Poland

Medieval cobblestone courtyards, turreted castles, and magnificent alpine vistas are the backdrop to a remarkable summer in the heart of Eastern Europe.

Orientation in Warsaw

Your adventure begins in dynamic Warsaw. Stroll through quiet Old Town, rest in the shade of Lazienki Park, and use your growing Polish language skills at outdoor cafés and restaurants. Throughout orientation you learn about Poland’s turbulent 20th-century history, become accustomed to Polish culture, and witness the impact of the transition from communism to democracy.

Homestay

Nestled along the banks of the Vistula River, the charming city of Torun is home to a medieval castle, Nicholas Copernicus University, and a thriving music and arts scene. During your three-week homestay, attend survival Polish language classes, eat traditional food, play tennis with your host siblings, kayak down meandering rivers, view distant galaxies at the Piwnice Astronomic
Center, and visit a traditional Polish farm.

Community Service

Give generously to the community that has embraced you so warmly. Renovating local parks or working with local youth give you an important new perspective and connection to Polish culture.

Sample projects:
Bike to a local park to renovate facilities in a community gathering place; teach English to local children; paint and refurbish park benches.

Castles, Mountains, and History: Travel and Discovery

A thousand years of history come alive as you travel to the stunning cities of Kraków, Gdansk, and Zakopane, a world-famous resort in the High Tatra Mountains. Voyage to the north, where you will bathe in the Baltic Sea, and to the south, to hike in rocky mountains. Your journey of discovery culminates in a powerful and sobering visit to Auschwitz.

Sample activities:
Make bread at an ecological farm; meet with Solidarity representatives to learn more about the collapse of communism; discover the secrets of the Teutonic Knights at their magnificent castle in Malbork; hike through the rugged Tatra Mountains.