guide. september 2013 - · pdf filekatarzyna wilk-uljasz staff mobility coordinator tel +48 22...

KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY

The sailing ship in an open sea in our logo is a symbol of adventure, openness to new horizons, creative

teamwork and leadership and limitless possibilities

GUIDE

for International Exchange Students

WARSAW September 2013


Dear Student,

On behalf of the entire Business Faculty, I would like to

sincerely welcome you to Kozminski University. You are joining

us at a very exciting time as new developments are taking place

throughout the University.

We wish you every success during your time here – and not just

with your academic achievements. We hope that you will

develop your practical skills as well as broaden your

experiences and character in a way that makes you extremely attractive to future employers.

Please make use of the opportunities at the Kozminski University. We expect you to work hard, but

we also hope that you will have a full and rewarding social life. There are many clubs and societies

available in Warsaw, as well as many activities offered by the University.

Lecturers will encourage you to integrate with other students from the very start of your courses,

particularly in tutorial work and group assignments. Do ensure that you fully involve yourself, even

if you believe that other students know more than you. Taking a back seat and letting other people

do all the talking will squander your chances to learn and grow.

Please let us know as soon as possible of any shortcomings or whenever you have ideas on how we

can improve. We will make every effort to implement any suggestion that increases the quality of

our administrative and support systems.

Everyone at the Kozminski University wishes you every success while you stay with us!

Prof. Andrzej K. Koźmiński

President of the Kozminski University

Chairman of the Board of Trustees


ABOUT THE KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY

The Kozminski University is an internationally renowned private business school located in the

very heart of Europe. We have achieved much since our creation in 1993. We offer recognized

B.B.A., M.A., M.B.A., and Ph.D. programs in business management and finance. Our course

offerings have a unique international flavor; they are taught entirely in English by international

faculty with degrees and teaching experience from prestigious universities throughout the

world. Our students come from over 50 nationalities, creating a truly international atmosphere

that enables them to experience the richness of various cultures blended together with our own

“Kozminski way.”

KOZMINSKI’S TRIPLE CROWN

International business schools can obtain three major accreditations: EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB,

the so-called three crowns, which the best business schools in the world aspire to earn. There

are only 53 in the world that hold all three of those accreditations, and as of 2011, the Kozminski

University joined this prestigious group.

ACCREDITATIONS, AWARDS, DISTINCTIONS

The National Accreditation Committee awarded Kozminski University with distinction for its

management and marketing program. Kozminski University is the only institution in the country

which received this distinction in 2004, and in 2010 we received it again. This award was

motivated by the fulfillment of staff, program, and organizational requirements to a scale far

exceeding standards imposed elsewhere.

The Kozminski University is a full member of the European University Association – an

organization that represents the European academic society throughout the world.

The Kozminski University is a full member of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA). It

is also a member of the International Association of Law Schools.

THE FINANCIAL TIMES RANKINGS

On December 1, 2008, The Financial Times published a profile of Kozminski University,

describing it as the best non-public business school in Poland and a credible rival for the best

public schools. In 2009, the same publication listed our university in its prestigious business

school rankings as the best in Poland, performing far beyond our Central and Eastern European

competitors. Our position in all three of those rankings improved significantly in 2010, 2011 and

2012.


MILE STONES IN TH E HISTORY OF THE KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY

1993

•The first inauguration of the academic year; students begin studies of management and marketing in Polish

1996•First graduates collect their diplomas

1997•Students begin their management studies in English

1998•Kozminski University gains qualifications to award a Ph.D. degree in management

1999

•Kozminski University becomes the only university in Central and Eastern Europe to receive EQUIS accreditation

2001•A law college is initiated; first law students arrive at the university

2004

•The National Accreditation Committee awards Kozminski University with a distinction for its Management and Marketing program

2008•Kozminski University earns its second crown - the AMBA accreditation

2009

•Kozminski University becomes the only business school in Poland listed among the prestigious rankings in The Financial Times

2010•FT Global Masters in Management ranking lists Kozminski University #1 in the world in careers rank

