Guide - Kozminski University

KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
The sailing ship in an open sea in our logo is a symbol
of adventure, openness to new horizons, creative
teamwork and leadership and limitless possibilities
GUIDE
for International Exchange Students
WARSAW
September 2013
Dear Student,
On behalf of the entire Business Faculty, I would like to
sincerely welcome you to Kozminski University. You are joining
us at a very exciting time as new developments are taking place
throughout the University.
We wish you every success during your time here – and not just
with your academic achievements. We hope that you will
develop your practical skills as well as broaden your
experiences and character in a way that makes you extremely attractive to future employers.
Please make use of the opportunities at the Kozminski University. We expect you to work hard, but
we also hope that you will have a full and rewarding social life. There are many clubs and societies
available in Warsaw, as well as many activities offered by the University.
Lecturers will encourage you to integrate with other students from the very start of your courses,
particularly in tutorial work and group assignments. Do ensure that you fully involve yourself, even
if you believe that other students know more than you. Taking a back seat and letting other people
do all the talking will squander your chances to learn and grow.
Please let us know as soon as possible of any shortcomings or whenever you have ideas on how we
can improve. We will make every effort to implement any suggestion that increases the quality of
our administrative and support systems.
Everyone at the Kozminski University wishes you every success while you stay with us!
Prof. Andrzej K. Koźmiński
President of the Kozminski University
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 2
ABOUT THE KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
The Kozminski University is an internationally renowned private business school located in the
very heart of Europe. We have achieved much since our creation in 1993. We offer recognized
B.B.A., M.A., M.B.A., and Ph.D. programs in business management and finance. Our course
offerings have a unique international flavor; they are taught entirely in English by international
faculty with degrees and teaching experience from prestigious universities throughout the
world. Our students come from over 50 nationalities, creating a truly international atmosphere
that enables them to experience the richness of various cultures blended together with our own
“Kozminski way.”
KOZMINSKI’S TRIPLE CROWN
International business schools can obtain three major accreditations: EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB,
the so-called three crowns, which the best business schools in the world aspire to earn. There
are only 53 in the world that hold all three of those accreditations, and as of 2011, the Kozminski
University joined this prestigious group.
ACCREDITATIONS, AWARDS, DISTINCTIONS
The National Accreditation Committee awarded Kozminski University with distinction for its
management and marketing program. Kozminski University is the only institution in the country
which received this distinction in 2004, and in 2010 we received it again. This award was
motivated by the fulfillment of staff, program, and organizational requirements to a scale far
exceeding standards imposed elsewhere.
The Kozminski University is a full member of the European University Association – an
organization that represents the European academic society throughout the world.
The Kozminski University is a full member of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA). It
is also a member of the International Association of Law Schools.
THE FINANCIAL TIMES RANKINGS
On December 1, 2008, The Financial Times published a profile of Kozminski University,
describing it as the best non-public business school in Poland and a credible rival for the best
public schools. In 2009, the same publication listed our university in its prestigious business
school rankings as the best in Poland, performing far beyond our Central and Eastern European
competitors. Our position in all three of those rankings improved significantly in 2010, 2011 and
2012.
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 3
MILE STONES IN TH E HISTORY OF THE KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
1993
1996
1997
1998
1999
2001
2004
2008
•The first inauguration of the academic year; students begin studies of management and
marketing in Polish
•First graduates collect their diplomas
•Students begin their management studies in English
•Kozminski University gains qualifications to award a Ph.D. degree in management
•Kozminski University becomes the only university in Central and Eastern Europe to receive
EQUIS accreditation
•A law college is initiated; first law students arrive at the university
•The National Accreditation Committee awards Kozminski University with a distinction for its
Management and Marketing program
•Kozminski University earns its second crown - the AMBA accreditation
2009
•Kozminski University becomes the only business school in Poland listed among the
prestigious rankings in The Financial Times
2010
•FT Global Masters in Management ranking lists Kozminski University #1 in the world in
careers rank
2011
2012
•Prof. Witold T.Bielecki, Ph.D., becomes the new rector of Kozminski University, while Prof.
