YOUR ASPIRATION: EUROPE 4 YOUR IDEAL DIRECTION: SILESIA, POLAND 5 YOUR PERFECT DESTINATION: KATOWICE 6 YOUR FINAL DESTINATION: UNIVERSITY OF SILESIA

(1)

(2)

(3)

YOUR ASPIRATION: EUROPE 4

YOUR IDEAL DIRECTION: SILESIA, POLAND 5 YOUR PERFECT DESTINATION: KATOWICE 6

YOUR FINAL DESTINATION: UNIVERSITY OF SILESIA IN KATOWICE 8 YOUR DESIRE: REAL STUDIES 9

WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION? - HUMANITIES AND ART 10 - SOCIAL SCIENCES 12

- SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND NATURAL SCIENCES 14 YOUR CHALLENGE: STUDIES IN ENGLISH 16

YOUR CHANCE: LLP/ERASMUS 17

YOUR DEVELOPMENT: PROJECTS 18 YOUR COMFORT: ACCOMMODATION 19 YOUR BENEFITS: STUDENT PROFITS 20

YOUR LIFESTYLE: STUDENT LIFE 21 YOUR PASSIONS: CULTURE 22

EVENTS CALENDAR 23

YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE: COMMUNICATION 27 YOUR TRIVIA: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 28

(4)

University of Silesia

|

4

EUROPE

YOUR

ASPIRATION:

EUROPE

What can we tell you about Poland? Let’s start by saying that Poland lies in Central Europe, borders the Baltic Sea to the north, and is Europe’s ninth largest country. It has a population of over 38 million people, and the average age is 36. Poland is divided into 16 voivodeships (provinces), and its national

cur-rency is the Złoty (PLN).

Our country is a member of NATO, the UN and the European Union (since 2004). Poland’s GDP makes it the EU’s sixth largest economy.

If you are planning to study in Poland, we should perhaps tell you about this country in a different way. Poland is a place where Slavic and Western cultures meet and per-meate each other. It’s a country that enables you to spend hot summer afternoons relaxing at the seaside, and in win-ter you can let off some steam in snowy mountains. Poland combines typically eastern hospitality and openness with western modernity and trust in new technologies. The coun-try, which borders the Baltic Sea to the north and the Ta-tra Mountains to the south, is home to approximately 2 million Polish and foreign students. Young Poles are educated Europeans who know their own worth and are optimistic and ready to face new challenges.

(5)

5

|

EUROPE

YOUR

Poland is an interesting country offering geographical, cultural and economic diversity. Poland’s economy is on the one hand based on modern agriculture, and on the other on the energy, coal, metallurgical and machine industries.

The country’s most industrialized and urbanized re-gion is the Silesian voivodeship (province), located in the south of Poland. More than 70 municipalities that form the region have a total population of approximately 4.8 million people (for comparison, Warsaw, the Polish capital, has a population of approx. 1.8 million). Thanks to a well-developed road, rail, bus and tram infrastructure, commuting between cities such as Katowice (regional capital),

Sosnowiec, Gliwice, Zabrze, Bytom and Ruda Śląska is cheap

and easy. You can never get bored in Silesia. Although the region’s image is to a large extent shaped by industry, an abundance of forests, parks and green recreational areas ensure tranquillity and contact with nature in the industrial heart of Poland.

YOUR IDEAL

DIRECTION:

SILESIA,

POLAND

SILESIA

(6)

|

6

YOUR

PERFECT

DESTINATION:

KATOWICE

The region’s largest city, Katowice, has a population of over 308.000 people. Located on the Rawa river, the city is the administrative, economic and cultural capital of Silesia. Thanks to a thriving airport, as well as a network of throughways and motorways, Silesia is one of the most convenient regions in terms of communication and transport. Regional authorities and diplomatic posts are based here, and various districts of Katowice offer an impres-sive number of cinemas, theatres and culture centres. Postindustrial and post-mining areas are increasingly changing and being transformed into popular meet-ing places for young people, whom they attract thanks to numerous concerts, exhibitions and meetings with artists.

