News
2010-07-21/ VISIT TO THE ANCIENT KRAKOW
Ancient Malopolska at Wolnica Square
Krakow is the city of contrasts: old and historical but modern and vibrant at the same time. Its liveliness you can see everywhere around you. But there were the times when days went by slower and as if quieter than today. Those times will be brought to life again this and next weekend by the Etnographic Museum of Krakow. And, what's even more interesting, you will have the chance to actively participate in this ancient world and learn some of its good old practices:)
The workshops are led by regional artisans. For foreigners, the organisers have prepared instructions in English, French, German and Italian.
Free admission!
This weekend: 24, 25 July
Lace-making
Try yourself at learning how to create beautiful handmade laces using wooden blocks and threads attached to pillows:) In fact, some of the grandmas in Poland are still making them this way:).
Next weekend: 31 July, 1 August
Zalipie flowers
Do you know Krakow's cafe „U Zalipianek” on Planty – the park around the Main Market Square? If so, you have probably noticed the characteristic flower design on the building:). And this is exactly what this workshop will be about: regional artists will teach you the techniques of painting the ethnic flower pattern still found in just a few villages in southern Poland, such as Zalipie.
2010-03-11/ INTENSIVE SUMMER LEARNING
Summer Polish course in the Varia Center
INTENSIVE COURSE + CULTURAL PROGRAMME + ACCOMMODATION
Intensive summer course means:
* up to 20 lessons a day
* additional outdoor lessons, pronunciation workshops, consultaions with your teacher
* groups at every language level – from Beginner to Advanced
* max. 8 students in the group
The course ends with a final test and distribution of certificates.
Cultural programme means:
Discovering Krakow together: surprising sightseeing, fascinating tours to Krakow's surroundings, evening meetings in popular local pubs, warming parties, concerts. In fact, it means even more: cookery workshops, games with the Polish language, interesting lectures.
The cultural programme will enable you not only to get to know Krakow and new people but will also let you practise Polish in natural, everyday situations.
Accommodation:
* the price covers: a place for one person in a double room
* for the additional 70 Euro (paid only once): single room
* for the additional 200 Euro (paid only once): a separate apartment
Our course participants are accommodated in private flats (at Polish families or with Polish university students) or in separate apartments with other course participants. We carefully check all the places of accomodation to make sure you will come back to them with pleasure after each day full of Polish classes and cultural surprises together.
Dates of the summer courses in 2010
I
| 04.07 - 17.07.2010 | |
| II | 18.07 - 31.07.2010 | |
| III | 01.08 - 14.08.2010 | |
| IV | 15.08 - 28.08.2010 | |
V
| 29.08 - 11.09.2010 | |
| VI | 12.09 - 25.09.2010 | |
2010-03-11/ 5 days for women
A trip WITHOUT YOUR HUSBAND, FIANCÉ OR BOYFRIEND? And, what's even more, in the company of women only?Sounds a bit unconventional?
Well, yes, because these are exactly the holidays we've prepared for the Ladies – full of surprising experiences and positive energy, ORIGINAL – as every woman.
The trip Mo Men No Limits is our suggestion for 5 unconventional days in Krakow. The cultural programme designed specially for women won't disappoint any of our holiday makers:). You will find in it guided tours along the most interesting and charrming Krakow corners – you'll see the places 'common' tourists most often can't access..
With the help of our enthusistic teachers, you'll take part in an instant Polish course, you'll learn how to prepare famous 'ruskie pierogi' and find out why Krakow is called the cultural capital of Poland. During a special relaxation day, every lady will have the opportunity to go for a unique shopping spree in the ateliers of well-known Krakow's artists, get to know her own future told by Dziadzianna, the famous fortune-teller at the Main Market Square, and change her own looks with the help of inspiring Tomasz.
All this to make the most of the time you have for yourself, come back home full of positive energy and... with a new haircut.