2011

•Prof. Witold T.Bielecki, Ph.D., becomes the new rector of Kozminski University, while Prof. Andrzej K. Koźmiński becomes president

•Kozminski University obtains prestigious international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

2012

• Financial Times ranking: 1st in the world in alumni career development within Global Masters in Management

•Financial Times TOP 10 ranking: 2nd best in General Management; 3rd Best in Marketing; 8th Best in Corporate Strategy; 10th Best in Entrepreneurship


UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE

PROF. WITOLD T. BIELECKI, PH.D. Rector, Head of the Quantitative Methods and Application of Information Technology Department

PROF. KAZIMIERZ PRZYBYSZ, PH.D. Deputy Rector, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Program Delivery, Head of the Political Science Department

PROF. DOROTA DOBIJA, PH.D. Vice-Rector for Research, Head of the Accounting Department

PROF. CZESŁAW SZMIDT, PH.D. Vice-Rector for Economic and Social Studies, Head of the Human Resource Management Department

PROF. MONIKA CAŁKIEWICZ, PH.D. Vice-Rector for Law Studies

PROF. GRZEGORZ MAZUREK, PH.D. Vice-Rector for International Relations

PROF. ANDRZEJ K. KOŹMIŃSKI, Ph.D. President of Kozminski University, Chairman of the Board of Trustees


STUDENTS AND FACULTY The number of people enrolled at Kozminski University includes over 7,000 undergraduate, graduate and executive students. Faculty specialize in management, finance, law, administration, sociology, European studies and related fields. A growing number of foreign professors conduct courses here every year.

LIFE OF CAMPUS

STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES: • A campus including 4 well equipped buildings, 6 auditoriums, 64 lecture halls, mostly

air-conditioned and equipped with modern audio-visual devices. • Modern library with internet catalogue access system. The library includes individual

and group study rooms equipped with computers, internet access and printers. The resources include 55 000 publications.

• Six computer labs with new generation equipment. Part of the computer labs are open for students’ use 7 days a week. Kozminski University students also have access to free software (operating systems, virus protection software).

• Simulation court room (for law students) • 2 sports halls, 2 sports fields and a gym, bookstore, post office, press kiosk, 2 copy

centers, cash machine, 4 cafeterias, free parking for over 350 vehicles. • LUX-MED medical coverage (apart from standard insurance) for full-time students • Access for persons with disabilities: Kozminski University is fully accessible for persons

with motion disabilities. Several rooms include audio-frequency induction loop amplifiers for persons with partial hearing disability.

• Timetables EXAMINATION CENTERS

• Kozminski University hosts four examination centers with faculties to carry out prestigious and certified examinations in German and English.

• It is the intention of the university for all students to gain a certificate in English for Business (LCCI); therefore, an LCCI preparation program is conducted within the mandatory language course.

• The university also offers the possibility to take an examination in general knowledge of English–namely, The London Test of English (Pearson Language Assessments).

• Law students complete their English courses using the TOLES examination in legal English.

• Our in-house ÖSD Examination Center offers certified examinations in German (knowledge of general or business language).

SCIENTIFIC CLUBS ON CAMPUS 15 scientific clubs (among which: ESN Erasmus Student Network and The "Little Tigers")actively participate in activities on Kozminski University campus. The main goal of those clubs is to allow students to broaden their knowledge within their chosen fields and development of research interest. All scientific clubs are supervised by academic faculty. ESN (Erasmus Student Network)organizes: - trips to main cities in Poland - social events - Thematic days


- Parties - coordinates the “Mentor” program STUDENTS CAN FULFILL THEIR PASSIONS AND AMBITIONS

• By participating in one of 15 science clubs • By working for the Students’ Legal Advice Office, where Kozminski University law

students provide legal support for those who cannot afford it • In the Kozminski University Student Government • In the Kozminski University Choir “Chameleon”

STUDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE AND CO-ORGANIZE

• Scientific conferences, seminars, and meetings with known scientific, political, and cultural figures

• Student events, mid-year and inauguration parties, lawyers’ balls, university days, national holiday events, etc.

