We invite you to study abroad in Kraków, a Polish city of immense cultural, political, social, historical and academic significance, renowned for its stunning architecture and scenery. You can choose from a wide array of classes across a broad range of subject areas while earning credit from the nation's oldest university. Come experience this charming, welcoming and vibrant city!
Students must be currently enrolled in a university with freshmen (2nd semester), sophomores, juniors or senior standing
Open to all levels of Polish speakers
Completed API application
University Approval Form
Official transcript
Statement of purpose
Course pre-registration form
Entry requirements: valid passport
Dates & Fees
Session
Program Dates
Program Cost
Application Deadline
Extended Application Deadline
Payment Deadline
Fall
Sep 15, 2023 - Dec 22, 2023
$13,900
Jun 30, 2023
No Extension
Jul 30, 2023
Academic Year
Sep 15, 2023 - Jun 21, 2024
$26,500
Jun 30, 2023
No Extension
Jul 30, 2023
Spring
Feb, 2024 - Jun, 2024
$13,900
Dec 15, 2023
No Extension
Dec 30, 2023
Excursions
API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Kraków programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.
Oswiecim (Auschwitz)
About 40 miles southwest of Kraków is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains
Located only a short bus trip from Kraków, the Tatra mountans are a perfect escape from a busy city life, and attract skiers and hikers seeking fun, beauty and challenge! The Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains and they stretch across the Polish-Slovakian border. A quarter of the range is Polish, and it was formally declared the Tatra National Park in 1955.
This overnight trip is full of diverse events. Students will take cable car to summit of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain to admire a panoramic view of the Tatras, walk along Krupówki - Zakopane Township main street, and taste some delicacies from local farmers market where visitors can purchase unique souvenirs.
Warsaw
Warsaw has been the capital of Poland since 1596 when, after the fire at the Wawel Castle in Kraków, the king’s residence, the royal court, and the crown offices were moved to the extended Warsaw Royal Palace. The city was completely destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt by Varsovians based on old photographs, paintings, and memories of residents. Today Warsaw is a bustling city, a center of political, economical and cultural life in Poland.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Kraków, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.
Oswiecim (Auschwitz)
About 40 miles southwest of Kraków is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains
Located only a short bus trip from Kraków, the Tatra mountans are a perfect escape from a busy city life, and attract skiers and hikers seeking fun, beauty and challenge! The Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains and they stretch across the Polish-Slovakian border. A quarter of the range is Polish, and it was formally declared the Tatra National Park in 1955.
This overnight trip is full of diverse events. Students will take cable car to summit of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain to admire a panoramic view of the Tatras, walk along Krupówki - Zakopane Township main street, and taste some delicacies from local farmers market where visitors can purchase unique souvenirs.
Warsaw
Warsaw has been the capital of Poland since 1596 when, after the fire at the Wawel Castle in Kraków, the king’s residence, the royal court, and the crown offices were moved to the extended Warsaw Royal Palace. The city was completely destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt by Varsovians based on old photographs, paintings, and memories of residents. Today Warsaw is a bustling city, a center of political, economical and cultural life in Poland.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Kraków, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.
Zakopane
Zakopane is a cozy village embedded in the Tatras, the highest mountain range of the Carpathians. This quaint town attracts over a million tourists a year, and is famous for its “góralski” (highland) culture and way of life. Moreover, Zakopane has left its mark on Polish culture due to the fact that many Polish artists, writers, and painters have been inspired by the village’s unique atmosphere.
Oswiecim (Auschwitz)
About 40 miles southwest of Kraków is the town of Oswiecim. Most people know the city by its German name, Auschwitz. This was the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp, and during the years 1940-45 more than 1.5 million people lost their lives there. The main gate still has the original inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (work sets you free). The Martyrdom Museum, included on the list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, was established in 1947 and provides visitors with the history and personal testimonies of the survivors of the camp.
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains
Located only a short bus trip from Kraków, the Tatra mountans are a perfect escape from a busy city life, and attract skiers and hikers seeking fun, beauty and challenge! The Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains and they stretch across the Polish-Slovakian border. A quarter of the range is Polish, and it was formally declared the Tatra National Park in 1955.
This overnight trip is full of diverse events. Students will take cable car to summit of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain to admire a panoramic view of the Tatras, walk along Krupówki - Zakopane Township main street, and taste some delicacies from local farmers market where visitors can purchase unique souvenirs.