The single most characteristic facility in Katowice is the famous Spodek, which is one of the larg-est multipurpose arenas in Poland. The Spodek has played host to many bands and performers, includ-ing such stars as Pearl Jam, Green Day, Jean Michelle Jarre, Rammstein and Leonard Cohen, who have given unforgettable concerts, attended by thousands of people. The arena is also a

(7)

ven-7

|

KA

TO

WICE

YOUR

ue for sporting events and international matches – it has hosted, e.g. basketball, volleyball and hockey tournamers. Events which attract even larger audiences are held in the Silesian Stadium, located only 5 km away from the centre of Katowice. Here tens of thousands of people have had fun at concerts by such world-famous bands as the Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, U2 and Metallica.

The Silesian Stadium is located in the Silesian Culture and Recreation Park, which is one of the largest city parks in Europe (covering an area of over 600 hectares). As well as extensive green areas, the following are located in the park: Silesian Zoological Garden, Silesian Amusement Park, Silesian Planetarium, a ropes course,

a swimming pool complex, tennis courts and a paintball field. One of the most

popular recreational places among the inhabitants of Katowice is the Valley of the Three Lakes which offers many bike paths. Also popular is the nearby Muchowiec Aerodrome which is mainly used for sport purposes.

Art lovers in Silesia can visit a dozen or so state-owned and private theatres, as well as an opera and a concert hall. There are many cinemas, museums and galleries in each of the cities in the region.

For those who love night life, Katowice offers a multitude of bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and discos playing all sorts of music. Local media regularly inform residents about the most important events, exhibitions, festivals and meetings.

(8)

|

8

YOUR

YOUR FINAL

DESTINATION:

UNIVERSITY

OF SILESIA

IN KATOWICE

Established on 8th_{June, 1968 as Poland’s ninth university, the University of Silesia is}

currently one of the largest and most dynamically developing universities in Poland

and in Europe. When it inaugurated its first academic

year, the University consisted of four faculties and en-rolled 6.000 students. After over 40 years, the Silesian Alma Mater boasts twelve faculties with nearly 40.000

students at all degree levels in five cities. The heart of

the University of Silesia is in Katowice, where it was born, but it also has facilities in Sosnowiec, Cieszyn, Rybnik, and Chorzów.

The attractiveness of the University of Silesia stems from its extensive educational range, which in the aca-demic year 2012/2013 comprises 46 programmes and over 130 specializations. This variety of options

guar-antees that each candidate will be able to find a pro

-gramme which best reflects his or her interests. You can

choose among humanities or opt for science-oriented programmes which focus on innovative research and

which reflect the ever-changing needs of the European

economy. The University also offers interdisciplinary pro-grammes which allow students to select courses of their own choosing.

(9)

9

|

The University of Silesia comprises 12 faculties as well as university-wide and inter-faculty units.

Faculties & units

1. Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

2. Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection

3. Faculty of Ethnology and Educational Science 4. Faculty of Philology

5. Faculty of Computer Science and Materials Science 6. Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry 7. Faculty of Earth Sciences

8. Faculty of Social Sciences

9. Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology 10. Faculty of Law and Administration 11. Faculty of Radio and Television 12. Faculty of Theology

13. Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in the Humanities 14. Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences

15. School of Management

16. International School of Political Science

17. School of Polish Language and Culture

YOUR

DESIRE:

REAL

STUDIES

UNIVERSITY

STUDIES

(10)

|

10

H U M A N I T I E S

AND ART

WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION?

The University of Silesia is home to the humanities, whose focus is man and his creation. The university offers numerous established programmes in both classical and modern European languages, as well as the opportunity to learn Chinese or Arabic.

