Slavic Europe: Poland
Dates
May 23 – June 7, 2026
Subjects
Criminology / Criminal Justice, Leadership Studies, International Affairs, Security Studies, History
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Based in Poland, the KIIS Slavic Europe program introduces students to the history and culture of Poland and Eastern Europe. Despite numerous wars and invasions, the modern capital city of Warsaw and the medieval city of Krakow have preserved their architectural and cultural heritage. Classes make use of local museums, cafes and national institutions. Students will visit castles and fortress ruins, and explore smaller towns & villages. All students will take part in a group excursion to the Nazi Death Camps at Auschwitz.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
To many, the Nazi Death Camps at Auschwitz embody the Holocaust. Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers. Over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives in this place. Walking through this site provides a student with a glimpse into one of humanities worse atrocities.
What's Included
Program Cost: $2,995 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $200-$500 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“I wanted to go on the KIIS Slavic Europe program because not many people can say they’ve been to Ukraine and presented at an international conference. I chose the KIIS Berlin program because I have always wanted to visit Germany, and this was a great opportunity to explore more countries in Europe. I would highly recommend studying abroad to any college student. The paper and conference along with having two study abroad programs on my CV were talking points when I applied for graduate school at MTSU for a master’s degree in Historic Preservation. MTSU was impressed with my experiences studying abroad and offered me a graduate assistantship within my department.”
– Abby, Berlin & Slavic Europe
“I spent three weeks studying WWII and Holocaust history in L’viv, Ukraine and Warsaw and Krakow, Poland. It was this experience that made me realize the benefits of learning on location and studying abroad. This realization was so strong for me that upon my return to Kentucky my career aspirations shifted and I decided to pursue a career in the international education field. I knew that I wanted a job that helped make sure that all students have the ability to study abroad and experience the world just as I was able to through KIIS.”
– Courtney, Slavic Europe
“We are very pleased with the experience our daughter had during the KIIS Slavic Europe study abroad program. It truly surpassed our expectations. It was a wonderful opportunity for Abby to visit a part of the world that most people don’t focus on. Her participation in the classroom and her interactions with the people will be something that she will never forget.”
– Larry, parent of Slavic Europe student
“This was a one of a kind opportunity to really experience the culture, create new memories, and make life long friends. Too often we live in a bubble, this program introduced me to a different way of life. After living in a post soviet society during the program, I gained a greater appreciation for what I have and a greater understanding of the world at large.”
– Patrick, Slavic Europe
Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to one day study…
The Gilman scholarship will have a huge impact on my education and professional life upon…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
I originally heard about the KIIS Slavic Europe program from my professor, Dr. Mandzy, during…
When Courtney first told me that she wanted to study abroad, I thought to myself…
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 23 – June 7, 2026
Subjects
Criminology / Criminal Justice, Leadership Studies, International Affairs, Security Studies, History
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Based in Poland, the KIIS Slavic Europe program introduces students to the history and culture of Poland and Eastern Europe. Despite numerous wars and invasions, the modern capital city of Warsaw and the medieval city of Krakow have preserved their architectural and cultural heritage. Classes make use of local museums, cafes and national institutions. Students will visit castles and fortress ruins, and explore smaller towns & villages. All students will take part in a group excursion to the Nazi Death Camps at Auschwitz.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
To many, the Nazi Death Camps at Auschwitz embody the Holocaust. Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers. Over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives in this place. Walking through this site provides a student with a glimpse into one of humanities worse atrocities.
What's Included
Program Cost: $2,995 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $200-$500 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“I wanted to go on the KIIS Slavic Europe program because not many people can say they’ve been to Ukraine and presented at an international conference. I chose the KIIS Berlin program because I have always wanted to visit Germany, and this was a great opportunity to explore more countries in Europe. I would highly recommend studying abroad to any college student. The paper and conference along with having two study abroad programs on my CV were talking points when I applied for graduate school at MTSU for a master’s degree in Historic Preservation. MTSU was impressed with my experiences studying abroad and offered me a graduate assistantship within my department.”
– Abby, Berlin & Slavic Europe
“I spent three weeks studying WWII and Holocaust history in L’viv, Ukraine and Warsaw and Krakow, Poland. It was this experience that made me realize the benefits of learning on location and studying abroad. This realization was so strong for me that upon my return to Kentucky my career aspirations shifted and I decided to pursue a career in the international education field. I knew that I wanted a job that helped make sure that all students have the ability to study abroad and experience the world just as I was able to through KIIS.”
– Courtney, Slavic Europe
“We are very pleased with the experience our daughter had during the KIIS Slavic Europe study abroad program. It truly surpassed our expectations. It was a wonderful opportunity for Abby to visit a part of the world that most people don’t focus on. Her participation in the classroom and her interactions with the people will be something that she will never forget.”
– Larry, parent of Slavic Europe student
“This was a one of a kind opportunity to really experience the culture, create new memories, and make life long friends. Too often we live in a bubble, this program introduced me to a different way of life. After living in a post soviet society during the program, I gained a greater appreciation for what I have and a greater understanding of the world at large.”
– Patrick, Slavic Europe
Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to one day study…
The Gilman scholarship will have a huge impact on my education and professional life upon…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
I originally heard about the KIIS Slavic Europe program from my professor, Dr. Mandzy, during…
When Courtney first told me that she wanted to study abroad, I thought to myself…
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Criminal Justice, Criminology, History, International Affairs, Leadership Studies, Security Studies |
