Created in the 10th Century, Poland is one of the oldest countries to have come into existence. Situated in the heart of Europe, it shares its boundaries with Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany. Having a coastline of 491 km, on the northwest of this country lays the Baltic Sea. Polska to the natives, Poland enjoys vast stretches of low-lying plains, with the southern periphery marked by highlands.

Although it will be strange to many, Poland rejoices in its six distinct seasons, which besides summer, winter, autumn and spring include early-spring and early-winter. In general terms, the climate is essentially temperate with cold winters and gentle summers.

Though one of the most prosperous nations during the 1500s, Poland lost its glory with time, but finally did match pace and today stands tall, eyeing a prosperous future. While a per capita GDP of $16,300 (2007 est.) is below the European Union standard, ever since 2004, its association with the EU has added much impetus to its evolution. Also, the government plans on undertaking business-friendly reforms, reducing taxes and quickening privatization that will further the cause for growth.

Quick Facts:
Capital: Warsaw
Population:?38,500,696 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality: Pole(s)/ Polish
Climate: Temperate with overcast and moderately severe winters with frequent rains and mild summers
Languages:?Polish and English
Govt. Type: Republic
Currency: Zloty (PLN) (Varies between Rs 21 and Rs 22)
Calling Code:?+48
Time Difference:?2 hour ahead of UTC/GMT with current daylight saving, else 1 hour ahead of UTC/GMT (3 hours and 30 minutes behind IST with current daylight saving)

Education System in Poland:
Given a literacy rate of 99.8%, Poland has indeed established a well organized and reformed educational set up under the aegis of the Ministry of National Education and Sport. After completing primary and secondary education, a student can undertake higher education from either a government or a private institution. Universities like Cracow University of technology, Wroclaw University of Technology, Technical university of Warsaw, University of Lodz amongst other provide education par excellence in wide-ranging subjects.

Popular courses:
European business and finance, international business, IT, Computers, Hospitality etc.

Benefits of studying here:

• Low tuition fees
• Low cost of living (compared to other EU countries)
• Internationally recognized degrees
• High standard of education

Approximate tuition fees:
Varies between 2500 -12,000 Euros per year

Approximate living expenses:
Around 350 Euros per month on accommodation, food and transport

Work permit options:
As per EU rules and regulations, students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term and full-time in the vacations.