Film and television directing, fine arts, theology,

classical studies, and music education are just a few examples of programmes which provide our students with knowledge and skills neces-sary to seek employment in cultural institutions, in advertising, in printed media and in broadcast journalism. Many of the programmes that fall in the category of humanities and art guarantee

not only teaching qualifications, but more importantly, an amazing journey through

literature, language and art.

(11)

11

|

Cinematography, Directing and Art Photography Classical Studies

Cultural Studies East Slavonic Studies

English Studies Family Studies

Film and Television Directing Film and Television Production

Fine Arts Education Germanic Studies

Graphics History of Art

Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in the Humanities Italian Studies

Library and Information Studies Music Education Polish Studies Romance Studies Russian Studies Slavonic Studies Theology

Programmes:

YOUR

(12)

|

12

SOCIAL

SCIENCES

The University of Silesia places great emphasis on education in the field of social

sciences, which – just like the humanities – focus on the man, except that here research is subject to precise criteria. During the course of study our

stu-dents obtain qualifications which guarantee that they will become highly-val -ued lawyers, psychologists, managers, his-torians or ethnologists. Those who are interested in politics, law or management of-ten see their lecturers on TV or read their opin-ions and commentaries in the press, as profes-sors and teachers working at the University of Silesia are renowned commentators on social phenomena in Poland.

(13)

13

|

YOUR

Programmes:

Administration Ethnology History

Journalism and Social Communication Law Management Pedagogy Philosophy Political Science Psychology Social Work Sociology

DESTINATION

(14)

|

14

SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY

AND NATURAL

SCIENCES

Our University promotes not only education in

the field of humanities but also various types of scientific research conducted in programmes

that fall under the category of science, technol-ogy and natural science. Findings thus provid-ed contribute to the development of the latest technologies, economy and medicine.

If your world is the world of numbers, chemical elements or cells examined under the

micro-scope, you should definitely see our state-of-the-art laboratories and meet our highly-qualified

team of lecturers and researchers who will en-sure that your encounters with exact sciences, technology and natural sciences are fascinating and unforgettable.

YOUR

(15)

15

|

Programmes:

Biology Biomedical Engineering Biophysics Biotechnology Chemical Technology Chemistry Computer Science Computer Science Engineering

Econophysics

Education in Technology and Informatics Environmental Protection

Geography Geology Geophysics

Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences

Materials Engineering Mathematics Mechatronics Medical Physics Physics Technical Physics

YOUR

(16)

|

16

YOUR

CHALLENGE:

STUDIES

IN ENGLISH

The University of Silesia offers study programmes in English, including the doctoral level. Studies in English are addressed to those candidates who are

look-ing for professional knowledge in fields that are important for the world’s economy and development. The qualifications obtained

by graduates are excellent preparation for un-dertaking work in international environments. MSc in Chemistry, specialisation:

Computer Chemistry

MSc in Chemistry, specialisation: Drug Chemistry MSc in Computer Science, specialisation: Modelling and Visualization in Bioinformatics MSc in Mathematics, specialisation:

Mathematical Methods in Computer Science MSc in Physics, specialisation: Nanophysics and Mesoscopic Materials – Modelling and Applications

MSc in Physics, specialisation: Theoretical Physics

Ph.D. in Advanced Methods in Biotechnology and Biodiversity Ph.D. in Physics

(17)

17

|

We know that professional qualifications are important, but

we are convinced that self-development is something that students are also looking for. That is why we encourage our students to use an opportunity to go abroad as within LLP/ Erasmus programme.

LLP/Erasmus is well-known in Europe and so far has had over 2.5 million participants. It gives students a chance to broaden knowledge and friendships. Joining the programme means you become a member of the open-minded Erasmus community.

CHALLENGE

ERASMUS

YOUR

CHANCE:

LLP/

ERASMUS

(18)

|

18

YOUR

DEVELOPMENT:

PROJECTS

Research conducted at the University of Silesia proves that a smooth and effective combination of humanistic ideas and the real needs of the economy is possible.

