I've been considering doing my Master's degree in Poland. My Polish girlfriend says it would be a fantastic idea as it would seriously help me improve my Polish and get a feel for her culture first-hand. I'm a Canadian citizen of mixed background, so living/travelling in that side of the world kinda makes me nervous because of the ******** you hear about xenophobia and racism, but I know a lot of it is exactly that -- ********.
So I have two questions; first, how much cheaper is schooling in Poland compared to North America and how do Poles generally feel about biracial couples, have 10 years of EU membership brought about forward thinking on these sort of issues.
Depending on the program and university, it can actually be more expensive than at a good state or community university in Canada or the States. The degree is likely to be worth less than a Canadian or American degree, the standard of life is generally poorer, and you won't be able to work while you study. Doesn't sound like a sound plan to me. Do your research first, but, overall, I can't think of much advantage of studying in Poland instead of North America.
For God's sake, never even think of moving to Poland to be with your girlfriend. Unless you have serious qualifications and have a high-paying job, you are unlikely to survive very long. Life as a couple would be far easier and fulfilling in Canada than in Poland. Where were you thinking of studying in Poland? Do you speak Polish?
The racism issue is not that bad. Sure, you might occasional here a snide comment or get a dirty stare, but most people are relatively tolerant.
What did you get your bachelor's in, and what do you want to get your master's in?
I did an MA in linguistics at the university I was working at in Poland. When I came back to the States, I had it evaluated by one of many such companies and was issued an MA which got me my current tenured position. Rock on!
Do you have any language teaching credentials and experience? Can you get a job at a Polish university? It would make your life much easier because you could work and study.
