Summer school of Polish language, literature and culture
| Summer course 2026 – residential | Summer course 2026 – online |
| Lectures and cultural program 2025 – description |
In 2026, the Summer School of Polish Language, Literature, and Culture will be held on the following dates:
- August 3–23, 2026 – residential course in Katowice
- August 3–23, 2026 – Online: a light (less intensive) version
We invite you to participate! Participants affiliated with higher education institutions—students, attendees, lecturers, or other university staff—may apply for a free place as part of the NAWA scholarship offer.
| REGISTRATION | FEES |
Classes at the Residential Course Summer School
Classes at the residential summer school take place on weekdays, Monday through Saturday.
-
Language classes (lectures) are mandatory and also take place on some Saturdays (in the morning).
-
In addition to language classes, workshops on Polish language, literature, culture, science, politics, etc., are offered.
-
Students must complete at least one workshop cycle per week from the available options.
-
In the afternoons activities include language games and cultural events. They are extremely interesting and inspiring (we encourage you to complete at least 2 events per week).
-
On Saturdays trips are planned (optional). One trip is planned as a two-day (weekend) trip.
Each lesson lasts 45 minutes (the course includes: 4 in-person lessons per day, 3 online lessons per day plus individual consultations available from Monday to Friday).
Summer School Program
-
Polish language course
-
Residential course: 60 lesson hours
-
Online (light version): 45 lesson hours
-
-
“Knowledge of Poland” seminars – language, literature, film, theater, history, politics
-
Cultural program
-
Excursions (in-person and virtual)
The Polish language course begins with a placement test, which determines the student’s language group. Sample test exercises will be available on the website starting July 1, and a sample test format from July 15. The official placement test will take place on August 2-3, 2026. The course concludes with a final exam to assess progress.
Certificates are awarded for participation in the language course and for passing the final test. Credit points are also granted.
Language Course Program
-
Residential course: Intensive Polish learning: 4 lessons per day, totaling 60 lesson hours
-
Online (light version): 3 lessons per day, 45 lesson hours
-
Language consultations (conversations, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar): at least 1 lesson per day
-
Participation in language games and activities:
-
Residential course: approx. 15 hours
-
Online (light version): approx. 10 hours
-
Language consultations focus on improving Polish skills according to individual needs and interests. Students also learn through language games, school theater performances, a translation tournament, and the summer school magazine.
An additional element is the “Polish Language Challenge”, where the Foreign Master of the Polish Language is selected. This quiz is open to all interested participants worldwide, both residential course in Katowice and online.
“Knowledge of Poland” Seminar
A series of afternoon lectures, workshops and discussion sessions, accompanied by cultural programs and meetings. Two program options are available:
- General Program
- For those new to Polish culture, history, and contemporary Poland
- Designed for participants who are not Slavic or Polish studies students
- Classes in Polish and English
- Academic Program
- For Slavic and Polish studies students
- For participants interested in specialized topics in Polish language, culture, history, and socio-political issues
- Classes conducted entirely in Polish
Both residential course and online light versions will include pre-recorded lectures, available for participants to watch at their convenience.Participation in the “Knowledge of Poland” seminar and passing individual topics will be certified, allowing students to earn credit points.
Cultural Program
- Film recommendations from legal sources
- Musical meetings and concert suggestions
- Polish early music, classical, folk, traditional dances, and contemporary youth music
- Visits to museums and galleries (in-person and virtual)
- Meetings with notable Poles (politicians, journalists, artists, writers)
Tourism Program (Residential course & Virtual)
The tourism program includes special excursions for summer school participants:
- Cieszyn – a beautiful town on the Polish-Czech border at the foot of the Beskid Mountains
- Oświęcim (Auschwitz)
- Upper Silesia
- Beskidy Mountains
- Kraków
Both residential course and virtual excursions include meetings with passionate guides who will bring the history of these places to life.We promise – you won’t be bored with us! Southern Poland will amaze you!