Summer Studies Abroad - Admission Information

Program Eligibility:
Kosciuszko Foundation Summer Study Abroad programs are open to: high school graduates who will be 18 years old by the first day of their chosen program, undergraduate and graduate students; and adults who have an interest in studying Polish. Previous knowledge of the Polish language is not required.

Language Classes:
Language classes are given at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in classrooms of approximately 10-15 students. Students are placed in an appropriate level based on the results of a placement test given on the first full day of the program. Previous language instruction is not required. Final exams include a written and oral component and are given in all classes, at all levels. In addition to final exams, students who have studied Polish for some time and who meet certain language criteria may take State Certification Exams.

State Certification Exams:
The State Certification Exam is the official certification test of Polish as a foreign language and is authorized as such by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Providing there is adequate interest in one or more of the test levels (B1, B2 and C2), State Certification Exams will be offered in Poland in July. Exam details including exam fees (extra cost) will be made available in Poland. More information about the Certification Exam may be found at www.buwiwm.edu.pl/certyfikacja.

Credit:
Students can receive credit towards an undergraduate degree for Polish language classes and courses completed in Poland. Course dates and Session dates vary. Please refer to 2008 course descriptions for course dates, number of hours of instruction and credits available. Transcripts of Credit are issued by the host institution and include the name of the course, the number of hours of instruction and a letter grade. Sealed transcripts are mailed in mid-September. In the Polish system 1 academic hour = 45 minutes. All classes are undergraduate level course and require class attendance, include mid-terms and final exams, and may require a written thesis paper.

Students are advised to consult with their academic advisor and if necessary, to consult with chairperson of language, history, literature and other departments. Your home university may require you to complete credit approval forms. In addition, the Kosciuszko Foundation requires students to complete the KF Summer Study Abroad Credit Approval Form (found with Application materials).

Please note that since policy regarding transfer of credit varies from university to university and is, in some part based on whether or not a student has already fulfilled language requirements towards his/her undergraduate degree, it is important to discuss the issue of whether or not the classes you are interested in taking in Poland can be used to fulfill your degree requirements and/or towards free electives. Your academic advisor will be able to inform you of your university's policies regarding transfer of credit and whether your chosen classes will fulfill your degree requirements.

How to Apply for Credit:
Complete the top portion of the KF Summer Study Abroad Credit Approval Form (found with Application Materials) and bring it along with copies of relevant pages of the 2007 program syllabus as well as the course descriptions for the 2008 program. Your academic advisor will complete the bottom portion of the Credit Approval Form. Make a xerox copy for follow-up and send the original to the KF office in NYC.

Passports & Visas:
A valid passport is needed for all travelers to Poland. If you do not have a passport or if your passport is expected to expire within 6 months of your arrival in Poland, it is time to renew. Applications, instructions and costs are available at your local clerk's of court, post offices, and on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Renew early to avoid service backlogs and expedited service fees. Include your passport number on the Accommodation Form. If you do not have a passport at the time that you apply for the program, please be sure to e-mail the number to the KF by May 30th.

Visas to Poland for tourist travel by U.S. citizens are not needed. Citizens of other countries must check with the closest consulate or see web-site listed below. Tourist travel is defined as travel which does not exceed 90 days. If you intend to stay in Poland for 90 days or more call the Polish Consulate nearest you for instructions on obtaining a visa or see the following web-site for details and information: http://www.polandconsulateny.com

Group Flights to Poland:
Students may opt to travel to Poland on their own or may travel on group flights to Poland. PAT Tours is coordinating group flights for KF Summer programs. Please inquire directly: (800) 388-0988 for ticket prices, information and to make reservations. Group flights to Cracow include bus transfer to the dormitory. Students who travel to Poland individually are expected at the dormitory on the arrival date of the program.

Health and Travel Insurance:
The Kosciuszko Foundation does not offer packages for health/travel insurance, however, we do strongly suggest that program participants purchase health and travel insurance.

Tomaszkiewicz-Florio Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for Jagiellonian University, Sessions C and D only. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition, a shared room, meals, sightseeing and a may include a small stipend towards travel expenses. Single room fees, registration, optional add-ons and extra nights are not covered. Scholarship applicants must meet program eligibility requirements and be full-time high school seniors or undergraduate students. US citizens and permanent residents of Polish descent who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may apply to compete for a scholarship. Send two completed application forms and passport-size photos with your name printed on the reverse, official transcripts, financial form, two letters of reference from professors/teachers, and a well reasoned essay (minimum 2 pages) on why you are applying to the program, the reason for your choice of lecture classes and what it is that fascinates you about Poland. Include your name, “Summer Sessions” and page number on each page. Send your application and supporting materials to the KF Chapter nearest your school/university. If there is no K.F. Chapter in your school's vicinity, send application materials to the Kosciuszko Foundation office in NYC. Addresses are provided with application materials. Scholarship decisions are made late in May. Students who receive scholarships will be required to pay registration fees. Non-successful scholarship applicants are welcome to attend programs as paying students.

Scholarship Deadline: Extended to Monday, April 14.

How to Apply for Summer Programs:
Submit two completed application forms, 2 passport-size photos signed on the reverse for programs in Lublin, 3 passport-sized photos signed on the reverse for programs in Krakow, a $95 non-refundable application fee, program fees and payment for any optional add-ons. All applicants are required to submit a Physician’s Certificate. Please note that fees which are quoted in Euros will be payable in Poland. Most students who meet eligibility requirements are accepted to these programs.

Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellations with a full refund are made through May 30. A $75 cancellation fee applies after May 30. No refunds after the first day of the program.

Deadlines:
Monday, April 14: Tomaszkiewicz-Florio Scholarship Deadline
Thursday, May 15: Application Deadline for all programs
Friday, May 30: Credit Approval Form Deadline
Friday, May 30: Physician's Certificate Deadline
Friday, May 30: Accommodation Form and Passport Deadline

Application Forms: Application materials are available through the Kosciuszko Foundation or can be downloaded here.

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