Son wanting to go to school in Poland

Hi all,

New here. Just wanting some advice and info from anyone here willing to share. My son wants to go to Poland this winter as part of a study abroad program. He says it will be an experience of a lifetime. My concern is first for safety and money. If schooling is paid for about how much should we expect his extra expenses to be? I know this is a very broad and vague question but any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hello Jewel777,

And welcome to the Polish Forums.

Poland has some very cold winters, I don't know if you are accustomed to them?

How old is your son?


It depends on where in Poland he lives.
Cities are more expensive than villages.
It also depends on his life style, if he cooks for himself or needs a car etc..

Basically if you give us more information we can then give you better information.

He is actually doing a study abroad with some kids from his college. He SAID his schooling is paid for since his tuition is covered here. Just wondered what other expenses he would have. He will be living on campus in Warsaw. How about round trip airfare? So new to all of this. Just trying to get an idea. Thanks!

Ah so he will be coming with friends, that will make life easier and if there are any communication problems you can contact one of them.


Have you the name of the foreign exchange program?


I have no idea, check it out on a airline website.


No problem.

Your son is all grown up and wants to spread his wings, it is natural that you would want to make sure he will be okay.

It gets cold in winter here but the crime rate is not very high and I think it is comparatively cheaper than the U.S.

I went to Poland this summer and one round-trip ticket with LOT Polish airlines cost just over $1,000... pretty steep, but during the winter season it should be a bit cheaper. flights with other airlines that are not non-stop should also be cheaper. The public transportation (bus/metro) in Warsaw is pretty cheap, especially if you buy a student ticket or monthly ticket. food costs about as much as in the states, but if he will be living on campus then he should also have access to a cafeteria. hmm... I would give more info if I had any, but I live in the states and have only a very general idea of personal expenses. good luck to you both, I'm sure your son will enjoy the trip :)

oh, and as far as safety goes, the crime in Poland is nowhere as bad as in the U.S. But I've noticed that pickpockets are a big problem - in buses, the metro, everywhere. so that should probably be your biggest concern.

I just came back from a semester abroad in Warsaw. I stayed in dorms which were ridicously cheap (not even 200$ per month).

As for the flight, well it depends where you are flying from. From the states/canada, probably between 700-1100$. I got mine for 800$.

Expenses? Well it all depends on your son. If he's too lazy to cook, then he will be always eating out which can be expensive. That will be the biggest expenses, this and probably alcohol.

What else? If he is planning to travel during weekends or holidays, then this will cost him a lot.

Like i said, the cheapest is to get there and accomodation. He will mostly spend money on food and travelling which all depends on him!

And yes, it will be the best time of his life!

A lot? You can travel for as cheap as 30zl for unlimited use of PKP PR trains from 6pm Friday until 6am Monday - 30zl being about $10.