International Programs / Study Abroad

Krakow, Poland

Liberal Studies and Travels in Central Europe

In conjunction with the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, DePaul students may study during the Fall Quarter in Krakow, Poland at the Jagiellonian University, the oldest university in Poland. To enhance their study of Polish society and culture, students travel extensively throughout Central Europe before classes begin. This program allows participants to study Poland’s rich history as they experience its dynamic emergence as an integral part of modern Europe. While there is no language prerequisite for this program, students study basic Polish at the Jagiellonian University.

For the first three weeks of the program, students tour Germany (Berlin), the Czech and Slovak Republics (Prague and Bratislava), Hungary (Budapest, Pecs and Szeged), and Austria (Vienna) and meet with students from these countries to discuss current political issues and contemporary life in Eastern Europe. Students then participate in a short study tour of Northern Poland, including Gdansk and the Baltic Coast, before beginning classes at the Jagiellonian University. Early in October, students begin regular classes at the university. Students will receive one credit, INT 380, for the study tour.

COURSES   

A faculty field director from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point accompanies the group throughout the entire semester. DePaul students register for a minimum of 19 quarter hours. All courses are 4.5 DePaul credits each except for the 1 credit INT 380 “Special Topics in Central Europe” course.

Required Courses (4.5 credits):

INT380 - Special Topics in Central Europe (Study Tour) (1 credit)
POL100/200 - Polish Language (at the appropriate level)
INT340 - Culture and Civilization of Eastern Europe

Elective Courses (4.5 credits):
Students will enroll in at least two elective courses as well. In the past, the courses have included:
 
HST398 - History of Poland: Rebirth to Reemergence of Europe
PSC395 - East European Politics: Poland’s Transition to Democracy
ART395 - Art History: Poland
INT341 - Contemporary Europe

Intensive Language Program:

Students who have no previous Polish language may take an intensive language course which meets for over 20 hours a week. This course provides twelve hours of credit and is equivalent to the POL101/102/103 first year language sequence. A surcharge applies to this class dependent on enrollment.

Study Tour and Academic Excursions:

In addition to the two study tours during the first five weeks, there are excursions scheduled throughout the term as part of the curriculum. In past years these have included Zakopane and the Carpathian Mountains; the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Warsaw; and a tour of Eastern Poland including Kazimierz, Lublin and Sandomierz. Travel is by train and bus.

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS   

During the tours, housing is in hostels and dormitories. While in Krakow, students live in an international student residence, which houses both Polish and foreign students. Students receive a small meal stipend, which will be adequate by Polish standards.

EXPENSES   

In addition to DePaul tuition for 19 credits, costs include a specific program fee. For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:

For this program, the fee covers the study tour, airfare, academic excursions in Poland, study abroad health insurance, room and board at the Jagiellonian University and some museum entrance fees.

Students must plan their budgets to cover passport and visa fees, local transportation, supplies and books (around $75) and personal expenses. Group air travel is available through UWSP.

Participants should note that because of the demanding itinerary of this program, luggage is limited to ONE bag, preferably a backpack or small wheeled bag, and a small carry-on.

Program fees are based on actual costs of the prior year and projections for the current year. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates make it impossible to state a fixed cost. DePaul University reserves the right to adjust program fees without notice.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Study Abroad Program is accepting applications for the Jason M. Bristow Study Abroad Scholarship.  This scholarship is an award of $1,500 given to one student annually.  All DePaul students studying for the first time in one of DePaul's term-long programs in Hungary or Poland are eligible, including adult and returning students.

APPLICATION   

There are no language prerequisites. However, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. Students who have Polish language ability must demonstrate proficiency by submitting transcripts of Polish language courses or by submitting proficiency exam results with application. To apply to this program, students must submit the following to the Study Abroad Program office:

  • A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application
  • Two (2) academic recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work
  • An official copy of your transcripts. At DePaul, these may be requested on Campus Connect in the Students section under Records and Registration.

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15