2010-01-04/ Christmas, Christmas and After Christmas - as we say in Poland
Well, maybe winter break has finished, but not our Polish courses. Come to our classes and we will warm you up with hot coffee and Polish phrases necessary to feel at home in Poland! The weather outside doesn't pamper us too much so this would be a good way to spend the winter time usefully! Those who already learn at our centre know that excellent teachers and cosy atmosphere are waiting here for them. If you are not yet among them, come to us and discover how fast you will pick up Polish grammar and vocabulary.
The semester winter courses started on the 4th of January and will take place until the 19th of March. The lessons are 90 minutes long and take place two or three times a week – this depends on how often you choose to have classes.
If you want to study harder, we invite you for our 4-week intensive courses: three lessons a day from Monday to Friday, between 1st and 26th of February.
All necessary information is provided here: http://www.varia-course.com/en/courses/semester/.
The more languages you know, the fuller life you live!
You are warmly welcome to join us.
2009-09-30/ Autumn semester 2009
On the 5the October we're starting semester and intensive 4-week Polish courses.
Semester courses: 90 MINUTES LONG CLASSES, 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK
Intensive 4-week course: 3 LESSONS A DAY, FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, DURATION: 1 MONTH
We guarantee that we will hold courses at every language level. The lessons will take place in the mornings and evenings. Those who want to take part in the course and have already learned Polish before are kindly invited to our Centre to take a diagnostic test and talk with a lecturer. We can also send you the test by e-mail.
We have been using a communicative method and teaching IN POLISH - for 10 years, since the beginning of our school.
If you are thinking which school and teaching method you should choose, come to us and take part in a free trial lesson!
2009-09-25/ Our summer students
Today we have said goodbye to our last summer group. Now, we have to wait till next July for the next summer students.
Summer 2009?
Intensive. Full of cultural impressions and educational progress. Especially the former has been documented in a final test – we would like to congratulate everyone on achieving very good results
(Eva from Hungary – an absolute 'score master'), thank you for your hard work, diligence (oh, those homeworks:) ) and punctuality (even, despite all the night city crawls here in Krakow).
We hope that you will remember your stay in Kraków for a long time, that you have already treated your friends to 'pierogi ruskie' prepared on your own, that you hum the bugle call (in a jazz version) or (even worse) 'a blondie' from Monika's lecture entitled 'what you see is what you get' and that you recall with sentiment our chats about 'everything and nothing' during our coffee and tea get-togethers.
We wish everyone lots of fun and enthusiasm in learning Polish – we encourage especially those (we mean men ;) ) who are in 'Polish – non-Polish' relationships to practice the language frequently (Volker, Gerard, Johannes, 2 x Andrew, Sylvain, Oreste, and of course brave Emer).
And we invite you to Krakow, Wawel Dragon, Lajkonik, White Lady … to Stalowe Magnolie, Alchemia … TO US.
2009-03-27/ I saw spring...
This is one of our favourite occasions when we can meet with our students to indulge in that special atmosphere – wishes, wafer, decorating the Christmas tree, tasting delicious dishes... Last Christmas it was borsch with ravioli and periogis filled with cabbage that ruled. Herring turned out to be a little controversial and the „smoky" smell of kompot made of dried fruits left our guests a bit confused. The only thing missing was Santa Claus and presents. Could it be our students had not been working hard enough? ;)
We wish you all a warm and happy Christmas and lots of good luck with the Polish language!
Hoping to meet you again soon. The new semester starts on Jan 5th 2009. See you then!
2009-01-22/ Polish in four weeks
This year we have added a new course to our offer – a 4-week intensive Polish course. The course is highly recommended to beginners, who want to learn as much as possible in a short time. Everyday lessons, systematic revisions and professional support of our teacher guarantee visible progress.
After completing the course you can continue studying Polish on a higher level in a regular semester course (twice a week) or an intensive one (every day).
