• Population: 37.9 million
• Capital: Warsaw
• Demographics: 85% of Poland's population are Roman Catholic, with small precentages Protestant, Orthodox, and other
• Type of government: Democratic Republic, in which the President is the Head of State, and the Prime Minister the Head of Government
• Regional Membership: Poland is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Common foods: kotlety schabowe, ziemniaki, mizeria, rosół, krokiety z barszczem, placki ziemniaczane
• Currency: złoty

Polish is the official language of Poland.

As Poland is a top tourist destination in Europe, it is common for local people to speak English, especially in urban areas.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

For most programs, you will need a Polish National Visa Type D for stays between 90-365 days.

If you require a visa, you will need to:

1. Visit the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland's website.
2. Register for a visa appointment online.
3. Fill out a visa application form and gather all necessary visa requirements before your appointment at the Chicago consulate.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are 5 main cell phone plan providers in Poland: Orange, Play, Plus, T-Mobile, and Aero2.
• Purchasing a local SIM card is likely most beneficial for longer stays, and prepaid data plans are relatively inexpensive.
• It is recommended that you purchase your local SIM card after you leave the airport, either at a provider store, a supermarket, kiosk, or drug store.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet connection is exceptionally good throughout the entire country, with strong signals even in rural areas.
• WiFi connectivity should be available in public areas as well as at Jagiellonian University and in students' housing arrangements (dorms, apartments).

Electricity

• Poland, like many European states, operates using Type C and Type F plugs with two round prongs. You will need an adapter for your appliances, which can be purchased in country or prior to departure.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• For money exchange or withdraw using a US debit card, visit a bank or an ATM.
• Exchange rates at Polish kantors (currency exchange services) tend be higher.
• When withdrawing money from a U.S. card, always withdraw and pay in local currency, to avoid your credit or debit card incurring additional exchange fees.
• Popular banks in Poland for visiting students and travelers are: Bank Millenium and Citibank, due to English language availability.
• It is always a good idea to consult your local US bank before travelling as well, even if just to notify them that your cards will be in use internationally.

Climate

• Temperatures in the summer average around 25 degrees Celcius (or 77 degrees Farenheit), and in the winter average between 0 to -5 degrees Celcius (or 32 to 23 degrees Farenheit).

Packing

• Snow boots and a winter coat, as well as a hat, scarves, and gloves are a good idea to bring, as it does snow in Poland in the winter months.
• It is a good idea to pack for a relatively temperate climate, meaning bringing multiple pairs of long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters or cardigans.
• Local residents usually wear long pants and short sleeves in public, even during the warmest summer months.
• Young people gear towards dresses and shorts once the temperature begins to rise in the summer.
• The cost of living in Poland in relation to the U.S. is lower, meaning it is a good idea to buy all necessary toiletries and personal items upon arrival. This will save weight space in your suitcase.
• For perscription medications, check with your doctor before departure to make sure you have an ample amount of medication for your study abroad term, or the means of acquiring more in Poland.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Travelling within Poland is easily accessible via bus or train, especially between larger cities.
• You can view and purchase bus tickets online for travel throughout the country, as well as access train timetables and station locations.
• A popular and inexpensive bus service in Poland is called Flixbus, with connections to 100+ cities in-country.
• Train tickets and time tables can be viewed and purchased online via platforms such as Polrail, or directly at Polish train stations.

Flights

• The largest and most prominent international airport in Poland is Chopin International Airport in the capital city of Warsaw.
• Other international airports include Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk.
• Trans-Atlantic connections are least expensive through Warsaw or Krakow, but flights within the Schengen zone and to nearby locations are plausible using smaller international airports.
• Poland's national airline is LOT Polish Airlines. Other common airlines for use to/from Poland are Lufthansa, United, Swiss, SAS, and others.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.