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From left to right: David Majernik, Grace Newhall, Olivia Falek, Agnieszka Majewska, Laura Wlodarczak

Studying abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences available during college, offering students a chance to grow both personally and academically. From improving educational knowledge to expanding future career opportunities, the benefits of studying abroad cannot be denied. For a student traveling to a country where their target language is spoken, the benefits are even greater.

According to the UNC Study Abroad Impact Report for 2022-2023, 32% of UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students study abroad before graduation. This summer, the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures contributed to this statistic by sending four UNC-Chapel Hill students to Wrocław, Poland, with The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

I spoke with Dr. Agnieszka Majewska, Lecturer in Polish for the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, to learn more about the NAWA Summer Course in Polish. The course is a three-week class taught each summer in Wrocław, Poland. It consists of 45 hours of language classes, 30 hours of activities, and additional outings to the surrounding region. Activities include workshops, lectures on Polish culture and history, and projects.

Majewska, who has taught Polish as a foreign language in France, Latvia, and now the U.S., reflects on her own international experiences with deep gratitude for the lessons learned and connections made. She says that this program is a great opportunity for students studying Polish because, while it provides them with the chance to study the language and participate in academic activities, it also allows students to put their language knowledge to the test.

Majewska says that the immersive experience is a “great environment for students” and notes that she has seen significant improvement in students’ language proficiency. Students spend their days conversing with native speakers as they go about their daily lives—buying a snack, greeting people, and talking. Often, the real day-to-day experience of a language can differ from what is regularly taught in the classroom. Majewska adds that students “can hear more casual expressions on the street—this is something that we can’t find in students’ textbooks.”

With the University of Wrocław being Majewska’s home institution and the place where she taught Polish for over 10 years, she has a strong connection to and appreciation for the university. But it’s not just Majewska who is excited about the opportunities that NAWA provides. Students in the program say that the experience has benefited their education and personal development in countless ways.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s own Elena Von Hardenberg, who participated in the NAWA Polish Summer Program in 2023, says, “Studying Polish in Wrocław allowed me to readily apply what was taught in the classroom to everyday scenarios, such as ordering food or buying groceries in Polish. The immersive setting made it easier for me to practice with native speakers and helped me gain confidence in my Polish speaking skills.” She also mentions that her trip to Poland was her first time traveling independently, and the experience helped her develop adaptability and self-reliance.

Ben Pluska, a student at Appalachian State University who participated in the program this year, expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “The opportunity to learn from a large faculty of native Polish speakers, be exposed to unique cultural experiences, and immerse myself in daily Polish life helped me cultivate my passion for the Polish language and culture on a profoundly deep level.”

The NAWA Summer Course in Polish offers students unique opportunity to not only enhance their language skills but also immerse themselves in Polish culture and daily life. Through this experience, participants gain invaluable academic, personal, and professional growth. As more students take part in such programs, the impact of studying abroad continues to enrich their global perspectives and prepare them for future success.

11/18/2024 Michaela Woodward

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