Price: 750 z³ (we guarantee it is the best price for 60 hours of lessons in Krakow)
The course is especially recommended to those who are new to Poland, have time and want to make friends with people in a similar situation.
2008-12-19/ Christmas Eve with our students
This is one of our favourite occasions when we can meet with our students to indulge in that special atmosphere – wishes, wafer, decorating the Christmas tree, tasting delicious dishes... Last Christmas it was borsch with ravioli and periogis filled with cabbage that ruled. Herring turned out to be a little controversial and the „smoky" smell of kompot made of dried fruits left our guests a bit confused. The only thing missing was Santa Claus and presents. Could it be our students had not been working hard enough? ;)
We wish you all a warm and happy Christmas and lots of good luck with the Polish language!
Hoping to meet you again soon. The new semester starts on Jan 5th 2009. See you then!
2008-12-01/ What awaits you in 2009
"You will marry a rich dentist", "you will grasp the difference between perfective and imperfective verbs", "you'll become friends with George Clooney". It's just for fun, but at least some of the predictions made on St. Andrew's night might indeed become reality...
For example, Christobal is supposed to go to South America next year - quite probable as he happens to come from Chile...
Stefan will come into a beautiful new house... Well, who wouldn't like the idea...
Ania's work will be appreciated. "Phew, finally!," she says with a smile.
The bright prospects put everyone in a very good mood. And, as the Polish custom has it, we began to sing and dance. Our Argentinian DJ Leandro made sure everyone got on the floor.
So who said school is just for learning?
2008-09-22/ We take pride...
in our students!
We are proud of you for being so eager to learn and even more eager to participate in our cultural programme ;).
We are happy that you were with us this summer and brought some Italian temperament, Australian sun, Greek feasts, Spanish liveliness and Belgian chocolate (yummy;))...
It is thanks to you that our school embraces the whole world, all the continents...
We learnt what a morning in the Swiss Alps looks like (Andrea), how many people you should invite to a Greek wedding (Julia), how to make delicious Ukrainian dumplings (Anna), how to say hello in Filipino (sister Nancy) and goodbye in Japanese (Chizuko), what a typical French cheese tastes (and smells) like (Yann), and how some Polish words sound in Chicago (Nathan)...
We'd like to thank all and each of you for a great holiday – for being the reason why after so many years our work is still our passion.
2008-08-01/ Poland - Ukraine side by side
Matryoshkas, Combat Hopak, Lvivian rapper Frank,Ukrainian fashon show...Last Friday Krakow's main market square turned into a real Ukrainian feast...You can eat Ukrainian borscht there, listen to Ukrainian music, buy Ukrainian jewellery...
Krakow is equally actractive for our eastern neighbours. Last Friday they could hear a Polish famous singer Ewelina Flinta, performing live especially for them, and every day they can take part in "Ogrody Wiedzy" (gardens of knowledge)- a series of education workshops, games and competitions as well as Polish lessons organised by Varia Center of Polish Language.
The project "Poland-Ukraine side by side", organised by the "¦wiat M³odych" associatio, in cooperation with our Schoo, among others, provides the opportunity for both sides to get to knowits neighbour better, promotes tolerance and aims at breaking common stereotypes about the nations.
The time between 14 and 16 is a special time in "Ogrody Wiedzy" - we invite all children to take part in games with the Polish language prepared especially by our teachers especially for them.It is also an opportunity to listen to Polish fables and win interesting prizes.
2008-07-01/ A Recipe for a Great Holiday
If you have been wondering where to go on holidays so that it is fun and practical, we have a solution for you! We would like to invite you to a place full of good thoughts, spontaneous people and scientific spirit – Varia School.
All you need is to like singing (Polish songs...;),
dance Krakowiak (Pecker Dance),
be able to pronounce „ g¿eg¿ó³ka”,
and... mold „pierogi ruskie” (Russian dumplings/pierogis).