Andrzej K. Koźmiński becomes president
•Kozminski University obtains prestigious international accreditation from the Association to
Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Financial Times ranking: 1st in the world in alumni career development within Global
Masters in Management
•Financial Times TOP 10 ranking: 2nd best in General Management; 3rd Best in Marketing; 8th
Best in Corporate Strategy; 10th Best in Entrepreneurship
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 4
UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE
PROF. ANDRZEJ K. KOŹMIŃSKI, Ph.D.
President of Kozminski University,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
PROF. WITOLD T.
BIELECKI, PH.D.
Rector, Head of the
Quantitative Methods and
Application of
Information Technology
Department
PROF. KAZIMIERZ
PRZYBYSZ, PH.D.
Deputy Rector, Vice-Rector
for Student Affairs and
Program Delivery, Head of
the Political Science
Department
PROF. DOROTA DOBIJA,
PH.D.
Vice-Rector for Research,
Head of the Accounting
Department
PROF. CZESŁAW SZMIDT,
PH.D.
Vice-Rector for Economic
and Social Studies, Head of
the Human Resource
Management Department
PROF. MONIKA
CAŁKIEWICZ, PH.D.
Vice-Rector for Law
Studies
PROF. GRZEGORZ MAZUREK,
PH.D.
Vice-Rector for
International Relations
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 5
STUDENTS AND FACULTY
The number of people enrolled at Kozminski University includes over 7,000 undergraduate,
graduate and executive students. Faculty specialize in management, finance, law, administration,
sociology, European studies and related fields. A growing number of foreign professors conduct
courses here every year.
LIFE OF CAMPUS
STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES:
• A campus including 4 well equipped buildings, 6 auditoriums, 64 lecture halls, mostly
air-conditioned and equipped with modern audio-visual devices.
• Modern library with internet catalogue access system. The library includes individual
and group study rooms equipped with computers, internet access and printers. The
resources include 55 000 publications.
• Six computer labs with new generation equipment. Part of the computer labs are open
for students’ use 7 days a week. Kozminski University students also have access to free
software (operating systems, virus protection software).
• Simulation court room (for law students)
• 2 sports halls, 2 sports fields and a gym, bookstore, post office, press kiosk, 2 copy
centers, cash machine, 4 cafeterias, free parking for over 350 vehicles.
• LUX-MED medical coverage (apart from standard insurance) for full-time students
• Access for persons with disabilities: Kozminski University is fully accessible for persons
with motion disabilities. Several rooms include audio-frequency induction loop
amplifiers for persons with partial hearing disability.
• Timetables
EXAMINATION CENTERS
• Kozminski University hosts four examination centers with faculties to carry out
prestigious and certified examinations in German and English.
• It is the intention of the university for all students to gain a certificate in English for
Business (LCCI); therefore, an LCCI preparation program is conducted within the
mandatory language course.
• The university also offers the possibility to take an examination in general knowledge of
English–namely, The London Test of English (Pearson Language Assessments).
• Law students complete their English courses using the TOLES examination in legal
English.
• Our in-house ÖSD Examination Center offers certified examinations in German
(knowledge of general or business language).
SCIENTIFIC CLUBS ON CAMPUS
15 scientific clubs (among which: ESN Erasmus Student Network and The "Little Tigers")actively
participate in activities on Kozminski University campus. The main goal of those clubs is to allow
students to broaden their knowledge within their chosen fields and development of research
interest. All scientific clubs are supervised by academic faculty.
ESN (Erasmus Student Network)organizes:
- trips to main cities in Poland
- social events
- Thematic days
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 6
- Parties
- coordinates the “Mentor” program
STUDENTS CAN FULFILL THEIR PASSIONS AND AMBITIONS
• By participating in one of 15 science clubs
• By working for the Students’ Legal Advice Office, where Kozminski University law
students provide legal support for those who cannot afford it
• In the Kozminski University Student Government
• In the Kozminski University Choir “Chameleon”
STUDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE AND CO-ORGANIZE
• Scientific conferences, seminars, and meetings with known scientific, political, and
cultural figures
• Student events, mid-year and inauguration parties, lawyers’ balls, university days,
national holiday events, etc.
• Integration camps (in September) and summer and winter sport camps (windsurfing,
sailing, skiing, snowboarding, etc.)
