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Poland

Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, with history and culture emanating from every corner of the city. The exact origin of Krakow is unclear, but the city gained recognition and prominence at the turn of the first millennium as a market town. The city’s heyday was in the mid 14th century under the rule of King Kazimierz the Great. Kazimierz commissioned numerous buildings and established the Jagiellonian University. Kazimierz also provided a haven for Jews at this time. One of Krakow’s districts, named Kazimierz, became the leading Jewish settlement in central Europe until World War II. For centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland – a great bustling city serving as the seat of government, and center of scholars and artists from all around Europe. Each group left a strong historical and cultural imprint which can still be felt after centuries of ups and downs. While the city no longer plays an important administrative role in Poland, Krakow is an exceptional reflection of Polish identity and culture.

Programs in Poland

  • Youth

    Youth

    Children's Programs:

    English-speaking volunteers are needed to work and play with needy children and young people throughout the city. Volunteers will teach English in an informal, fun setting, and help out with field trips, sports, and art/music/computer projects. If you play an instrument, sing, play basketball, soccer, etc., or just want to teach English, you are welcome to join and help out. You’ll work with children who come from impoverished or dysfunctional families. After school and special summer programs offer these kids an escape from their difficult circumstances, and a chance to just have fun. Most of these placements will be based in Krakow and include frequent field trips to nearby museums, recreation centers, and mountains, rivers and countryside. There are programs throughout the year, but summer is the busiest period. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Jewish Museum

    Jewish Museum

    The Jewish Museum in Krakow is a non-profit institution that looks at the highlights of Jewish history in Poland. The museum runs exhibits that present past and present Jewish culture through lectures, exhibitions, concerts, classes, and publications. This new program is a great opportunity for a volunteers who are interested in their own pasts or who are interested in history and museum work more generally. Questions? Click here

    Participants can choose between 3 possible program tracks:

    Educational
    Volunteers working on the educational track help lead tours for visitors to the museum as well as running youth workshops in subjects such as Jewish dance and arts. Participants in this track also have the opportunity use the museums resources to study Jewish history and culture as well as work on Polish language skills.
    Publications
    Volunteers helping on this track assist with preparing, proofreading, and designing materials for museum publications. These include both educational and promotional materials.
    Public Relations
    Volunteers in the public relations track work with marketing and fundraising to keep the museum running smoothly and to boost visitor numbers. Participants help with the website as well as with contacting sponsors and friends of the musuem. This track offers a more "behind the scenes" look at the running of a large institution such as the Jewish Museum.

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

Cost & Details

  • Cost - Poland

    For our standard volunteer programs there is a one-time program fee of US >$695, and an application fee of US $200. The application fee is a separate administrative charge for all programs. It does not apply to the program fee. (Please see our application fee refund policy here)

    Credit card payments: Payment by credit card will be assessed a 3.5% surcharge. This is the fee that we will be charged for the transaction. Contact us about alternative forms of payment.

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • What's Included/What's Not

    Program Fee Includes:

    *PreDeparture Materials
    *Airport Pickup
    *Orientation
    *24/7 in-country support
    *U.S. based staff support

    Program Fee Does Not Include:

    *Accommodation & Meals (The summer camp program includes housing and three meals a day in the program fee)
    *International airfare
    *Required travel and health insurance 

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Accommodations

    Accommodations:

    Please note that, with the exception of the summer camp program, food and lodging are NOT included in the program fee for this placement. ELI has a relationship with several hotels and guesthouses in the city and can help to organize a reasonably priced room that matches your needs. Room rates are generally between $15 and $30 per night.

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Start Dates

    Start Dates

    Placements can last any length of time from 2 to 8 weeks. Programs are flexible and participants can begin anytime. Placements begin on Mondays, so we recommend arriving Friday-Sunday to allow for orientation and acclimation. Please note that programs in the city of Krakow are not available during August.

  • Notes & Helpful Links

    Notes & Helpful Links

    Volunteers with ELI's Poland program fly into John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK).  Check the current time in Poland using this Time Conversion Tool, and Check the Weather before you start packing.

    There is so much to See and Do in Poland. Are you planning to travel in Europe after your stay in Poland? Due to visa restrictions, make sure your time in Europe does not exceed 90 days. Ryan Air is a popular low cost air carrier, and of course Eurail is a wonderful option. Here are tips on finding the Right Eurail Pass For You.

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