Because Varia is not only a school of Polish, but also a laughter and health factory (because, as we know, laugh is healthy...) and a generator of fun ideas for spending your free time in Krakow.
We warmly invite you to a Polish holiday! From 13 July to 20 September.
2008-07-01/ Studying in Krakow - Pros and Cons
Krakow is rightly called a student city – it is here that almost 100,000 young people enjoy their education and social life.
Why Krakow?
Candidates choose Krakow because it is situated close to the place they come from (over 46%), and because it is a nice city (almost 40%). Another important factor is the prestige enjoyed by the universities – the Jagiellonian University is ranked as first in this respect, closely followed by Collegium Medicum and Cracow University of Economics.
Pros and cons of studying in Krakow
Despite overall satisfaction with studying in Krakow, the list of problems faced by students on a daily basis is quite long. What are the greatest disadvantages they mention? Communication and cost of living. Commuting, overhauls, traffic, overcrowded buses...
What students also found irritating is administration inconvenience at universities and crowds of tourists in the city centre. Other, relatively rare, drawbacks are low salaries, lack of perspectives after finishing education, noise, Cracovian people's mentality (misers) and... pigeons.
Among the greatest advantages of the city the students have listed excellent universities, libraries, level of education and great lecturers. A lot of students also recognise the city's cultural value, its art and history. Thriving student life and the city's unique atmosphere have also been found of importance.
And because of this atmosphere...
no other city in Poland :)
Based on an article from „Gazeta Wyborcza Kraków”
2008-03-20/ Easter meeting
On Wednesday 19th of April, we and our students met together. The reason was approaching Easter. We were eating Polish dainties, wishing each other the best and telling stories about Easter tradition in our countries. In Germany a priest hallow a fire instead of a food and children try to find an Easter Rabbit (Bunny) in the garden. In Great Britain the most popular is sweet bread in a shape of a cross. In Italy according to the saying: Christmas is for family, Easter for friends - people have fun with their friends.
2008-01-28/ Spring semester
New Year, new decisions and ... a new semester in our School.
You can study in the morning or in the evening with people from the whole world. You can take part in more or less intensive courses (2 or 3 times a week) and of course our teacher will keep an eye on you for the whole time!
If you would like to learn more about our semester courses, please chech the information in "Polish courses" or please call us: +48 12 633 58 71.
2008-01-10/ Christmas carol
On Wednesday evening (19th December) we and our students were trying to create the atmosphere of Polish Christmas Eve. There were candels, the Christmas Tree, a borsch and a herring. We were telling stories about tradition during the Christmas in different countries. We found out that it is possible to spend Christmas on the beach (Australia) and the gifts are brought by Tree Kings on 6th of January (Spain and Portugal). In the end we got emotional - while breaking the wafer we were wishing ourselves the best.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
2007-12-01/ Divination - fortune telling will tell you the truth
On thursday 29th November our students meet together to celebrate the old Polish tradition. In the evening called Andrzejkowy Wieczor the most important were magic and fortune telling. We tried to discover our real characters by choosing our favourite fruits or by analising numbers in our date of birth. We found out that among us there were some despots, melancholics, perfectionists. The divinations told us about great events that await us in the future: two new wifes, a huge inheritance, an excellent knowledge of Polish grammar, a date with Shrek.
It's good to know that our future will be so optimistic!
2007-10-01/ Semester courses - several months' intensive learning
Regular meeting with Polish language, friendly teachers and students from all over the world - with a cup of coffee drunk in a very nice atmosphere.
We teach Polish in the morning or evening, on intensive basis (3 x per week) or regular (2 x per week)...Always with great effects!
Our goal is to establish a close friendship with the Polish language. Varia students need to understand it and get along with it in any situation.
Such friendship is meant to last :).
We invite you to participate in the semester courses organised by our School. More detailed information can be found under 'Polish courses'.
2007-09-25/ various VARIAtions - various vacations
Thanks to our students, who came to Krakow for the 2-week adventure with Polish, this summer was full of positive emotions.