CONTACT TO KU STAFF
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE
Valentyna Guminska
Director of the International
Relations Office
tel +48 22 51 92 289,
[email protected]
Kinga Nekanda-Trepka
Erasmus Program
Coordinator- Outgoing
Students
tel +48 22 51 92 185,
[email protected]
Joanna Kartasiwicz
International Projects
Coordinator
tel +48 22 51 92 365,
[email protected]
Outgoing non-EU students
Coordinator
Ewa Buczyńska
Incoming Students
Coordinator
tel + 48 22 519 23 14
[email protected]
[email protected]
skype: exchange_Kozminski
Katarzyna Wilk-Uljasz
Staff Mobility Coordinator
tel +48 22 51 92 212,
[email protected]
Marzena Indra-Góźdź
International Internships and
Events Coordinator
Tel + 48 22 519 21 66
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
[email protected]
Page 7
KOZMINSKI INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL
Svetlana Gudkova, PHD
Dean of the Kozminski
International Business School
tel +48 22 51 92 102
[email protected]
Agata Pawłowska
Administrative Director KIBS
tel +48 22 51 92 102,
[email protected]
Aneta Gasiewska
International Studies
Coordinator
tel +48 22 51 92 193,
[email protected]
Iwona Presland
MSc regular students
Coordinator
tel +48 22 51 92 193,
[email protected]
Paulina Kowalska
BBA regular students
Coordinator
tel +48 22 51 92 193,
[email protected]
Sylwia Jach
Coordinator of Planning
tel +48 22 51 92 193,
[email protected]
LAW SCHOOL
Prof. ALK dr hab. Monika
Całkiewicz
Vice-Rector for Law Studies
[email protected]
Mateusz Woiński, PHD
Vice Dean for Law Studies
[email protected]
Marek Obszański
Law Studies coordinator
[email protected]
BUSINESS SCHOOL (STUDIES IN POLISH LANGUAGE)
Gabriela Sikora
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Studies coordinator
[email protected]
Page 8
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS
ACADEMIC CALANDAR
The academic year in Poland begins on October 1st and normally ends at the end of June. It is
divided into two semesters, each lasting for 15 weeks
Semester
Fall
semester
Spring
semester
Application
due
May, 30
Acceptance
Letters
July, 15
November, 1
December, 15
Classes
start
September
30
February,
17
Examination
schedule
January –
February
June
COURSES IN ENGLISH
Exchange Incoming students are allowed to choose courses offered on all undergraduate and
graduate programs offered at Kozminski University (both in English and Polish language).
Exchange students take courses from the programs which Kozminski regular students (those
who graduate from KU) study. We call „regular courses” the ones which are obligatory for KU
students. „Electives” are the ones which are additional and optional for KU students (each
semester the list of electives is different).
No matter if the courses are regular or electives, in terms of exchange program (exchange
students) they are treated the same.
Undergraduate students may choose courses from BBA, graduate from
MSc.
The list of courses available for incoming exchange students is on the KU website:
http://www.kozminski.edu.pl/en/about-kozminski/international-cooperation/incomingstudents/
LEARNING AGREEMENT has to be submitted within two weeks time upon arrival. Changes to
LA can be made in a month after beginning of the classes.
Sport classes are available for all incoming exchange students. There are many sport disciplines
which you may choose eg. basketball, football, swimming etc. If you decide to take sports you
have to buy entry ticket to Kozminski Sport Club which is 250 PLN per semester.
EXAMS are usually held during the exam session however some of them can be taken during the
last class (depending on a professor). Your presence at the exams is compulsory. The schedule
of the exams will be delivered few weeks before the session starts.
FINAL TRANSCRIPT OF RECORD
It will be prepared and send (in 2 copies) directly to your home institution as soon as all the
grades will be uploaded on the Virtual University by the professors. Sending transcripts process
may take up to two months depending on grades delivery time.
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 9
POLISH LANGUAGE COURSE
Polish Language courses are available to all incoming exchange students. The aim of the Polish
Language course is to provide participants with survival knowledge to communicate at a basic
level.
GRADING SCALE AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Kozminski University has implemented the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) which is
designed as a way for institutions of higher education to similarly evaluate student
achievements while attending a foreign University.