• Integration camps (in September) and summer and winter sport camps (windsurfing, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, etc.)

CONTACT TO KU STAFF

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

Valentyna Guminska Director of the International Relations Office

tel +48 22 51 92 289, [email protected]

Kinga Nekanda-Trepka Erasmus Program Coordinator- Outgoing Students


Joanna Kartasiwicz International Projects Coordinator

Outgoing non-EU students Coordinator


Ewa Buczyńska Incoming Students Coordinator

tel + 48 22 519 23 14

[email protected]

[email protected]

skype: exchange_Kozminski

Katarzyna Wilk-Uljasz Staff Mobility Coordinator tel +48 22 51 92 212, [email protected]

Marzena Indra-Góźdź International Internships and Events Coordinator

Tel + 48 22 519 21 66

[email protected]


KOZMINSKI INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Svetlana Gudkova, PHD Dean of the Kozminski International Business School

tel +48 22 51 92 102 [email protected]

Agata Pawłowska Administrative Director KIBS tel +48 22 51 92 102, [email protected]

Aneta Gasiewska International Studies Coordinator


Iwona Presland MSc regular students Coordinator


Paulina Kowalska BBA regular students Coordinator


Sylwia Jach Coordinator of Planning tel +48 22 51 92 193, [email protected]

LAW SCHOOL

Prof. ALK dr hab. Monika

Całkiewicz Vice-Rector for Law Studies [email protected]

Mateusz Woiński, PHD Vice Dean for Law Studies [email protected]

Marek Obszański Law Studies coordinator [email protected]

BUSINESS SCHOOL (STUDIES IN POLISH LANGUAGE)

Gabriela Sikora Studies coordinator [email protected]


PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS ACADEMIC CALANDAR The academic year in Poland begins on October 1st and normally ends at the end of June. It is divided into two semesters, each lasting for 15 weeks

Semester Application due

Acceptance Letters

Classes start

Examination schedule

Fall semester

May, 30 July, 15 September 30

January –February

Spring semester

November, 1 December, 15 February, 17

June

COURSES IN ENGLISH Exchange Incoming students are allowed to choose courses offered on all undergraduate and graduate programs offered at Kozminski University (both in English and Polish language). Exchange students take courses from the programs which Kozminski regular students (those who graduate from KU) study. We call „regular courses” the ones which are obligatory for KU students. „Electives” are the ones which are additional and optional for KU students (each semester the list of electives is different). No matter if the courses are regular or electives, in terms of exchange program (exchange students) they are treated the same.

Undergraduate students may choose courses from BBA, graduate from MSc. The list of courses available for incoming exchange students is on the KU website: http://www.kozminski.edu.pl/en/about-kozminski/international-cooperation/incoming-

students/ LEARNING AGREEMENT has to be submitted within two weeks time upon arrival. Changes to LA can be made in a month after beginning of the classes. Sport classes are available for all incoming exchange students. There are many sport disciplines which you may choose eg. basketball, football, swimming etc. If you decide to take sports you have to buy entry ticket to Kozminski Sport Club which is 250 PLN per semester. EXAMS are usually held during the exam session however some of them can be taken during the last class (depending on a professor). Your presence at the exams is compulsory. The schedule of the exams will be delivered few weeks before the session starts. FINAL TRANSCRIPT OF RECORD It will be prepared and send (in 2 copies) directly to your home institution as soon as all the grades will be uploaded on the Virtual University by the professors. Sending transcripts process may take up to two months depending on grades delivery time.


POLISH LANGUAGE COURSE Polish Language courses are available to all incoming exchange students. The aim of the Polish Language course is to provide participants with survival knowledge to communicate at a basic level. GRADING SCALE AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Kozminski University has implemented the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) which is designed as a way for institutions of higher education to similarly evaluate student achievements while attending a foreign University. ECTS is based on student workloads and includes lectures, classes and non-classroom study and the body of work necessary to successfully pass a course examination. The ECTS grading scale is as follows:

ECTS grade

Kozminski University grade

A Excellent, outstanding performance with minor errors 5.0 bdb B Very Good, above average standard but with some errors 4.5 db+ C Good: generally sound work with a number of errors. 4 db D Satisfactory: fair but with a number of significant

shortcomings. 3.5 dst+

E Sufficient: performance meets minimum criteria 3.0 dst F Fail: more work is required before credit can be awarded. 2.5 ndst

FX Fail: considerable further work is required. 2.0 ndst ungraded passed Zal. ungraded Not passed Nie zal.

