The Summer School for Polish Language, Literature and Culture means an invitation to Cieszyn - a picturesque, old town at the foot of the Beskidy Mountains on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic (70 km south of Katowice). Classes are held from Monday to Friday. The Intensive Polish Language course (four hours a day) is accompanied by the following extra classes involving conversation and work with audio and videotapes and educational computer software.

Foreign students must have a valid passport and a Polish visa. You can apply for a visa at the Polish embassy/consulate in your home country.

All foreign students in Poland must have sufficient health insurance while studying at the University of Silesia. Insurance must be purchased before leaving the home country or at a Polish insurance company

About ninety-five percent of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. In Katowice, there are 36 Catholic churches, including an Archdiocese Cathedral, and a number of chapels of that faith are open for public services. Other religions also have their places of worship: Augsburg-Evangelical Church, the Methodist Church, the Polish Church of Christians, the Baptists, the Church of Free Christians, the Church of Adventists of „the Seventh Day”, the Whitsuntide Church, the „Betania” community, the Commune of Jewish Faith.

Public transport, including bus, tram and train, is quite good in Upper Silesia area. Transportation within the town area is much cheaper with a monthly ticket. Ticket prices: bus/tram - 2,30 zł. Taxis are not difficult to find because of the many small taxi companies competing with each other, especially in the city area. They are, however, far more expensive than public transportation.

Most public holidays in the Polish calendar have a religious background. Polish public holidays are as follows:

There is a wealth of societies and clubs engaged in arranging everything from lectures to entertainment, e.g. music, dances, sport and other activities.

Daily newspapers often include at least one page with ongoing activities in the town, such as cinema, theatre, concerts, etc.

Why not join The “KATOWICE” Folklore Song and Dance Group? The group provides an excellent opportunity for all foreigners to find out more about the culture and customs of the Silesian region and Poland. It is also a wonderful way to spend spare time and meet interesting people.

Travel Links

Upper Silesia is located at one of the main crossroads of Central Europe. The main road and rail arteries run through the city and region in an East-West direction linking Germany with the Ukraine, and North-South linking the Scandinavian countries with Vienna and the south of Europe. Before making plans for your travel to Katowice, you are advised to contact the Department of Foreign Relations at the University of Silesia for initial instructions. You can travel to Katowice most conveniently by the following means of transportation: