International Exchange
The Tischner European University is exchanging students and staff with many universities abroad. The geographical area covered and the number of our partner institutions is growing every year. Today we collaborate with 34 institutions from 17 countries, including USA.
Since 2004 Tischner European University has been a proud holder of an Erasmus University Charter, entitling it to participation in the EU-founded Erasmus programme, which supports Higher Education Institutions and since 2007 constitutes an element of the Lifelong Learning Program developed on the European level. Every year we successfully apply for Erasmus grants, which give significant administrative and financial support to those students who wish to study for a semester or complete an internship abroad. Every year we also host students from our partner institutions, or individuals coming as "visiting students".
Besides spending one or two semester abroad on Erasmus programme, TEU students have possibility to participate in many short-term programmes, which is a great chance to meet new friends, taste other cultures and take part in serious, multinational debates. International students willing to learn more about Poland and Central Europe in a short period of time, come to TEU for a few weeks to participate in summer schools, or to take part in projects organized by student associations, some co-funded by the EU programme "Youth in Action".
Exchanges, study trips and intensive programs involving local and international students, are complemented by lectures offered by professors from abroad, open meetings with distinguished guests and conferences gathering speakers from all over the world.
Jose Maria Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain; Rocco Butigilione, Italian Minister of European Politics; Prof. Clyde Wilcox from the Georgetown University (USA); Prof. Anjoo Sharan Upadhyaya from the Banaras Hindu University in India; Gyaliong Tsetrin, former political prisoner from Tibet - these are just a few of those who have visited us up till now.
Employment
Students who are citizens of the European Union have an unrestricted right to employment in Poland on the basis of a valid Residence Card.
Students who are not citizens of the EU do not have the right to employment unless they receive an appropriate permission from the adequate authorities (Powiatowy Urząd Pracy – District Employment Department). The formalities are very difficult to fulfil – the student has to find a concrete employer who then applies for permission to employ that student in a particular position and for a specified period of time.
Jobs for students in Krakow usually involve such occupations as the distribution of leaflets and employment as waiters or waitresses or other occupations in bars/pubs/clubs/restaurants. It is possible to find a part time or weekend job, so that it is possible to combine it with your study schedule.
Unfortunately we have to warn you that the wages are, in comparison with European standards, very low and are on average between 5 and 10 PLN, that is 1-2.50 Euro per hour.
We strongly advise you against working illegally. Please take into consideration the fact that the main aim of your stay in Krakow are studies, and the city offers many other interesting ways of spending your free time than employment. If there is no great need, we advise you against taking up employment.