THE ESN PROGRAM The ESN Program is a student association that takes care of the social and cultural aspects of student life. The association should contact you before your arrival in Warsaw. In order for you to become quickly familiarized with Poland and the University we encourage you to take part in the Mentor Program activities. The ESN will send you more details about the program few weeks before your arrival. Contact to ESN President: [email protected]

VISA REQUIREMENTS & CONSULAR INFORMATION

• Foreign students from non-EU countries must apply for a Student Visa in the Polish Embassy or consulate in their home country before arriving in Poland. Any student in need of assistance should contact the International Programs Office at Kozminski University.

• An EU student can enter Poland with his/her ID document (a valid travel document such as a passport or another document certifying his/her identity and citizenship). If a student intends to visit Poland’s neighboring countries (not all of them are EU member states), a passport is recommended. Citizens of the EEA countries follow the same conditions as EU citizens. Citizens of Switzerland can enter Poland only with a valid passport.


MEDICAL CARE AND INSURANCE

• Students from EU/EEA countries have to come to Poland with the European Health Insurance Card. This card should be presented when visiting a public health service institution. We advise you to purchase medical and casualty insurance in your home country covering the period of your study in Poland (make sure the insurance is accepted in Poland).

• Overseas students do not participate in the Polish national health care system. According to state bilateral agreements, they can be attended free of charge only in the case of emergency. However, the costs of in-hospital medical care and appointments to general physicians will have to be covered by the students. Therefore, they should buy health care and casualty insurance in their home countries for the period of their stay in Poland (such insurance can also be purchased in Poland after your arrival through private companies).

• All incoming exchange students of Kozminski University are entitled to free basic healthcare services at LUX-MED clinics. This includes only the services of a General Practitioner. For more information visit: www.luxmed.pl

ACCOMMODATION The University does not have a campus dormitory, but it does assist foreign students in their housing needs. Apartments and rooms are usually rented in Warsaw through a network of agencies specializing in short term furnished accommodation or through agreements with individual landlords. Rental fees range from approximately 350 to 500 EUR per month, depending on location, size, standards, etc. A returnable deposit for your accommodation (1 to 2 months rent) + a month’s rent in advance in expected at the moment of signing the contract with the landlord. We suggest to check the following links:

- http://www.oferty.net/

- http://www.nportal.pl/

- http://warszawa.gumtree.pl/f-mieszkanie-do-wynajecia-Nieruchomosci-dom-

mieszkanie-wynajme-

W0QQCatIdZ9008QQKeywordZmieszkanieQ20doQ20wynajQc4Q99cia

- http://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-warsaw/student-housing

- www.easyrenting.pl

https://homebroker.pl/ (recommended by National Erasmus Student Network)

http://www.dragowski.pl/

http://www.real-estate-poland.maxon.pl/

find also our ESN Kozminski group on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/esn.kozminski/ and search for the flat through FB Kozminski University will provide also some offers prior your arrival


COST OF LIVING Obviously how much you spend will depends on your life-style and habits. Below is a sample of prices for goods and services available in Poland. 1 Euro=app. 4,3 zl (July 2013)

Examples of prices in PLN

Product PLN Bread 3 Milk 3 Butter 4 - 5 Cheese 20 /kg 10 eggs 5 - 7 Café Latte 11 Cinema ticket 20 - 25 Cheep meal 15-20 Dinner in restaurant 50 - 70 Pizza 15 - 25 Beer 8 - 10

You can check other prices on the online shop website http://alma24.pl/ The cheapest alimentary shops in Poland are: Biedronka, Lidl, Auchan, Tesco, Carrefour. More expensive: Alma, Bomi, Piotr i Paweł. Cash: Cash machines (ATM) are easily found in Warsaw. It is, however, preferable to check with your home bank prior to departure how much they charge you for withdrawals. At KU there are two ATM machines. ARRIVAL Students can be picked up from the airport or railway station if they apply for the Mentor program on time. The Mentor who would be assigned to a student is entitled to pick you up from the airport.