We would like to thank you all for taking part in VARIA-courses, that was really great!!! Extraordinary and uncommon. It was a real pleasure to work with you and spend the holidays in that atmosphere.
Kasia, Aneta, Ola, Ewa, Ania, Monika and everyone who has helped us in organising your staying here.
Time for the summary:
We hosted 105 students this summer. They came from Germany, England, United States, Ireland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Esthonia, France, Belgium, Holland, and even from the far Australia.
The youngest student was 14 years old (have fun Anton!), the oldest was 78 (all the best for Bernard). The absolut fan of Polish language was undoubtedly Mr. Kowal, who was taking 10 lessons per day - we appreciate your efforts and strong motivation:)
What have we done together? What have we seen?
Everyone remembers our Saturday-trips to Ojcow, Zakopane and Wieliczka. Our VARIA-Globetrotter trophy goes to Marina and Angelo! In two weeks they managed to see almost the whole country (and pass the final test:))!
Our hit - 'co to za zagadka, dwa kó³ka i Agatka?' - congrats to Kerstin, Nat, Carlo, Carolinka and Baptiste for their spontainous lake bath. Agatka says 'hello' to all of you!!!
Krakow by night...homework done in the underground pubs...flatparties (thanks to Philipinio, Tiago, Matthias and Joerg), 'mad dogs' and dancing till dawn.
Thanks again for everything guys!!!We hope to see you in Krakow again (or any other place in the world).
2007-09-01/ Krakow's favourite places for sunny days
Sun likes Krakow.
From the beginning of holiday we had loads of sunshine. Hot days in town that's a harsh time for everyone. Therefore, the best way for active rest during sunny days is to move away from the hot pavements and big crowds on the street.
Here are our proposals: places we can take students after classes so that they can enjoy some fresh air, relaxation and nice sorroundings.
1. Twardowski Rocks (Ska³ki Twardowskiego) - one of our favourite places. It only takes 25 minutes walk to get to this very nice place. Here you can find everything you need - high rocks perfect fot climbing, meadows and forests for romantic walks, and finally a dam with incredibly clean water.
2. Kryspinów - only 20 km away from Krakow. This is a perfect place for all the people who want to take a brake from the city's busy atmosphere. You can find many interesting attractions including watering places, playing fields as well as numerous bars that organise massive parties. It is also possible to rent the water sports equipment. It is highly recommended to take a tent when going to Kryspinów, as it is really hard to leave.
3. Wisla Riverside (Bulwary Wi¶lane) - one of the best places in Krakow to have a long and refreshing walk, famous among Krakow people and tourists. On the riverside, you can enjoy beautiful views of Wawel castle, get on the boat and go for a cruise down the river or simply lie on the grass and get a nice suntan.
Krakow is just perfect for every occasion, perfect for everyone!
2007-05-22/ Krakow - the city of music - reasons why Krakow is the place to be for sound sensations seekers
Tired of listening to the same stuff all the time? Angry when you go to a different country and you hear exactly the same music as in your homeland? Eager to explore new horizons in music? If your answer is yes, then you should come to Krakow.
In the city of Krakow the old and traditional meets the new and modern, and so is the case with music. Concerts, festivals, music clubs – all these places offer a wide variety of musical sensations, ranging from classical music to traditional folk songs to modern jazz and electronica. Almost every night you can be in a different place listening to a different kind of music – one day at a jazz concert, next day at an ethnic music festival, then in Kazimierz enjoying indigenous klezmer music.
Krakow being one of the cultural centres of Europe offers you also music from countries other than Poland. If you've ever been to Krakow, you've surely happened to see bands, choirs, orchestras from different parts of the world performing live in the Main Square or other popular and easily accessible places. Also in small and hidden places like pubs there's something going on every night – you can listen to a local industrial metal band or explore the beauty of exotic Siberian khoomei vocal.
