About Warsaw and Poland

Past and Present

Poland is a country located in Central Europe, a member of the European Union, and a home for about 38 million people. Those who live in Poland as well as those who visit it for a short period cherish the country’s beauty and diversity. During balmy summer days they enjoy spending time at the Baltic seashore, and during bright winter days they hurry up to the mountains for skiing holidays or vacations. Those who love hiking, horse riding, rowing, or simply camping and relaxing at a lake with one’s friends will, too, find plenty of charming, well-equipped, and affordable places to go.
 
Poland is a country deeply steeped in history and tradition. Its people keenly remember the most important bygone events that have shaped their fatherland and they treasure monuments, museums, castles and historical venues that remind them of their both great and oftentimes poignant past. Especially fresh is the memory of the Solidarnosc movement and its crucial and greatly consequential contribution to the demise of the Soviet rule over Central and East Europe, as well as to the breakdown of the Soviet Union itself.
 
Since 1989, when Poland shrugged off the shackles of communist oppression after the truly heroic and mass struggle, it has grown into a democratic country with a potent civil society, a strong market economy, and a considerable international standing. But the most visible and valuable changes have occurred in people’s attitudes to their lives and the lives of others. The veritable outburst of creative energy took place in Poland at the beginning of the 1990s. Free to pursue what they deemed most valuable to them, Poles rushed up to open new businesses, establish news schools and universities, usher in new galleries, music trends, film styles, and dress fashions. This creative energy has not dissipated since then, on the contrary, it has been reinforced and fostered by the country’s membership in NATO, the European Union and many other important international organizations.
 
Thus, it is not surprising that Poland is currently in the top ten most attractive countries for foreign investment in the world. Poland has also become a tourist destination with the booming hotel industry. The Polish experience in developing higher education has been studied worldwide. Many international organizations have moved their headquarters and branches to Poland, especially to Warsaw, the Polish capital.
 
 
Warsaw: the Capital of Poland

Warsaw is currently one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and the largest construction and renovation site in Central Europe. During recent years, Warsaw has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan and influential European metropolis that offers a rich repertoire of business fairs, political gatherings and social and cultural events, including theater, opera and concert hall performances. Warsaw is also a student city. Every eighth resident is a student. Students both enjoy and add to the atmosphere of vitality, creativity, and dynamism that reigns in Warsaw.
 
A focal point for foreign business and investment, the vibrant city of Warsaw is host to hundreds of multinational companies, banks, research institutions, non-profit organizations, international intergovernmental organizations and EU institutions.
Warsaw's unique work and career environment provides an excellent opportunity for American students to undertake international internships in their particular area of interest. Students enhance their skills, develop professional contacts and increase their career opportunities while enjoying their leisure time and making enduring friendships in this charming and dynamic city.
 
With its central location in Europe, Warsaw has very convenient international travel connections to Western Europe, Scandinavia, Southern Europe as well as Baltic States, Russia and Ukraine.