Air travel Warsaw’s main airport is called the Frederic Chopin International Airport and is located about six kilometers from the city centre. From there the buses number 175 and 188 go to the city centre as well as the train which connects airport with city center. Most buses and trains stop at the Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) in the center of the city. For more information about public transport please visit www.ztm.waw.pl If you carry heavy luggage or arrive at night it is best to take a taxi. Please go to the one of the taxi desks situated in the arrival hall: SAWA, MERC or MPT TAXI, where they will call a taxi for you at reasonable price. Railway station The Central Railway Station (Warszawa Centralna) is situated in the very heart of Warsaw. All inter-city services arrive at the Central Railway Station. The most convenient means of transport from the City Centre to our University is tram #18. Alternatively, you can take any tram or bus to Rondo Starzyńskiego then change transportation in the direction of Żerań FSO. Railway connections can be checked on the web-site: www.pkp.pl or by phone: (48-22) 94 36.


Tickets should be purchased before boarding the train. Students possessing university ID card (called legitymacja studencka) and who are under 26 years old qualify for a discount when riding second class. Coach transport The largest coach station, both for domestic and international destinations, is the Western Warsaw Coach Station (Dworzec PKS Warszawa Zachodnia). Another domestic and international coach station , for eastbound destinations, is the Warsaw Stadion Station (Warszawa Stadion). HOW TO FIND US The Kozminski University is seated in the northeast of Warsaw, at Jagiellońska 59 between the Gdański Bridge and the Grot-Rowecki Bridge. It takes 15 - 20 minutes by bus or tram to get here from Downtown Warsaw. You can do so by taking Trams 18, 20 toward Żerań and get off on PIMOT tram stop.


THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT POLAND AND WARSAW BASIC INFORMATION

Capital Warsaw Largest city Warsaw, about 2 million people

Official languages Polish Government Parliamentary republic

President Bronisław Komorowski Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Religion Roman Catholic over 80 %

Nations

Poles 98%, , Ukrainians and Byelorussians 1%, Jews, Germans,

Lithuanians, Tatars, Roma (Gypsies), Lemks, Boyks- 1%

Accession to EU May 1, 2004 Accession to Schengen December 21, 2007

Area 312,683 sq. km Population 38,5 million Currency Złoty (PLN)

Time zone CET (UTC+1) Calling code to Poland 0048

Extension number to Warsaw 022

CLIMATE The climate is mostly temperate throughout the country. It is oceanic in the north and west and becomes gradually warmer and continental as one moves south and east. Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures between 20 °C (68 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F). Winters are cold, with average temperatures around 3 °C (37 °F) in the northwest and −8 °C (17.6 °F) in the northeast. Precipitation falls throughout the year, although, especially in the east; winter is drier than summer. For more information please search: www.pogoda.onet.pl; weather.yahoo.com