Warsaw
Warsaw has been the capital of Poland since 1596 when, after the fire at the Wawel Castle in Kraków, the king’s residence, the royal court, and the crown offices were moved to the extended Warsaw Royal Palace. The city was completely destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt by Varsovians based on old photographs, paintings, and memories of residents. Today Warsaw is a bustling city, a center of political, economical and cultural life in Poland.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as a UNESCO monument since 1978. This 700-year-old mine attracts visitors from all over the world. Located just 15 km outside of Kraków, the salt mine (kopalnia soli) is still operating. Because the mine is renowned for the preservative qualities of its microclimate as well as for its health-giving properties, it also functions as an underground sanatorium where chronic allergies are treated. The most beautiful chamber is the Chapel of St. Kinga, which was voluntarily carved out between 1862-80. The floors, walls, chandeliers, and banisters are all carved from salt. The bas-relief wall carvings depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.
Program Details
What You’ll Study
TOTAL CREDITS - 12-18 credits per semester
Students who choose to study abroad in Kraków with API complete courses offered in English by the Jagiellonian University of Kraków’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. This program is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas and experiences. The program focuses on the most significant issues of modern philosophy, anthropology, history, literary theories, art history, and psychology. The main emphasis is placed on the modern and interdisciplinary character of 20th-century cultural phenomena.
Students select the majority of their classes from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (IPHSS) and may ask for permission to complete a course in another department of the university that offers courses in English. The courses are generally attended by international students. All IPHSS courses are equivalent to three U.S. semester credits. Not all classes taught outside of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences are equivalent to three U.S. semester credits.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT LOCAL MUSEUM
There are limited internship opportunities in Kraków through the Galician Jewish Museum. If you are interested in working as a docent or with the museum’s marketing and communications department, please let your API Program Manager know as soon as possible. Internships are unpaid and do not award credit.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Kraków’s Volunteer Center and Childrens’ Friends Society offer long and short-term volunteer opportunities for experienced caregivers and students experienced in working with children. Details available upon arrival.
TRANSCRIPTS
API students will receive a transcript from the Jagiellonian University of Kraków upon successful completion of their program.
Kelsi Maddock
Kelsi Maddock will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.
(she/her/hers)
Piotr Gebalski
Piotr will be your Resident Director in Kraków and will be a resource for you while you are in Poland!
Students will start the semester with an obligatory 2-week intensive Polish Language Course (1 credit). Class meets everyday (Monday - Friday) for the first two weeks of the semester.
Non-language classes start in the third week of the semester.
Students who wish to continue learning Polish may take a semester Polish Language Course (3 semester credits).
Language classes are taught at all levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced) and are conducted in Polish. All other courses are taught in English.
API students will indicate course choices on the application and then complete course registration upon arrival in Poland.
Students must enroll in a minimum of two classes from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (IPHSS) program offerings before they become eligible to select any courses from other departments/programs. Courses from IPHSS department are marked with (IPHSS) next to the course title in API class finder tool.
The list of classes offered by other departments that are taught in English is typically not released until after API students have arrived in Poland. Some of those however are listed on API website.
The final course list may vary from pre-approved courses, it is important for all students to take their advisor’s contact information with them to Kraków to ensure that the courses that they take in Krakow can successfully transfer back to their home university.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR PROGRAM
The academic calendar in Poland is different from that of most U.S. universities. The traditional fall semester at Jagiellonian starts in Mid September and continues classes throughout the month of January. The first half of February is reserved for final exams. API, however, has made special arrangements on behalf of its fall students to complete coursework and exams in December, so as to not interfere with the American academic calendar in the spring. The spring semester starts in late February and Continues through late June.
ADDITIONAL COURSE OPTIONS
API is continuously working on broadening academic offerings for API students at Jagiellonian University.
Some courses from outside the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (IPHSS) are published on API website. API is not able to publish course listings for all courses taught in English at other Departments of the Jagiellonian University.
Most courses outside of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (IPHSS) are NOT equivalent to 3 semester credits (the average range is 1-2 U.S. semester credits per course).
Students may enroll in 1-2 classes that are taught in English from the following departments:
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology
Biology, Environmental Studies
Chemistry
Geography and Geology
History
International and Political Studies
Law and Administration
Management and Social Communication*
Mathematics and Computer Science
Philology
Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science
Polish Studies
Comparative Civilization Studies
Sociology
*An additional fee of $200 per class is charged for classes taken in the Department of Management & Social Communication
CREDIT INFORMATION
Jagiellonian University operates on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). It is generally accepted that in order to convert from ECTS to U.S. semester credits, one should divide the ECTS total by 2.
Courses at Jagiellonian University (Multidisciplinary Studies Program)
For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!
Semester students in Kraków live in student apartments, which are located within the historical center of the city, generally 25-30 minutes walking distance or 15-20 minutes by tram to Jagiellonian University. Each apartment will typically have 2-3 single or double bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Each unit is furnished, includes its own kitchen, and has a washing machine.
NOTE: HOUSING BETWEEN THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS IS NOT INCLUDED. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SEMESTER OR YEAR HOUSING OPTIONS.
