Online Polish classes for foreigners organised by Polish university

About 100 students from around the world will be learning about the Polish language and culture during the an online summer school organized by the University of Silesia in Cieszyn, southern Poland, in August.

"On August 3, about 100 people from all over the world, including from Armenia, Brazil, China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Germany, Nigeria, Palestine and Ukraine, will take a test, thanks to which the participants will be assigned to appropriate groups, and for three weeks they will explore the secrets of Polish speech and learn about our culture," said University of Silesia spokesman Jacek Szymik-Kozaczko.

He pointed out that, for the first time in history, due to the coronavirus epidemic, the summer school would be held online. "Academic teachers will conduct classes through the use of various modern internet platforms," said Szymik-Kozaczko.

Participants in the online summer school will have the opportunity to significantly improve their knowledge of Polish. "Every day they will enjoy four hours of intensive study of the Polish language, as well as lectures and seminars on Polish literature, culture, art, history, politics," said the university spokesman.

Szymik-Kozaczko added that the students would also take part in online language games and film, theater and poetry meetings, as well as music and culinary workshops. He explained that the participation of foreign visitors from five continents in live activities was a big challenge due to the different time zones, therefore the classes will be held in the late afternoon and early evenings.

The programme also includes interactive visits to the Polish cities of Cieszyn, Warsaw and Krakow, and the Auschwitz Museum. "These will be both pre-recorded and composed mini-features, as well as real-time virtual trips with teachers and guides," he concluded.

This will be the 30th edition of the summer school classes.