Polish - individual classes or course?

Hello, I want to start learning Polish, but I don't know what's best: going for a course or finding a good teacher and taking individual lessons? I was also wondering about going to Poland for Polish course - maybe some of you could advise me on the place or book? Thanks in advance.

why do you want to learn Polish?

I go here in poznan very good University

schoolpl.amu.edu.pl/go.php/en.html

It depends on your individual learning style.

I can recommend the book Polish in 4 weeks (level 1). But it takes much longer than 4 weeks to complete it.


Don't take an intensive course!
Your brain will not have enough time to put it into long-term memory. So it will be stored in short-term memory and you will forget it soon.

But if you want to go to Poland for a few months, it's a good idea.

It's a rubbish course - it's designed for students, and as such, the lecturers aren't specifically trained in teaching Polish to foreigners.

Hello Anne, I advise going for a Polish course in Poland. I've been in Poland for almost a month in August, the course was quite intensive, but I also aquired a lot of words from my Polish family where I stayed. I learnt from the book "Polish Krok po Kroku" (Polish Step by Step) on my course.

I want to learn Polish because my beloved grandma was from Poland - she came to England with her parents when she was only 4. I would like to know something more about Poland, Polish culture and the language.

Where, apart from Poznan, are good Polish courses? Have you heard anything about Cracow's or Warsaw's schools of Polish?


Where did you stay in Poland?

I've stayed in Krakow. My friend recommended me the course in Glossa School.

And do you recommend this course?

Has anyone else been to Cracow to learn Polish? I'm trying to get as much information as I can, because I have my doubts whether to go to Poland alone or to find some Polish course near my hometown... I would be grateful for any help / advice / info. Best regards.

Yes, I definitely recommend this course. The teachers are well-educated and the book they use is really good (Polski Krok po Kroku).
Besides, Krakow is amazing. I've seen quite a lot during my stay thanks to the guide hired by the school. And the unforgettable pub evenings with our teachers :-)

I hope you take my advise and go to Poland to learn the language. Best regards!

delphiandomine wrote:


that always seems to be the case.

i was looking into a polish school about 2 years ago but in the end decided against it. when i read the testimonials and other information on their website, as expected, it seemed as though every student at the school was a beginner and I simply didn't want to spend all that money so that I can sit in a class of 4 and say "to jest _____" and "Jestem_____" for 90 minutes a day, 3 days a week.

I've done countless hours of language exchange with Polish teachers. Not Polish people that teach English, but Polish teachers that teach Polish, and it was no different than sitting down with a random Pole off the street and having conversation. There is simply no demand for Polish as a Second Language here and the quality of teachers reflects it. I've worked for schools that started doing Polish lessons and you know how they choose their teachers? Like this:

"Hey Pawel, do you want to teach Polish next week?"

"Really? Oh man, I don't know if I can do it...geeze....."

"Ahhh, you'll be fine, I'll show you the book tomorrow, we'll go over it, no probs."

"Well, OK....I guess I'll see how it goes but......"

Or something to that effect.

Not to menion, Polish learning material is crap. I did Hurra Po Polsku 1 and 2 by myself without a teacher, Colloquial Polish, Isc czy Chodzic?, and they were all pretty lousy.

My best experience is with the school [blocated ul. Bronowicka[/b] ,I studied in a mini group (5 students max) the teachers were amazing and the book excellent .

Actually the book+ Cds is called Hurra Po Polsku 1, Hurra Po Polsku 2, Hurra Po Polsku 3 and the school pedagogical team ( sponsored by the European Union!) created those books.

henceforth they follow the " official" 6 language levels established by Europe in 2001 :
A1/A2(Total beginner or False beginner)
-B1/B2( Intermediate)
-C1-C2( autonomy)

The focuss was on speaking skills, grammar but not taught in a boring way, role plays, basic vocabulary etc.
I am not sure they have sessions in Winter but over the Summer they are packed for they also organise accommodation in Krakow if needed.

Anyway it was fun!

Thank you for all of your answers, I really appreciate it.

LwowskaKrakow, so which part of Hurra did you use and on what level your course was?
And where do you come from? Your nationality may be helpful you when acquiring Polish.

FUZZYWICKETS, it's really depressing what you're writing.. :( it's terrible that most of schools don't pay much attention to teacher's qualifications.

Anyways, I'm going to find that perfect one that suits me :-)

There is an English language School in Sopot, google it. Plus Sopot is a great place to live, if you can afford it.

Hi,

I like "Krok po kroku" if you are a beginner. I am studying with this book in Academy Pff in Warsaw.
I am quite happy with the school and it is just by the old town, in the center.
If you have some questions I can answer in private message.
Have a good day!