When it comes to music, the best thing about Krakow seems to be the fact that you have easy access to great music live and practically for free. So next time you get bored with Britney or Kaiser Chiefs you know where to go.
2007-05-22/ Juwenalia 2007 - let (unruly) students rule!
The greates students' holidays in Poland, a celebration of youth and joy - Juwenalia 2007 - is over. One again Krakow's students showed the city belonged to them for those few days of spring. A colourful procession of nearly 100 thousand students marking the beginning of the holiday madness, put the participants into a remarkable state of joy and ease.
And so we took off! Open air concerts, cabarets, film shows gathered thousands of fans of good music, art and student fun every night. Students had a chance to forget about the imminent exams for a moment and gather strength to "fight" the examination session.
"We've never seen Krakow so colourful and ful of sound," said our students who also took part in the celebration. "You really can't miss such a party!" they added unanimously. We couldn't agree more and we can't wait to get more next year - impatiently waiting for the next big celebration of joy and imagination!
2007-05-23/Holidays in Krakow
The next VARIA-tions with the Polish language and Krakow start as soon as July! Polish language courses combined with a rich cultural programme and homestay accommodation is not only a good way to get to know Krakow, learn a new language and meet new people but above all a recipe for an inventive and beneficial way to spend summer holidays.
Polish lessons outdoors, trips to interesting places (Zakopane, Wieliczka), guided city sightseeing tours, theme nights, meetings with Polish students - these are just some of the many things we have prepared for you. So if you don't like boredom and you're ready for two very Polish weeks in the city that has never disillusioned anyone, you're welcome to join us!
Intensive Polish language course, cultural programme, accommodation:
Summer courses: |
I 15.07 – 28.07.2007 |
II 29.07 – 11.08.2007 |
III 12.08 – 25.08.2007 |
IV 26.08 – 08.09.2007 |
V 09.09 – 22.09.2007 |
2007-04-01/ Winter talks by hot tea
Winter is over and so are our 2-week winter courses. And although it can't be denied that spring is a lovely season (the sun, the flowers, the dresses), we still miss havinga cup of tea with our students, bellies filled with laughter, „w¶ciek³y pies” late in the evening...
Thank you for that warm winter time. Thanks for the dances in Lubu-Dubu (Andy, Tim), constant joking (Petar the joker), the first heralds of spring (Medi, Ivonne, Caroline, Torsten), talks at the fireplace and the Dutch shoes (Michael, Nicole), original ideas to follow (Christian), the pie (Granma, Konrad), for everything... to EVERYONE.
And we hope to see you soon.
2007-02-22/ Józef and the Krakow room - VARIA's brand new classrooms
Józef is working hard. It is the thing about old buildings - they don't like being renovated. Józef knows that and he knows his job well. So it will be cool, in the classic Krakow-style...
There are two totally new rooms - rooms to study, talk, have a coffee, or watch a film. They are nearly done. The cups are already in the sideboard, the board is hanging on the wall, we only need tables and it will all be ready.
Józef is now in our Krakow room. He is fighting against the Smok wawelski (dragon) and Lajkonik. He will soon move the Wawel castle. The whole Krakow is here with us and all that we need is students who will shortly fill up the classrooms. We let our students work and play and make them see that learning Polish does not have to be dull!
2007-01-21/
How to be cool in Polish - a survival course for Erasmus Students What you need to survive here are, in fact, just a couple of words in Polish. But the smart guys can do more - haggle about the price with the taxi driver, charm the police officers when they want to fine you for speeding, or arrange a date... in Polish!
And it is so far from the truth that Polish is difficult. A little motivation and a good teacher are absolutely enough. You've got the former, and we've got the latter. So, our dear Erasmus Student, why don't you let us make you and Polish best friends?
Intensive course of Polish Language for you:
Course starts on: 01.03.2007 (20 classes = 40 lessons)
Price for one lesson: 12 zl
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