ECTS is based on student workloads and includes lectures, classes and non-classroom study and
the body of work necessary to successfully pass a course examination.
The ECTS grading scale is as follows:
ECTS
grade
A
B
C
D
Excellent, outstanding performance with minor errors
Very Good, above average standard but with some errors
Good: generally sound work with a number of errors.
Satisfactory: fair but with a number of significant
shortcomings.
E
Sufficient: performance meets minimum criteria
F
Fail: more work is required before credit can be awarded.
FX
Fail: considerable further work is required.
ungraded passed
ungraded Not passed
Kozminski University
grade
5.0 bdb
4.5 db+
4 db
3.5 dst+
3.0 dst
2.5 ndst
2.0 ndst
Zal.
Nie zal.
THE ESN PROGRAM
The ESN Program is a student association that takes care of the social and cultural aspects of
student life. The association should contact you before your arrival in Warsaw. In order for you
to become quickly familiarized with Poland and the University we encourage you to take part in
the Mentor Program activities. The ESN will send you more details about the program few weeks
before your arrival. Contact to ESN President: [email protected]
VISA REQUIREMENTS & CONSULAR INFORMATION
•
•
Foreign students from non-EU countries must apply for a Student Visa in the Polish
Embassy or consulate in their home country before arriving in Poland. Any student in
need of assistance should contact the International Programs Office at Kozminski
University.
An EU student can enter Poland with his/her ID document (a valid travel document such
as a passport or another document certifying his/her identity and citizenship). If a
student intends to visit Poland’s neighboring countries (not all of them are EU member
states), a passport is recommended. Citizens of the EEA countries follow the same
conditions as EU citizens. Citizens of Switzerland can enter Poland only with a valid
passport.
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 10
MEDICAL CARE AND INSURANCE
•
•
•
Students from EU/EEA countries have to come to Poland with the European Health
Insurance Card. This card should be presented when visiting a public health service
institution. We advise you to purchase medical and casualty insurance in your home
country covering the period of your study in Poland (make sure the insurance is
accepted in Poland).
Overseas students do not participate in the Polish national health care system. According
to state bilateral agreements, they can be attended free of charge only in the case of
emergency. However, the costs of in-hospital medical care and appointments to general
physicians will have to be covered by the students. Therefore, they should buy health
care and casualty insurance in their home countries for the period of their stay in Poland
(such insurance can also be purchased in Poland after your arrival through private
companies).
All incoming exchange students of Kozminski University are entitled to free basic
healthcare services at LUX-MED clinics. This includes only the services of a General
Practitioner. For more information visit: www.luxmed.pl
ACCOMMODATION
The University does not have a campus dormitory, but it does assist foreign students in their
housing needs. Apartments and rooms are usually rented in Warsaw through a network of
agencies specializing in short term furnished accommodation or through agreements with
individual landlords. Rental fees range from approximately 350 to 500 EUR per month,
depending on location, size, standards, etc. A returnable deposit for your accommodation (1 to 2
months rent) + a month’s rent in advance in expected at the moment of signing the contract with
the landlord.
We suggest to check the following links:
- http://www.oferty.net/
- http://www.nportal.pl/
- http://warszawa.gumtree.pl/f-mieszkanie-do-wynajecia-Nieruchomosci-dommieszkanie-wynajmeW0QQCatIdZ9008QQKeywordZmieszkanieQ20doQ20wynajQc4Q99cia
- http://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-warsaw/student-housing
- www.easyrenting.pl
https://homebroker.pl/ (recommended by National Erasmus Student Network)
http://www.dragowski.pl/
http://www.real-estate-poland.maxon.pl/
find also our ESN Kozminski group on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/esn.kozminski/ and search for the flat through FB
Kozminski University will provide also some offers prior your arrival
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 11
COST OF LIVING
Obviously how much you spend will depends on your life-style and habits. Below is a sample of
prices for goods and services available in Poland. 1 Euro=app. 4,3 zl (July 2013)
Examples of prices in PLN
Product
Bread
Milk
Butter
Cheese
10 eggs
Café Latte
Cinema ticket
Cheep meal
Dinner in restaurant
Pizza
Beer
PLN
3
3
4-5
20 /kg
5-7
11
20 - 25
15-20
50 - 70
15 - 25
8 - 10
You can check other prices on the online shop website http://alma24.pl/
The cheapest alimentary shops in Poland are: Biedronka, Lidl, Auchan, Tesco, Carrefour. More
expensive: Alma, Bomi, Piotr i Paweł.
