Dates
May 23 - June 7, 2026Subjects
Criminology / Criminal Justice, Leadership Studies, International Affairs, Security Studies, HistoryDeadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100Feb. 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.
Program Director
My parents were refugees from Ukraine and I was raised in a Ukrainian and Polish community, learning to speak both languages. I directed my first study abroad program in 1991. I have researched battlefield archaeology, historical memory, and public history. Through KIIS, I am able to share my academic expertise while students develop their own understanding of the past as they explore the historical landscapes which surround them.
Dr. Adrian Mandzy
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Courses
Courses are taught in English and are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1 course.
This course focuses mainly on the peoples, histories and cultures of Slavic Europe with special emphasis on the Soviet and German occupations. The class combines traditional class activities with excursions to relevant places of interest in Eastern Europe and the surrounding countryside. Students are asked to critically examine their encounters with Slavic society.
This course provides an overview of foundational theories, methods of inquiry, and research evidence in the field of criminology. It will provide students with an overview of current trends and issues in criminology as well as historical events that have shaped crime and systems of policing, courts, and prisons. The class will primarily use a sociological perspective to investigate crime and punishment.
This course provides students the opportunity to examine current international security issues through instruments of state power. Using Poland as a case study, this course also examines alliances and collective security through the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The future of international security is also examined.
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
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Auschwitz
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Warsaw
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Krakow
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U.S. Embassy visit
Group Flight
ESTIMATED COST $1,850 – $1,950
The KIIS Slavic Europe program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from your program location with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The Slavic Europe group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your individual flight ticket.
Flights from the USA to Warsaw, Poland are typically overnight flights, arriving the following morning. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.