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STAIR Faculty Exchange
Purchasing a Ticket
Faculty who are taking part in the exchange will be responsible for purchasing their own airline ticket to either Poland or Hungary. Reimbursement will come through your home department after you file a Travel and Expense Voucher. Your department will then be reimbursed from STAIR funds after they submit the required paperwork to Gary Van Harn in the Padnos International Center.
The grant is funded by the United States Government and therefore requires passengers to purchase their tickets through a US flight carrier. A portion of your trip may be spent on a European flight (Lufthansa, LOT, Austrian Air, etc), but the company that you make your payment to must be from the United States (United, Northwest, Delta, etc). Failure to comply may result in the inability to be reimbursed for the cost of your airfare.
Visitors to Poland are advised to fly into Krakow Balice (KRK). There is an express train which leaves approximately every 15 minutes and will take you to the main train station at the heart of Krakow (approx. 15 minute ride). From there you may take a taxi to your accommodation. Visitors may also call for a taxi at the airport to bring them directly to their accommodation.
Visitors to Hungary are advised to fly into Budapest Ferihegy (BUD). You will need to make your way to Keleti or Nyugati station by way of taxi or mini bus service which will cost you approximately 2100 HUF. Trains to Debrecen leave several times daily and take around 2.5 hours. From the station in Debrecen you may either take Tram 1 or a taxi to your accommodation.
What to Pack
It is recommended to pack light. Too much luggage will be inconvenient when transferring between airplane, train, tram, taxi, etc. If you are unable to comfortably carry/wheel/lift your luggage for any period of time you may want to consider removing unnecessary items.
Pack articles of clothing that can be matched with other options. Comfortable shoes are also highly recommended. If you will be traveling with electronics it is also recommended that you purchase an outlet converter before you depart. These can be found at Meijer and any major electronic store. It is also important to check if your appliance will convert electricity to the correct voltage. Failure to check this may result in the permanent loss of data on computers and other difficulties. Newer appliances will have the voltage compatibility listed on the item or will have a switch to change between the US and most European countries. If you are unable to find if it is compatible, contact the manufacturer to ensure it is safe.
Cracow University of Economics
Krakow, Poland
University
Cracow University of Economics (CUE) was established in 1925, shortly after Poland had regained its independence after World War I. Since then, Cracow University of Economics has become a well-respected institution of higher education. GVSU and CUE (formerly known as the Academy of Economics) have mutually benefited from international cooperation through an exchange that started in 1975.
Formerly the capital of the Polish Kingdom, Krakow is located in southern Poland on the banks of the Wisla River, less than three hours by train from Warsaw and only one hour from the Tatra Mountains. The city is the educational and cultural center of Poland, with an abundance of museums, theaters, concerts, and festivals. Being one of the few major European cities that escaped total devastation during World War II, many of Krakow’s original medieval structures still stand. Krakow has also been designated as a UNESCO world historical site.
Accommodation
Faculty will stay in the university apartments located on Henryka Sienkiewicza. It is situated approximately 3km from the University. There are three apartments located on the ground level in a university owned classroom/office building. The apartment is equipped with 24 hour security, private bathroom, kitchen, and all necessary utensils. It is easily accessible by foot or public transportation from the University. A tram/bus stop (Plac Invalidów) is located on the corner of Siekiewicza and Królewska. Tram number 4 will take you to the Lubicz stop, which is a five minute walk to the University. You can also choose to take bus 601 which will take you directly from Plac Invalidów to Cracow University of Economics.
Dining
Krakow offers a wide range of restaurants with reasonable prices. Cuisine ranges from Polish to Italian to Middle Eastern to Indian to Chinese and much more. Cracow-life offers a number of suggestions on places to eat throughout the city. www.cracow-life.com
Transportation and Travel
Public transportation in Krakow is easily navigable. Trams and buses provide service around the clock for a reasonable price. Tickets can be purchased at any kiosk and at most stops. They may also be purchased from the driver but will usually cost more than buying them in advance. It is important to note that you must validate your ticket upon boarding the bus/tram. Inspectors patrol the transit systems on a regular basis dressed in regular clothing. It is nearly impossible to pick them out on a crowded tram. Failure to purchase or validate your ticket will result in a fine upwards of 75 zloty.
Krakow Glowny is the main bus/train terminal in Krakow. There are daily connections within Poland and to countries throughout Europe. You may purchase tickets just prior to boarding or you may buy them in advance to ensure a space is reserved for you.
Sights to See
Krakow is a large city with lots to see and do. There are plenty of museums, cathedrals and concert halls to duck into for the afternoon. There are numerous jazz clubs throughout the city and a good jazz concert can be heard almost every night of the week. The site www.cracow-life.com offers a variety of suggestions. Recommended sights:
Wawel Castle
Market Square
Kopiec Kosciuszki
Wieliczka Salt Mines
Auschwitz
Zakopane
University of Debrecen
Debrecen, Hungary
University
The University of Debrecen was established on January 1, 2000. It reunited formerly independent institutions including the Reformed College of Debrecen (1538). With the inclusion of this college, the University of Debrecen is the oldest institution of higher education in continuous operation in Hungary located in the same city.
Debrecen, the capital of Hungary for a short period of time in 1849, when the government fled from the current capital of Budapest, is the second largest city in Hungary with just over 200,000 inhabitants. It is a 2.5 hour train ride from Budapest and is located in Eastern Hungary, just 30 km from the Romanian border. Debrecen was nearly destroyed during WWII and suffered more damage during the Battle of Debrecen in 1944. It was during this time that Debrecen became the capital of Hungary for another short period of time and reconstruction began. The city is perfect for those who are looking for a smaller town but also looking for restaurants, shopping, cafes, pubs, museums, and more.
Accommodation
Faculty will stay in a private apartment located on the second floor of the Faculty of Economics. Rooms are furnished with all necessary items. The apartment is a short walk to the main campus of University of Debrecen.
Dining
There are a number of affordable restaurants in Debrecen. Meal options range from traditional Hungarian cuisine to authentic Irish pubs. You can find a list of restaurants by searching Debrecen, Hungary at www.tripadvisor.com
Transportation and Travel
Transportation in Debrecen is fairly easy to navigate. Tram 1 is the only tram and runs from the main railway station to the university. Debrecen also has a bus system that will provide you with extended access throughout the city.
Tickets can be purchased at any kiosk and at most stops. They may also be purchased from the driver but will usually cost more than buying them in advance. It is important to note that you must validate your ticket upon boarding the bus/tram. Inspectors patrol the transit systems on a regular basis dressed in regular clothing. It is nearly impossible to pick them out on a crowded tram. Failure to purchase or validate your ticket will result in a fine.
At the main railway station you can find daily connections within Hungary and to countries throughout Europe. You may purchase tickets just prior to boarding or you may buy them in advance to ensure a space is reserved for you.
Sights to See
Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, offers plenty for visitors to see. The city is well connected to Budapest and other historical locations throughout Hungary. You can climb to the top of the Great church for a panoramic view of Debrecen, take a stroll through the big forest or spend the day at the natural hot springs for a relaxing experience. It is recommended to check out Lonely Planet’s website for additional information regarding Debrecen, sights to see, restaurant suggestions and much more! www.lonelyplanet.com
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