Country Overview
Poland is a square-shaped country. Since the end of the Communist period, Poland has been creating a new path for itself, rooted in its traditions and its understanding of the demands of modernity.

With the Baltic Sea to the northwest, Germany to the west, the Czech and Slovak republics to the south, and Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Russia to the east, Poland has been a popular site of invasion and occupation. Polish territory figures prominently in the history books.

This land is varied, with each area well suited to a particular activity. The north's extensive forests and thousands of post-glacial lakes are great for hiking and watersports. Central Poland is the main agricultural area and is watered by Poland's longest river, the Vistula. To the south, one finds the mountains, including the Sudeten and the Carpathian Mountains. These are popular for hiking and skiing.

Poland's population of 38.5 million is primarily Polish. About 2% of the population is made up of other ethnic groups, including Ukrainians and Belorussians. The capital, Warsaw, is home to 1.75 million Poles.

The official language is Polish, but regional dialects and the languages of other ethnic groups are also spoken. The educational system has long included foreign language study. English is taught in many schools.

The Polish government is a parliamentary democracy. Members of the government are popularly elected. The prime minister acts as head of the government, while the president serves as head of the state. The legislature is the bicameral National Assembly.

By necessity, the Poles are quite adaptable. The weather varies from year to year and from day to day due to the combined influence of the eastern continental climate and western maritime climate. Winter may be extremely snowy or pass without a snowflake. Summers are generally warm and rainy. The driest area is in the middle.

Poland's major industries are machinery, iron, steel, chemicals, and agriculture. It mainly trades with its neighbors. Poland is poised to become a full member of NATO in 1999, and the government is working towards membership in the European Community. Polish currency is called the Zloty.

Poland has a long tradition of scientific and artistic endeavor and innovation. Copernicus, for example, was the first to make the shocking claim that the earth moves around the sun.

Evidence of Poland's Roman Catholic fervor is Pope John Paul II, one famous Pole on the national scene. Political leader Lech Walesa has been a household name in the U.S. over the last decade.

The arts suffered during the Communist period, but they have been revived and literature, music, and painting are thriving.

Polish cuisine is real stick-to-the-ribs food. The main ingredients of a meal are meat, potatoes, and dumplings. Vegetables play a very minor role in the diet. Thick soups and sauces seasoned with dill, marjoram, caraway seeds, and wild mushrooms round out the meal.

Popular dishes include bigos (sauerkraut and meat) barszcz (beetroot soup).

Poles generally eat four meals a day. They begin with an early breakfast and later eat a light snack (e.g. sandwich) for a second breakfast. After work they enjoy a substantial lunch of soup, meat or fish, salad, and mashed potatoes. Before bed they eat a small supper.

Beverages of choice are tea and vodka. Both are served in abundance.

School
Education is free and important. All children are required to attend eight years of school. After that they may pursue one of two secondary school tracks: college preparatory or vocational.

Entrance into universities and professional schools is determined by examination and is very competitive.

The school system is more formal than in the United States. Students must show respect for their teachers and address them properly.

Teenagers
Polish teenagers enjoy many of the same things as American teenagers. They go to films, go dancing, hang out, and play sports.

They dress similarly to American teens in jeans and sweatshirts.
Their dress is a bit more formal, however. They are more likely to wear blouses and slacks, for example, and will be surprised by American teens' baggy jeans and cut-offs.

Dating begins around age fifteen or sixteen. Teens generally go out in groups.

Curfews vary from family to family.

Community
Roman Catholicism is very important in Poland. 95 of the population are followers. Smaller amounts of people follow the Protestant, Orthodox, and Jewish faiths. Catholic churches are crowded on Sundays, and Christian celebrations are very festive and significant.

Business hours vary by type. Food stores are often open longer hours, such as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Banks are open from 8 a.m. until noon on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturdays. Most stores do not open on Sundays.

Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive. If this is not the case where you live, be sure to explain to your student how he or she can get around. Your student may see it as a huge favor to ask for a ride somewhere.

Family
The family is the center of Polish social life. Extended families and circles of friends help and look after each other.

The average family has one or two children. This number has dropped in recent years. Children are encouraged to be independent, but are also expected to obey their parents.

In many cases, both parents work. In urban areas, women work outside the home. In agricultural areas, women are very active in running the farms. Women manage about 20% of Polish farms.

Consequently, your student may be accustomed to helping out around the house and taking care of him/herself. Explain your expectations and show your student how to use your cleaning supplies and machines. A simple thing like a washer and the type of soap it uses can vary dramatically from country to country.

Children live at home until they go away to school for college, get a job, or marry.

Customs
When adults meet, they generally shake hands. The use of a person's title is an important sign of courtesy and respect.

When you meet your student, tell him or her what you would like to be called. This will help put your student at ease.

Table manners are very important. One should not begin eating until everyone has been served and the host has begun.

Understanding
Understanding requires patience. So many hurt feelings could be avoided if we would pay attention to each other and try to see through another person's eyes.

Trying to work out how another household functions is a large undertaking. There is so much that is simply understood between family members. You know where everyone prefers to sit and who has a favorite TV program showing at 8:00 on Tuesday nights. Your student will not know any of this. Be aware of this and remind the other members of your family.

Encourage your student to ask questions about things that are confusing. Ask questions yourself. By creating an atmosphere where questioning is safe and no one is going to take offense, you will all learn a tremendous amount and the transition will be easier for all of you.

Your student may be accustomed to being very independent. Poles value self-reliance and individualism. Do not take it as a slight against you if your student seems reserved. As you get used to each other, your student will become more comfortable and begin to open up.

Your student will be very grateful to you for inviting him or her into your home. You will all be rewarded with wonderful memories and treasured friendships.

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