High School in Poland

Study Abroad in Poland

When you study abroad in Poland, you’ll spend your school year learning a new language, exploring a new culture, and experiencing living history! This year-long program gives you the opportunity to live with a Polish host family and go to school in your community. You’ll also get to learn the Polish language by being surrounded by it 24/7. Poland has been an important country throughout European history and despite being at the heart of much destruction during World War II, it has kept much of its cultural heritage remarkably intact. Poland is home to 14 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites, so there are endless spots to explore and make your own.

Things to know

Polish culture and society are very much centered on family life and enjoying meals together. Families will usually gather on Sundays to have lunch with immediate and extended family members. The country is predominantly Catholic, and this faith tradition often plays a large part in daily Polish culture.

Airfare
Airport Pick-up
Host Family Placement
Housing
Meals
School Placement
24/7 Emergency Support
School Transport
Assistance with Application Process
Visa Application Assistance
Pre-Departure Orientation
Orientations during your time abroad
Re-entry Orientation
School Materials
Project Materials
Continuous Support
Worldwide Presence
70 Years Experience

Vaccinations
Domestic Transport
School Transport
School Materials
Project Materials
Stipend

Meeting Your Polish Host Family

Like anywhere in the world, all families in Poland are different. But Poles are usually warm and affectionate with strong family ties. You’re likely to find a close-knit family with grandparents often living in the home. Polish parents usually give their children quite a bit of independence and responsibility. Older siblings often take care of younger children and you might be responsible for preparing your own breakfast and getting to school on your own.

Settling into daily life in Poland

Teenage Life in Poland

As a student in Poland, you can expect to enjoy a very active social life, with friends around so often they feel like siblings. Poles enjoy spending time outside; young people especially like riding bicycles, hiking, and canoeing and kayaking on Poland’s many beautiful rivers. You and your friends might also enjoy walking around the town center or going out to eat. During the summer, a favorite activity is mushroom hunting. When you need some down time you might relax with a card game (bridge is popular, even among teenagers) or watch some TV.

Food you’ll encounter

A lot of the food in Poland is pretty hearty. Pierogis, a kind of stuffed dumpling, are very popular. Other favorites include pork and cabbage, stew with mushrooms and sausage, breaded cutlets and potatoes. Bread is served with pretty much every meal and people often buy fresh bread daily from local bakeries. If you live in a rural area a lot of your fresh vegetables might come from the family garden, and you may find that it’s your job to pick the salad fixings for dinner each night. You’ll also get to enjoy lots of tasty desserts such as poppy seed cake and cheesecake.

High School in Poland

Spend your school year learning a new language, exploring a new culture, and experiencing living history!