Cash: Cash machines (ATM) are easily found in Warsaw. It is, however, preferable to check with
your home bank prior to departure how much they charge you for withdrawals. At KU there are
two ATM machines.
ARRIVAL
Students can be picked up from the airport or railway station if they apply for the Mentor
program on time. The Mentor who would be assigned to a student is entitled to pick you up from
the airport.
Air travel
Warsaw’s main airport is called the Frederic Chopin International Airport and is located
about six kilometers from the city centre. From there the buses number 175 and 188 go to the
city centre as well as the train which connects airport with city center. Most buses and trains
stop at the Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) in the center of the city. For more
information about public transport please visit www.ztm.waw.pl
If you carry heavy luggage or arrive at night it is best to take a taxi. Please go to the one of the
taxi desks situated in the arrival hall: SAWA, MERC or MPT TAXI, where they will call a taxi for
you at reasonable price.
Railway station
The Central Railway Station (Warszawa Centralna) is situated in the very heart of Warsaw. All
inter-city services arrive at the Central Railway Station. The most convenient means of transport
from the City Centre to our University is tram #18. Alternatively, you can take any tram or bus to
Rondo Starzyńskiego then change transportation in the direction of Żerań FSO.
Railway connections can be checked on the web-site: www.pkp.pl or by phone: (48-22) 94 36.
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 12
Tickets should be purchased before boarding the train. Students possessing university ID card
(called legitymacja studencka) and who are under 26 years old qualify for a discount when
riding second class.
Coach transport
The largest coach station, both for domestic and international destinations, is the Western
Warsaw Coach Station (Dworzec PKS Warszawa Zachodnia). Another domestic and international
coach station , for eastbound destinations, is the Warsaw Stadion Station (Warszawa Stadion).
HOW TO FIND US
The Kozminski University is seated in the northeast of Warsaw, at Jagiellońska 59 between the
Gdański Bridge and the Grot-Rowecki Bridge. It takes 15 - 20 minutes by bus or tram to get here
from Downtown Warsaw. You can do so by taking Trams 18, 20 toward Żerań and get off on
PIMOT tram stop.
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 13
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT POLAND AND WARSAW
BASIC INFORMATION
Capital
Largest city
Official languages
Government
President
Prime Minister
Religion
Nations
Accession to EU
Accession to Schengen
Area
Population
Currency
Time zone
Calling code to Poland
Extension number to Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw, about 2 million people
Polish
Parliamentary republic
Bronisław Komorowski
Donald Tusk
Roman Catholic over 80 %
Poles 98%, , Ukrainians and
Byelorussians 1%, Jews, Germans,
Lithuanians, Tatars, Roma
(Gypsies), Lemks, Boyks- 1%
May 1, 2004
December 21, 2007
312,683 sq. km
38,5 million
Złoty (PLN)
CET (UTC+1)
0048
022
CLIMATE
The climate is mostly temperate throughout the country. It is oceanic in the north and west and
becomes gradually warmer and continental as one moves south and east. Summers are generally
warm, with average temperatures between 20 °C (68 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F). Winters are cold,
with average temperatures around 3 °C (37 °F) in the northwest and −8 °C (17.6 °F) in the
northeast. Precipitation falls throughout the year, although, especially in the east; winter is drier
than summer.
For more information please search: www.pogoda.onet.pl; weather.yahoo.com
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 14
For more information please visit: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Poland.htm or even more
detailed http://meteo.icm.edu.pl/index2eng.php?ver
HISTORY
Nearly all the atrocities and misfortunes the world has ever witnessed have been experienced by
the Polish nation. Geographically squeezed between two aggressive powers, Germany and
Russia, Poland has been repeatedly invaded. In the past its boundaries shifted a number of times
as its power waxed and waned. At one point, during the 17th century, it was the largest country
in Europe. At the end of the 18th century it was literally wiped off the map until WW I when it
reemerged as an independent nation. Then came WW II and the loss of six million Polish
citizens. Forty years of communism followed. In 1989, Poland changed world history by
becoming the first Eastern European state to break free from the Soviet bloc, giving credence to
Stalin’s 1944 comment that fitting communism onto Poland was like putting a saddle on a cow.
