While many of Krakow’s residents, visitors and tourists may get by with English, learning the local language can enhance your experience and deepen your connection with the city’s culture. Whether you’re an expat planning to settle in Krakow, a student eager to communicate with locals, a traveller looking to immerse yourself in Polish culture, or a local Pole wanting to recommend language learning options to a foreigner, there are numerous opportunities to learn Polish in Krakow. In this article, we will explore some of the best places and resources.
Polish Language Schools:
Krakow boasts numerous language schools dedicated to teaching Polish to foreigners. Some well-regarded options include:
- Prolog Language School: With over 25 years of experience, Prolog is one of the oldest schools of Polish in Poland. It offers intensive Polish courses tailored to various proficiency levels. Their flexible class schedules and highly qualified teachers make it a popular choice.
- Glossa: Glossa Polish Language School, established in 1997, is known for its immersive teaching methods and small class sizes. They offer group courses, individual lessons, and specialised programmes to suit your needs. The school is located in the very centre of Kraków – just a short walk from both the Main Square and Kazimierz neighbourhood.
- Accent: Accent School runs a variety of Polish courses for over 3000 foreigners every year. Their offering includes summer courses, trimester courses, individual courses, courses for kids and teens, month-long intensive courses and even in-company courses.
- Varia: Located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, Varia Polish Language Centre offers a range of courses for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Their courses include intensive summer courses, intensive 3-week courses, full semester course as well as in-company courses. With over 19 years of experience and over 1000 students annually, Varia is also a popular choice.
Universities and Cultural Centers
Krakow is home to several universities and cultural institutions that offer Polish language courses. Consider enrolling in courses at one of Europe’s oldest universities, The Jagiellonian University. The Jagiellonian University School of Polish Language and Culture provides a range of comprehensive language programmes, including courses for EU long-term residency applicants. They also offer access to cultural events.
Online Resources
Duolingo: Duolingo offers a free Polish course for beginners that can be a great starting point for learning basic vocabulary and grammar.
Memrise: Memrise is another free app that offers user-generated Polish language courses. It’s a fun and interactive way to build your vocabulary.
PolishPod101: This platform provides a wide range of lessons, from beginner to advanced levels, through videos, podcasts, and interactive exercises.
Language Exchange
Krakow is a diverse city with many international residents and students. You can take advantage of language exchange events to practice your Polish skills while helping others learn your native language. Websites like Meetup and Couchsurfing often list language exchange events, where you can meet new people and practice speaking in a relaxed environment.
Cultural Immersion
To accelerate your language learning and immerse yourself in Polish culture, consider participating in local activities such as:
- Joining local clubs or sports/fitness training groups.
- Visiting museums, galleries, and historical sites.
- Attending community events and festivals.
These experiences will not only help you practice your language skills but also allow you to connect with locals on a deeper level.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a medium or long-term stay in Poland, learning Polish in Krakow will allow you to fully experience the local culture and more easily deal with any formalities. Whether you choose to enrol in a language school, utilise online resources, or engage in cultural immersion, there are plenty of opportunities to enhance your language skills.