For more information please visit: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Poland.htm or even more detailed http://meteo.icm.edu.pl/index2eng.php?ver HISTORY Nearly all the atrocities and misfortunes the world has ever witnessed have been experienced by the Polish nation. Geographically squeezed between two aggressive powers, Germany and Russia, Poland has been repeatedly invaded. In the past its boundaries shifted a number of times as its power waxed and waned. At one point, during the 17th century, it was the largest country in Europe. At the end of the 18th century it was literally wiped off the map until WW I when it reemerged as an independent nation. Then came WW II and the loss of six million Polish citizens. Forty years of communism followed. In 1989, Poland changed world history by becoming the first Eastern European state to break free from the Soviet bloc, giving credence to Stalin’s 1944 comment that fitting communism onto Poland was like putting a saddle on a cow. The events which took place in Poland in the 1980’s let to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since then, the economic, social and psychological changes have been tremendous. WARSAW Warsaw, the capital of Poland, owes its contemporary look to two factors: careful restoration after WW II and chaotic expansion within the last 15 years. By the end of World War II, roughly 85% of the city lay in ruins (Warsaw is widely regarded as the city most damaged during WW II) however, parts of it were painstakingly recreated in the years after the war. Indeed, the successful rebuilding efforts of the Old Town were rewarded by being placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. More recently, modern glass office buildings have emerged and expensive boutiques, restaurants, and hotels have spread along downtown streets. Warsaw is Poland’s political, economic, cultural and educational heart. It’s convenient location makes the city an easy destination to be reached by plane, train or car. There are an impressive number of cultural attractions and sites worth seeing and quite a few museums, palaces and monuments. Warsaw is also famous for its abundant green spaces with gardens and parks where boats cruise past


outdoor cafes in the summer and free classical concerts are given. As for nightlife, the city offers plenty. When evening falls, the streets in the city centre sparkle. A beer can be enjoyed with friends in the intimacy of a small cozy pub or at a bar with live music or on the pulsating dance floor of a trendy club or disco. PLACES WORTH SEEING The Old Town is a must-see with its Market Square and Royal Castle (both completely destroyed during the Second World War and carefully reconstructed afterwards). The Royal Łazienki Park/Palace complex – a big romantic 18th century park close to the city centre boasts, among other things, a beautiful Palace on the water, a Theatre on an island, and a Monument to Chopin where manifold cultural events take place. A stroll along the Royal Route reveals many historical buildings and elegant shops. And Wilanów Palace and its gardens are within a short bus ride away. Other places that can be visited include: the National Theatre, the Opera, the Palace of Science and Culture, the Powązki Cemetery, Krasiński Palace, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Academic Church and many others. If you feel like going away for weekend visit Żelazowa Wola where Chopin was born, or the primeval Kampinos Forest close to Warsaw. All these places are just waiting for you to discover them!!! For more information about Warsaw and Poland visit the following websites:

� www.poland.gov.pl � www.poland.pl � www.warsawtour.pl � www.poland-tourism.pl � www.warsawtour.bptnet.pl

A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT POLES….. Poles are nice, polite, helpful and open. They are easy to get along with and love to have fun. You stand a good chance of making life-long friends here. If you need to ask about something in English look for a young person – most Poles under the age of 30 speak some English. Poles may seem distant and quiet at first, but they are very reliable and hospitable once you get to know them. Do not believe the stereotypes - come and check things for yourself


USEFUL INFORMATION PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

� New Year’s Day - 1st January � Easter - Sunday and Monday in March or April � Labor Day – 1st May � Constitution Day – 3rd May � Corpus Christi – Thursday in May/June � Ascension of the Holy Mary – 15th August � All Saints’ Day – 1st November � Independence Day – 11th November � Christmas – 25th – 26th December

CUISINE Polish cuisine is hearty and diverse. Our traditional dishes are: schabowy (a flavored pork chop), bigos (cabbage cooked with meat and vegetables), gołąbki (pork and rice wrapped up in cabbage leaves and served with tomato sauce) or pierogi (pasta with different fillings). For breakfast we usually have simple open-faced sandwiches, yoghurt, cereal with milk or eggs. Dinner, served in the late afternoon, is the main meal. Then we have a light supper and desert in the evening. Dishes that must be tried include: beetroot soup, Żurek (soup), mushroom soup and naleśniki (pancakes). CUSTOMS Poles are a nation of “fun” lovers. We enjoy festivities, traditions and various centuries-old customs. The most popular are:

Tłusty czwartek (“Fat” Thursday) – the last Thursday of the carnival. On this day we eat lots of delicious doughnuts filled with jam. Ostatki – the last day of carnival. A day of partying. Easter – people decorate eggs and bring baskets of food to church for special blessings. On Easter Monday children and adults throw water at one another! Corpus Christi (May/June) – huge religious processions led by children scattering flower petals All Saints’ Day (1st November) - people go to cemeteries to light candles and pray for their relatives and friends who have passed away. St. Andrew’s Day (30th November) - an evening of fortune-telling and games. Christmas Eve (24th December) – before a solemn dinner, we share a wafer with one another, sing Christmas carols and eat special dishes. Catholics go to church for midnight mass.

