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Quick Look
Location:
Nationwide - Poland
Language of Instruction: Polish
Overview
Poland sits just to the north of the Czech Republic in the heart of Europe, a bridge between western Europe and Russia. A small country, roughly the size of New Mexico, Poland was the first of Eastern European countries to emerge from the Iron Curtain after 45 years of Communist rule. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, and is poised for a period of economic growth and rebirth. There has never been a more exciting time to explore this wonderful country.
Warsaw is the political capital of Poland, but the countrys cultural capital is Krakow. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city managed to escape the ravages of World War II, and boasts beautifully preserved examples of 13th and 14th century architecture as a result. Krakow is a romantic city of myths, legends and fairy tales, echoing in its ancient gothic walls. It is also the hub of the Polish arts and cultural scene where galleries, museums and restaurants abound.
A homestay program is a wonderful opportunity to experience Polish culture first-hand. You will find yourself at home with the welcoming Poles. Polish people place strong value on close ties to friends and family, and generally welcome visitors with warmth and interest. Host family placements might occur throughout Poland. Your host family placement will include full board (3 meals per day).
The Independent Homestay Program offers participants a special insight into the host country's society through experiencing daily life, customs and values. Participants will discover that people can "learn to live together by living together." The Independent Homestay Program is an intensive cross-cultural experience and is not a tour or travel program. There are no outside touring programs organized, and you may not work or attend school during your homestay. You will be received as a member of the family and will be involved in the daily activities of that family. You will also have opportunities to go off and explore the host community independently, so you must feel somewhat comfortable with the host country language and exploring on your own.
One of the nice aspects to the Independent Homestay Program is its flexibility. You set your own start and end dates for one to four weeks throughout the year, and you may choose three cities or regions of interest as a homestay destination preference. CCI cannot guarantee your preferences, but every attempt will be made to accommodate you in one of your three choices. You may also wish to participate in two consecutive homestay programs in different areas of a country. Or, another option is to participate in a homestay in one country and then travel to a different country for another homestay. Many countries can even accommodate couples!
Eligibility
Must be at least 16 years of age and possess basic Polish and German language skills.
Housing/Accommodation
Homestay / Host Family
For decades, the cross-cultural homestay has been considered the best educational vehicle for the development of real international understanding. Students accepted to CCI's High School Abroad Program have profound opportunities for cultural immersion by living with a well-screened host family while attending a local high school abroad. Host families are volunteer families with the exception of Ireland and Australia, where families receive a small remuneration for hosting. Each host family agrees to provide its international "son or daughter" with meals and his or her own bed. Just as in the U.S., every family is different. You may share a room with a host sibling or have your own room. You may have younger, older or no host siblings. Both parents may work or your host mother may work in the home. Many host families have hosted participants from a number of different countries over the years. For others, hosting is a first time experience. As you can see, host families represent all walks of life. Host families do not want or expect a "boarder," but rather a new friend and family member. They look forward to welcoming you into their family!
Program Costs
1 week - $820
2 weeks - $960
3 weeks - $1,200
4 weeks - $1,390
Costs
Include: Support of a local representative, Full accident and health insurance, Room and half board with a screened host family
Dates
Independent Homestays are typically available for 1 to 4 weeks, throughout the year.
Deadlines
6 weeks before your desired program start date.
Contact
Center for Cultural Interchange
746 North LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60654
USA
Tel:
312-944-2544
Fax:
312-944-2644
Email
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Web
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