The events which took place in Poland in the 1980’s let to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since then,
the economic, social and psychological changes have been tremendous.
WARSAW
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, owes its contemporary look to two factors: careful restoration
after WW II and chaotic expansion within the last 15 years. By the end of World War II, roughly
85% of the city lay in ruins (Warsaw is widely regarded as the city most damaged during WW II)
however, parts of it were painstakingly recreated in the years after the war. Indeed, the
successful rebuilding efforts of the Old Town were rewarded by being placed on the UNESCO
World Heritage list. More recently, modern glass office buildings have emerged and expensive
boutiques, restaurants, and hotels have spread along downtown streets. Warsaw is Poland’s
political, economic, cultural and educational heart. It’s convenient location makes the city an
easy destination to be reached by plane, train or car. There are an impressive number of cultural
attractions and sites worth seeing and quite a few museums, palaces and monuments. Warsaw is
also famous for its abundant green spaces with gardens and parks where boats cruise past
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 15
outdoor cafes in the summer and free classical concerts are given. As for nightlife, the city offers
plenty. When evening falls, the streets in the city centre sparkle. A beer can be enjoyed with
friends in the intimacy of a small cozy pub or at a bar with live music or on the pulsating dance
floor of a trendy club or disco.
PLACES WORTH SEEING
The Old Town is a must-see with its Market Square and Royal Castle (both completely
destroyed during the Second World War and carefully reconstructed afterwards). The Royal
Łazienki Park/Palace complex – a big romantic 18th century park close to the city centre
boasts, among other things, a beautiful Palace on the water, a Theatre on an island, and a
Monument to Chopin where manifold cultural events take place. A stroll along the Royal Route
reveals many historical buildings and elegant shops. And Wilanów Palace and its gardens are
within a short bus ride away. Other places that can be visited include: the National Theatre, the
Opera, the Palace of Science and Culture, the Powązki Cemetery, Krasiński Palace, the Basilica of
St. John the Baptist, the Academic Church and many others. If you feel like going away for
weekend visit Żelazowa Wola where Chopin was born, or the primeval Kampinos Forest close
to Warsaw. All these places are just waiting for you to discover them!!!
For more information about Warsaw and Poland visit the following websites:
www.poland.gov.pl
www.poland.pl
www.warsawtour.pl
www.poland-tourism.pl
www.warsawtour.bptnet.pl
A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT POLES…..
Poles are nice, polite, helpful and open. They are easy to get along with and love to have fun. You
stand a good chance of making life-long friends here. If you need to ask about something in
English look for a young person – most Poles under the age of 30 speak some English. Poles may
seem distant and quiet at first, but they are very reliable and hospitable once you get to know
them. Do not believe the stereotypes - come and check things for yourself
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 16
USEFUL INFORMATION
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day - 1st January
Easter - Sunday and Monday in March or April
Labor Day – 1st May
Constitution Day – 3rd May
Corpus Christi – Thursday in May/June
Ascension of the Holy Mary – 15th August
All Saints’ Day – 1st November
Independence Day – 11th November
Christmas – 25th – 26th December
CUISINE
Polish cuisine is hearty and diverse. Our traditional dishes are: schabowy (a flavored pork
chop), bigos (cabbage cooked with meat and vegetables), gołąbki (pork and rice wrapped up in
cabbage leaves and served with tomato sauce) or pierogi (pasta with different fillings). For
breakfast we usually have simple open-faced sandwiches, yoghurt, cereal with milk or eggs.
Dinner, served in the late afternoon, is the main meal. Then we have a light supper and desert in
the evening. Dishes that must be tried include: beetroot soup, Żurek (soup), mushroom soup and
naleśniki (pancakes).
CUSTOMS
Poles are a nation of “fun” lovers. We enjoy festivities, traditions and various centuries-old
customs. The most popular are:
Tłusty czwartek (“Fat” Thursday) – the last Thursday of the carnival. On this
day we eat lots of delicious doughnuts filled with jam.