MONEY AND BANKING The main Polish currency is the złoty. 1 EUR=4,15 PLN (April 2012). 1 złoty equals 100 groszy (gr). You can exchange money at the airport, railway stations, the Ravel Office, hotels and many exchange offices (see below). There are plenty of ATM cash points as well. Banks are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To open an account usually only a passport is needed. If you lose your debit/credit card in Poland you should immediately contact POLCARD in Warsaw (phone: 022/5153150 - 24 hours a day).


CURRENCY The ZŁOTY(zl or PLN) is divided into 100 GROSZ(gr) Available coins: 1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, 50gr, 1zl, 2zl, 5zl. Available notes: 10zl, 20zl, 50zl, 100zl, 200zl. Most European currencies can be changed at Banks or Exchange bureaus called “KANTOR”. Avoid “freelance” money changers on the street. EMBASSIES Please check on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland http://www.msz.gov.pl/Przedstawicielstwa,dyplomatyczne,w,Polsce,12916.html if your country Embassy is located in Warsaw. EMERGENCY NUMBERS Police – 997 (112 when using a mobile) Telephone Directory – 118 913 Ambulance – 999 City transport information – 94 84 Fire Station - 998 Flights information – 022 650 39 43 Road Assistance - 981 International coach connections – 022 823 57 70 TAXI Always use official taxi operators with official fares. Official taxi corporations have their logo and phone number on the top of the taxi and the tariff posted on the window.

MPT Radio Taxi – 919 Korpo- Taxi – 96 24 Grosik Taxi - 6464646 Lux Taxi - 9666 Damel – 649 96 26 Super Taxi – 96 22 Euro-Taxi – 9662 Sawa Taxi – 644 44 44 Global Taxi – 96 89 Taxi Plus – 96 21 Halo Taxi – 96 23 OK! Taxi – 96 28

ELECTRICITY The electric current in your country may be different from the one in Poland (220 Volts AC, 50 Hertz). Electric items from home may not work here. Check to make sure you have adaptor plugs for any electric items you bring (they must have dual voltage if you come from a country where 110V is used). BUS TICKETS The general rule is ‘one trip = one ticket’. Remember to validate your ticket immediately upon entering a bus or tram. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, post offices or sometimes from the driver after boarding. Exchange students holding their students IDs are entitled to a 50% discount on travel (and entertainment) expenses. The following types of tickets are available (the listed prices include the 50% discount):

� Single ticket – 2.20 zl � One day ticket – 7.50 zl � 20-minutes ticket- 1,70 zl � 40-minutes ticket- 2.30 zl � 60-minutes ticket- 3.20 zl � 3-days ticket- 15 zl


� Warsaw City Card (monthly ticket) 50.00 zl [reusable cards can be topped-up at most kiosks or at the post office]

� Warsaw City Card (3 months ticket) 125.00 zl [reusable cards can be topped-up at most kiosks or at the post office]

Night bus lines start at the Central Railway Station and run towards the outskirts of Warsaw every half hour. VIOLENCE AND THEFT Although Warsaw is safe in comparison to other European capitals one should be aware of pickpockets at railway stations and in crowded buses or trams, especially when getting on and off. It is always recommended to travel by taxi late at night. PHONES Public telephones are found throughout the city. Most operate with phone cards purchased at kiosks or post offices (POCZTA). Cheap pre-paid mobile phones are available from Orange, PlusGSM, T-Mobile, Play and Heyah.

ENJOY YOUR TIME AT KOZMINSKI AND

IN POLAND ☺☺☺☺

guide. september 2013 - · pdf filekatarzyna wilk-uljasz staff mobility coordinator tel +48 22...

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