What classes do I register for?
To participated in this study abroad, you'll need to register for two spring courses: ENG 412 Writing in Intercultural & Global Contexts (CRN 21196). TR 9:30am-10:45am. In this class, you'll learn how culture influences writing, collaboration, and innovation, while also getting acquainted with Polish culture. This scheduled time allows us to work with faculty, students, and professionals in Poland. We'll start out in HO 145, but some of the class will be online. ENG 294 International Study Course (CRN 21286). Online & Kraków Trip. This is the trip to Kraków. Though we will meet a few times to prepare for the trip, most of this class will take place in Kraków. It will be on your Spring schedule to save you summer tuition. You will receive the grades for this course after the trip. (If you are a senior, that does not cause problems. You can still go.) If ENG 294 puts you over your credit hour limit, you can petition to go over. There is no course load for this during the Spring semester. Contact me if you are having trouble getting your schedule to work. There are lots of options to explore! You can find the form for going over allowed credits here. Though the deposit is not due until December 2, these seats are first come, first serve.
What is the cost breakdown?
Item Cost Notes Program Cost $1800 Includes lodging, transportation, faculty support, conference fees, at least 6 meals, insurance. Pocket Money $300 Includes other meals, shopping, miscellaneous money. International Airfare $800-$1500 In Summer 2024, prices ranged from $800-$1500, depending on flight path and other factors. Total < $3800 Both are Spring classes and will be included tuition for that semester.
How will I be billed?
Billing Process Students will be billed the remaining $1,300 program fee in December. Payment is due in late January. UNCW will charge your E-bill where you will pay just like other tuition and fees. Before this date, you must do one of the following to avoid having a hold on their account or being dropped from classes: Pay the total amount due on your account. -or- Pay the difference of all charges minus “authorized” financial aid* -or- Enroll in a UNCW payment plan that will cover the total balance due You can learn more about TealPay payment plans on the Student Accounts website: https://uncw.edu/studentaccounts/charges/2022-23/schedules/teal-pay/spring.html Payment plans apply to the entire semester balance, not just the study abroad program fee Students must pay an enrollment fee and their first installment at signup They still have the option to enroll in TealPay 4 today before the program fee is charged, or they can enroll in TealPay 3 in January before the Jan. 20 deadline You can still apply for a short-term spring Education Abroad scholarship from our office through January 15th! Since they would receive the scholarship after the program fee is due, they would just receive a refund from the Cashier's Office if they are awarded in the spring. More info here: https://uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.html
FAQ
Are family members or significant others allowed to tag along? As study abroad trip, this is an academic experience, so we recommend that family members or significant others enroll in course as non-degree seeking students or meet you before/after trip. If the spouse chose to come during the dates of the program, the family member or significant other would not be part of group activities so it would really only be appropriate for you to spend time together outside of official program time (just as they would not accompany you to class here on campus). Where will be be stayin? We are contracting apartments through Tyzenhuaz. This is much like AirBnB ... and one way to keep prices low for the trip. You also get a more realistic study abroad experience. You are living in a Krakow apartment for two weeks! The apartments are well located just minutes from Old Town and the Kazimierz district, both centers of city life. What is the best way to get Polish zloty? I usually bring a small amount of cash with me, but the best way to get Polish złoty is to use an ATM ... but verify that your bank card can be used overseas and ask what kinds of fees apply. My credit union has no fees and gives a straight up conversion rate. You can change cash, but it is usually not as good of deal. Most credit or debit cards require you to alert them of international travel. Be sure you let them know ... or they will freeze your account. Can I drink the tap water? Yes. Krakow is famous for having some of the cleanest water in Europe. You will not get sick from drinking the water. If you are more comfortable with bottled water, you can buy large bottles at the grocery store. Nie gazowone means "without bubbles." What airline are we using? How should we book tickets? All students are responsible for booking airline tickets. Airline and flight path are up to you, but you should be in Krakow by the first day of our program (May 21 for 2025). I usually don't book tickets until March at the earliest, because prices do usually go done 3 months before departure. Lufthansa out of Raleigh or Charlotte are usually the cheapest in our area. Will Spring financial aid cover program costs? Yes, you can use your Spring financial aid once it is disbursed. If it is a matter of meeting the deadline, just let me know. How safe is Krakow? Krakow is considered one of the safest cities in Europe. See link below. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/poland/malopolska/krakow/narratives/practical-information/directory/dangers-annoyances If there is a crisis in Krakow or its surrounding area, what would be our evacuation plan? The GeoBlue health insurance included in your program fee includes evacuation in case of natural disaster, political unrest, etc. We will also be registering the whole group in the US State Department's STEP program, who also help with evacuations if needed.. Our apartments are also blocks away from the US embassy. How do I apply to go over allowed credit hour limit You need to apply to your Dean's office. If you are in CHSAA, this is your form.