Program Details: Cracow University of Economics (STAIR)
Is this program for me?
STAIR is a cooperative academic program that began in 2008 between Cracow University of Economics (CUE) in Cracow, Poland and Grand Valley State University. The primary goal of this program is to facilitate student and faculty exchanges between the partner universities in the area of Transatlantic International Relations. Selected GVSU candidates will earn a bachelor-level diploma in International Relations from Cracow University of Economics at the end of the program. In 1974, Cracow University of Economics became one of GVSU's first exchange partners. Since that time, students from both institutions have enjoyed incredibly enriching exchanges.
This exchange program requires students to have a high level of independence and self-reliance to navigate and manage the various administrative necessities. This program is ideal for students who are seeking a full immersion into a highly regarded Polish university.
Cracow University of Economics Homepage
CUE Double Diploma website (reference materials for all STAIR participants)
Location
Formerly the capital of the Polish Kingdom, Cracow 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 Cracow’s original medieval structures still stand. Cracow has also been designated as a UNESCO world historical site.
Cost
A PIC Partnership Grant is available ($2,000 each) Unlimited number of grants available per year for this program.
Browse additional Study Abroad Scholarships
Visa Information
US citizens will be required to apply for a long-term national visa to study in Poland for the academic year. For additional application instructions, review the information available on the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago's website.
Students can also view Poland Visa Guidelines. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students studying at Cracow University of Economics are responsible for securing their own housing. Students usually live in apartments near the CUE campus or within a 20 minute walk.
Past students have found affordable accommodation within a day or two of arrival to Cracow. Students can also secure housing prior to their arrival in Cracow by searching online for available housing units. CUE Accommodate Tutors are available for students who would like assistance with this process. Students should keep in mind that most housing units in Cracow offer washing machines, but dryers are less common. Instead, drying racks are used to air dry clothes.
Academic Program & Courses
**NOTE** For equivalencies for the STAIR dual degree program, students MUST work with Polly Diven in order to guarantee that you have fulfilled the degree requirements for both degrees.
Directions for searching for course syllabi: Look/Search for Syllabus documents and will be under the links for Syllabuses - CF - full time bachelor and Syllabuses - CF - part time bachelor. **Note not all descriptions are accessible, some will have to be requested.
List of CUE courses that have been pre-approved by GVSU faculty
If the course you wish to take at CUE appears on the "Existing Course Equivalencies" list, you do not need to secure course approval for that course. The courses listed have already been approved by the relevant GVSU academic department.
Travel Information
Students will fly into Krakow. The airport is about 20 minutes from the city center. If you are interested, you can request a student mentor to help you the first week or so while you get settled in. CUE students are often willing to meet international students at the airport upon their arrival. Information will be available from the International Programmes Office. Participants can expect to make their own flight arrangements to CUE. Past students have suggested including LOT airlines in the search for the best flight deals. LOT airlines typically fly in and out of Chicago, but may offer competitive rates.