Ostatki – the last day of carnival. A day of partying.
Easter – people decorate eggs and bring baskets of food to church for special
blessings. On Easter Monday children and adults throw water at one another!
Corpus Christi (May/June) – huge religious processions led by children
scattering flower petals
All Saints’ Day (1st November) - people go to cemeteries to light candles
and pray for their relatives and friends who have passed away.
St. Andrew’s Day (30th November) - an evening of fortune-telling and
games.
Christmas Eve (24th December) – before a solemn dinner, we share a wafer
with one another, sing Christmas carols and eat special dishes. Catholics go
to church for midnight mass.
MONEY AND BANKING
The main Polish currency is the złoty. 1 EUR=4,15 PLN (April 2012). 1 złoty equals 100 groszy
(gr). You can exchange money at the airport, railway stations, the Ravel Office, hotels and many
exchange offices (see below). There are plenty of ATM cash points as well. Banks are open
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To open an account usually only a passport is needed. If
you lose your debit/credit card in Poland you should immediately contact POLCARD in Warsaw
(phone: 022/5153150 - 24 hours a day).
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 17
CURRENCY
The ZŁOTY(zl or PLN) is divided into 100 GROSZ(gr)
Available coins: 1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, 50gr, 1zl, 2zl, 5zl.
Available notes: 10zl, 20zl, 50zl, 100zl, 200zl.
Most European currencies can be changed at Banks or Exchange bureaus called
“KANTOR”. Avoid “freelance” money changers on the street.
EMBASSIES
Please check on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland
http://www.msz.gov.pl/Przedstawicielstwa,dyplomatyczne,w,Polsce,12916.html if your country
Embassy is located in Warsaw.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police – 997 (112 when using a mobile)
Ambulance – 999
Fire Station - 998
Road Assistance - 981
Telephone Directory – 118 913
City transport information – 94 84
Flights information – 022 650 39 43
International coach connections – 022 823 57 70
TAXI
Always use official taxi operators with official fares. Official taxi corporations have their logo and
phone number on the top of the taxi and the tariff posted on the window.
MPT Radio Taxi – 919
Grosik Taxi - 6464646
Damel – 649 96 26
Euro-Taxi – 9662
Global Taxi – 96 89
Halo Taxi – 96 23
Korpo- Taxi – 96 24
Lux Taxi - 9666
Super Taxi – 96 22
Sawa Taxi – 644 44 44
Taxi Plus – 96 21
OK! Taxi – 96 28
ELECTRICITY
The electric current in your country may be different from the one in Poland (220 Volts AC, 50
Hertz). Electric items from home may not work here. Check to make sure you have adaptor plugs
for any electric items you bring (they must have dual voltage if you come from a country where
110V is used).
BUS TICKETS
The general rule is ‘one trip = one ticket’. Remember to validate your ticket immediately upon
entering a bus or tram. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, post offices or sometimes from the
driver after boarding. Exchange students holding their students IDs are entitled to a 50%
discount on travel (and entertainment) expenses.
The following types of tickets are available (the listed prices include the 50% discount):
Single ticket – 2.20 zl
One day ticket – 7.50 zl
20-minutes ticket- 1,70 zl
40-minutes ticket- 2.30 zl
60-minutes ticket- 3.20 zl
3-days ticket- 15 zl
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 18
Warsaw City Card (monthly ticket) 50.00 zl [reusable cards can be topped-up at
most kiosks or at the post office]
Warsaw City Card (3 months ticket) 125.00 zl [reusable cards can be topped-up
at most kiosks or at the post office]
Night bus lines start at the Central Railway Station and run towards the outskirts of Warsaw
every half hour.
VIOLENCE AND THEFT
Although Warsaw is safe in comparison to other European capitals one should be aware of
pickpockets at railway stations and in crowded buses or trams, especially when getting on and
off. It is always recommended to travel by taxi late at night.
PHONES
Public telephones are found throughout the city. Most operate with phone cards purchased at
kiosks or post offices (POCZTA). Cheap pre-paid mobile phones are available from Orange,
PlusGSM, T-Mobile, Play and Heyah.
ENJOY YOUR TIME AT KOZMINSKI AND
IN POLAND ☺
KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Page 19