The research we carry out is exceedingly versatile and its findings are used in

numerous disciplines. For instance, they contrib-ute to the development of contemporary medi-cine and to the progress of modern agriculture, help to identify the causes of climatic change and take preventive measures, facilitate the implementation of new technologies in indus-try, touch upon environmental and law-related issues, describe cultural changes, and have an impact on education.

YOUR

(19)

19

|

YOUR

COMFORT:

ACCOMMO-DATION

The dormitories of the University of Silesia are located in three cities. Our

dormitories in Katowice are situated near woodlands. The campus offers student clubs, cafés, shops, and a tennis court and a gym.

In Sosnowiec, dormitories are located near the faculty premises. In the vicinity there is also a canteen, a student club and grocery shops.

In Cieszyn (a historic town on the Polish-Czech border), the campus comprises three dormitories located directly by the faculty premises, a canteen and a student club. The Katowice campus can accommodate 1,300 students, while dormitories in Cieszyn and Sosnowiec offer a total of 1,360 beds. Guest rooms and junior academic staff guest house included, the University of Silesia offers over 3,000 beds.

Standard room rates start at 216 PLN a month (approx. 55 EUR). Accommodation options also include comfortable studios at 453 PLN a month (approx. 120 EUR).

Many students decide to rent a room or flat in one of the

region’s cities. The rates are comparable, and offers can be searched for online or through numerous estate agencies.

YOUR

(20)

|

20

YOUR

BENEFITS:

STUDENT

PROFITS

When you are accepted at the University of Silesia, you will receive a student

ID which will confirm your affiliation with the university during the course of your

studies. Holders of a student ID are eligible for many discounts. For instance, the ID will al-low you to commute by bus or tram at a 50% discount. The discounted monthly pass for un-limited rides on almost all buses and trams in the Silesian agglomeration costs only 56 PLN, or approx. 14 EUR. Student discounts on rail-way services are 51%. You can also get cheaper tickets to cinemas, theatres, orchestras and museums. Many bars, restaurants and clubs, including those based off-campus, offer student discounts on food and beverages.

BENEFITS

(21)

21

|

YOUR

LIFESTYLE:

STUDENT

LIFE

Students at the University of Silesia have their Student Gov-ernment, which works for the good of all students. The job of members of the Government, appointed by each of the faculties, is to listen to their fellow students’ concerns and

try to find the best solution. Representatives of the Student

Government participate in the work of the University Sen-ate.

Studying at the University of Silesia is by no means lim-ited to learning and attending lectures and classes. Being a student also means going to parties and living a dynamic life among fellow students. Students undertake numerous independent initiatives, e.g. invite representatives of politi-cal or artistic circles to meetings, or organize concerts of some of their favourite bands. Our students attend in great numbers all mass events, sports or music-related, organised in the region, and enthusiastically take up volunteer work.

BENEFITS

YOUR

(22)

|

22

YOUR

PASSIONS:

CULTURE

Katowice is a dynamically developing cultural centre. Every year, the region’s capital city hosts

music, theatre and film festivals. Students in -terested in the latest trends in music,

contro-versial performances and cult films will find

their events cal-endar full to the brim.

YOUR

(23)

23

|

EVENTS

CALENDAR

January:

• Katowice Comedy Carnival – the funniest comedy shows staged on the boards of

two of the most popular theatres in Katowice

February:

• Odjazdy – one of the largest rock events in Poland: eight

hours of live concerts, popular bands and multiple audience

March:

• ‘FAZA’ Amateur Bands Festival – music competition for

young bands

• ‘Interpretations’ National Festival of Directing Art – one of the most important

competitions for theatre directors

YOUR

(24)

|

24

EVENTS

CALENDAR

April:

• Student Festival of Science – students’ adventures in science and its most inter

-esting manifestations. Tests carried out on the streets, colourful parades, scientific

experiments and science taken with a pinch of salt.

