economics (WSE) courses taught in English or Polish.

Academic Culture
All CIEE courses are taught in English. Course content is country and region specific. The teaching method tends to be lectures, although most professors welcome discussion. CIEE courses generally meet twice a week for 1.5 hours. CIEE students are registered at the Warsaw School of Economics as full time students and are granted WSE student IDs.

The CIEE program calendar follows that of the U.S. higher education system, with the fall semester from late August to mid-December, and the spring semester from late January to mid-May. However, the academic calendar for the Warsaw School of Economics consists of a fall semester from late September to late January and a spring semester from mid-February to late May or early June. CIEE students who directly enroll in WSE courses may request permission for early exams (prior to the winter holiday break (fall semester) or summer break (spring semester), although CIEE does not guarantee approval of such requests.

Highlights

• Study business, economics, and political science with Polish and other European students in English-taught classes
  
• Live in a country transforming from a state-controlled to a democratic market-based system: take advanced level business courses taught in English
  
• Visit Gdansk and the Solidarity Museum, Kraków, Auschwitz, and the Holocaust Museum
  
• Explore Polish culture and get reimbursed through the cultural reimbursement program

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in Warsaw, a study tour to Gdansk, the home of the Solidarity Movement, as well as a 4-day study tour to Kraków and the surrounding area, including a visit to Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp. Visits to other Polish cities (such as Olsztyn) are also included as class field trips.

Cultural Reimbursement
The CIEE Study Center in Warsaw offers a cultural reimbursement program that may be used to explore Warsaw and other areas of Poland independently. As a means of encouraging students to take maximum advantage of their time in Warsaw and in Poland, students may be reimbursed for some of their tickets to theater, Polish films, opera, ballet, and other special local events.