Year Abroad Program

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Intensive Polish Language Program

The Year Abroad Scholarship supports Polish language course at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. 

Scholarships are awarded under the auspices of the Foundation's Exchange Program with Poland and Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).  

Students who are awarded a scholarship will attend a semester or one year full-time Intensive Polish Language Program at the School of Polish Language and Culture of the Jagiellonian University.

The scholarship includes a tuition waiver and a scholarship of 1,600 PLN per month from NAWA as well as $1,125 per semester from the Kosciuszko Foundation. The scholarship is paid out in installments after arrival in Poland.

Airfare is not covered by this scholarship.

The academic year in Poland begins in early October and ends in late June. You can apply for one-semester or full academic year studies.

The program includes courses of grammar and vocabulary as well as linguistic fluency (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, communication and conversation, and composition and editing of texts). Additionally, the program participants can attend lectures of their choice in the fields of history, literature, culture, Polish contemporary society, or practical classes (including reading of literary and journalistic texts, pronunciation and intonation, and grammar review). All courses are conducted by specialists in teaching Polish as a foreign language.

The courses are on all levels of language fluency, in accordance with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Council of Europe 2003).

For more information about the Intensive Polish Language Program, please visit:   here

Please note: 2023/2024 dates will differ slightly than the dates listed for the academic year 2022/2023.  

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible candidates include undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are US citizens.  

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection is based on academic excellence, the applicant's motivation for pursuing Polish studies, interest in Polish subjects and involvement in the Polish American community. Applications are reviewed and ranked by the Jagiellonian University and the Foundation's Scholarship Selection Committee.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

STEP 1:

Secure two recommendation letters and have your recommenders send them directly to:

exchangetopoland@thekf.org. 

Requirements of a Recommendation letter:

• The authors should be the two individuals who can best speak to your ability to study in Poland; they should discuss your intellectual and professional preparation.
• At least one of the letters must be from an individual with academic rank of Professor (i.e. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor).
• Letters should be addressed to the Kosciuszko Foundation Academic Advisory Committee.
• Anyone who serves as a recommender may not also provide the applicant with an invitation letter.
• References from relatives are not permitted.
• The KF does not accept recommendation letters after the application deadline, which is March 21st, 2023.
• The letter may be submitted as a PDF file. 

Recommendations sent by the candidate will not be considered. 

STEP 2:

Complete the online application form:

Prepare the following supporting materials and have items 1 to 6 ready to upload to the on-line application form.  Item 7 needs to be sent separately.

Supporting materials include: 

Item 1 – A photo of yourself, which is suitable for publication such as a portrait photo or headshot which is 2 inches x 2 inches.  

Item 2 – A scan of your U.S. passport ID page or a birth certificate.

Item 3 - A scan of your highest degree diploma and language certificates. 

Item 4 – Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). The Curriculum Vitae describes academic credentials and demonstrates a record of scholarly achievements. When composing a Curriculum Vitae, it is essential to include:

• Education (universities attended, degrees earned, and dates received)
• Professional positions held
• Membership and activities in professional associations
• Professional honors, awards and fellowships

Item 5 - An essay on why you are applying to attend the program at the Center for Polish Language and Culture at the Jagiellonian University.  Your essay should be 2-3 pages. 

Item 6 – $50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, you will be asked to make a payment via PayPal or debit/credit card. 

Item 7- Submit official transcripts of credit for 3 years of academic work.   This document should have an official signature and stamp from your school or faculty. There are two ways you can send us the transcripts:

1. Mail transcripts to: Malgorzata Dymkowska, 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065

or 

2.  Go to your student account online and request a Secure Electronic PDF Transcript be sent to ExchangetoPoland@thekf.org via their electronic delivery service. Secure Electronic PDF Transcripts must be sent directly from your college/university's electronic delivery service.

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E-mail for letters of recommendation and questions:

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