May:

• ‘Juwenalia’ Student Festival – the largest an -nual students’ holiday in Poland. Students take over control of cities from mayors and have fun at countless concerts and parties

• Cult Film Festival – two weeks, several cinema

auditoriums, many screenings a day, interesting themes and thousands of viewers

• Night of Museums – meetings and free admission to numerous museums and art

galleries

(25)

25

|

EVENTS

CALENDAR

June:

• International Theatre Festival ‘A PART’ – overview of the most interesting trends

and phenomena in European theatre

• Art Naif Festival – annual edition of the International Festival of Naive Art

July:

• Summer Garden Theatre – open-air theatre festival held

over summer weekends, presenting the latest Polish perfor-mances and attracting hundreds of people

August:

• ‘Tauron Nowa Muzyka’ Music Festival – what’s most interesting in European music • OFF Festival – one of the most important alternative music festivals in Europe.

British Sea Power, Mogwai, Iron & Wine, Lali Puna, Flaming Lips… Do we need to say more?

(26)

|

26

YOUR

EVENTS

CALENDAR

September:

• International Students Folk Festival – ensembles and performers from around the world and culture from distant continents

October:

• Rawa Blues Festival – one of the largest blues festivals in the world

November:

• Ars Cameralis – concerts, exhibitions, meetings, installations

December:

• Traditional Christmas market

(27)

27

|

YOUR

SELF-CON-FIDENCE:

COMMUNI-CATION

If you want to study in Poland and attend courses taught in Polish, you have to prove

that your command of the language is sufficient to study with Polish students. The Uni -versity of Silesia has a School of Polish Language and Culture,

which has taught Polish to thousands of students from all over the world ever since it was launched in 1991. The school conducts various courses for foreigners, e.g. summer school of Polish language and culture, month-long adaptation courses for Erasmus students, monthly, semester or full-year courses of Polish language for foreigners and Polish language courses for foreigners intending to study in Poland. Off-site workshops and courses have been organised e.g. in Canada, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Moldova, Germany and Italy.

Thanks to classes organised by the School of Polish Language and Culture, students develop language skills which enable them to communicate both at and outside of the university. Furthermore, they are provided with better insights into life and culture in Poland, and have an opportunity to meet Pol-ish journalists, poets and politicians. People from all over the world, proven teaching methods, carefully selected

didac-tic materials and qualified teachers – all of these will make

learning Polish an unforgettable experience.

COMMUNICATION

(28)

|

28

YOUR TRIVIA:

ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION

Imagine you are studying in a city situated within a short distance of as many as six Eu-ropean capital cities. Katowice gives you this opportunity.

Distances from Katowice:

Warsaw (Poland) – 280 km

Bratislava (Slovakia) – 350 km

Budapest (Hungary) – 400 km

Vienna (Austria) – 400 km

Prague (Czech Republic) – 400 km

Berlin (Germany) – 530 km

(29)

29

|

Imagine you can reach the most beautiful Polish cities by train, and that travel is cheap, convenient and safe. When you study in Katowice, you have the entire Poland within hand reach.

Duration of train rides from Katowice:

Cracow – 2 hours

Warsaw – 2.5 hours

Wroclaw – 2.5 hours

Czestochowa – 1.5 hours

Bielsko-Biala – 1 hour

Cieszyn – 2 hours

YOUR

(30)

|

30

FIND YOUR

FINAL

DESTINATION

University of Silesia in Katowice

Rector’s Office ul. Bankowa 12 40-007 Katowice Poland e-mail: rektor@us.edu.pl phone: +48 32 359 13 00 Admissions Office e-mail: admission@us.edu.pl phone: +48 32 359 20 71 Promotion Office e-mail: promotion@us.edu.pl phone: +48 32 359 19 75

Y

OUR

(31)

(32)