ABC: A Beginner’s Compass for International Students in Poland
New in Poland? This free course helps international students stay safe, legal, and informed. Learn at your own pace, anytime, from anywhere.
Opis kursu
Course Description
The course “ABC: A Beginner’s Compass for International Students in Poland” is a practical introduction for international students beginning their academic journey in Poland. It was developed by the University of Warsaw, one of the country’s leading institutions, which welcomes thousands of international students each year.
This course is based on real experiences and the most common challenges faced by newcomers to Poland. It is designed to help participants prepare for everyday life, administrative procedures, and academic integration.
The course is asynchronous—you can complete it at your own pace, whenever it suits you best.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, participants will:
- understand basic safety principles for daily life in Poland,
- know how to navigate the Polish legal system as a student,
- be able to prepare required documents and complete formalities related to legal residence,
- understand how the recognition process of a foreign high school diploma works in Poland,
- feel more confident and informed in their new environment.
Topics Covered
MODULE 1
Stay Safe in Poland: 10 Smart Safety Tips
In this module, participants will learn:
- essential public safety rules,
- how to recognize and avoid common scams and theft,
- where and how to seek help if needed,
- their rights as students and how the university supports them.
MODULE 2
Your Legal Checklist: Living in Poland the Right Way
In this module, participants will explore:
- how to legalize their stay in Poland (residence permit, residence card),
- how to register a temporary address,
- how to obtain a PESEL number and access public healthcare (NFZ),
- how to avoid common legal and procedural mistakes.
MODULE 3
Your Education Matters: Recognizing Your High School Diploma in Poland
This module covers:
- when diploma recognition (nostrification) is required,
- what documents are needed for the process,
- a step-by-step explanation of procedures and deadlines,
- practical tips for completing the process smoothly.
Final Assessment and Certificate
To complete the course, participants must pass a final test that reviews key knowledge from all three modules. The test is available online and can be taken at any time.
To pass, participants need to score at least 50% correct answers. Upon successful completion, they will receive a personalized certificate of completion.
Course Instructor
Mgr Krystyna Paczoska
The course was developed by Ms. Krystyna Paczoska, with support from the Student Recruitment and Promotion Office at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
Ms. Paczoska supports international students daily in their recruitment process and throughout their early steps in Poland. Her insight and experience with the real needs of international students played a key role in shaping the course content. Thanks to her dedication, participants receive clear, practical guidance to help them settle confidently into their new environment.
Project Acknowledgment
This course was developed as part of the project “Let’s make together economics in Warsaw 2.0”, funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the Welcome to Poland Programme (2022).