Poland
Note: All Study Abroad and Study Away programs are currently pending University approval. All dates for future programs have yet to be determined. Click here for more information.
Visit one of the most rich and historically important countries in Europe and experience history firsthand.
The Holocaust became one of the most heinous crimes against humanity in our civilization's history. While most of the course focuses upon the experience of the Jews, it will also explore the subject of the Righteous among the Nations (Righteous Gentiles). Students will be introduced to the Holocaust as it occurred in Poland from varying points of view represented by survivors, films, art, and museum representations. Students will also have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience by visiting many historic sites in that seeing will lead to ever lasting memories and understandings of the horrific events of this period of time.
Students will have an opportunity to examine many critical questions by traveling around Poland to various historically-rich locations. Students will visit relevant sites in Warsaw including the recently opened Museum of the Jewish People. Next will be a trip to Lodz where students will engage with the Lodz Jewish Community. The Jews of Lodz formed the second largest Jewish community in prewar Poland, after Warsaw. Then, students will travel to Krakow to meet with professors and students at the Jagiellonian University as well as have the chance to visit the new Jewish Community Center and meet people who are working to reestablish a Jewish life in Poland. Students will also visit Oskar Schindler’s factory, made famous by the movie Schindler’s List, located in Plaszow. After this time of learning and reflection, the group will travel to Auschwitz/Birkenau to see for themselves the largest death camp of World War II. These are a few of the highlights of what students will experience in this program.
This program is open to Kent State and non-Kent State students, as well as community stakeholders. Non-KSU students/community stakeholders will be required to apply to the university as a guest student and enroll in the 1-credit hour course.;
The following video is from Lauren Eschleman, a participant on the 2017 Poland Spring Break program.
Student Testimonials and the Impact of this Program
"I have these hanging in my garage right by the door into the house. I take it as a daily reminder of how good I have it. Even after a tough day at work." - VIcki Nemeth, 2017
Undoubtedly, one of the moments of the trip was the most special to me: during a Shabbat dinner, I had the opportunity to talk with a Holocaust survivor in Yiddish. His deep, infinite look, his sweet gestures– that moment was so unique, inimitable, irreplaceable. I will always carry it with me wherever I go. - Joshua Kogan, 2017
Perception and Remembrance: The Holocaust in Literature, Film, Theatre And Public Display
1 Credit Hour; AS 30195-001
Program Dates: TBD
Professor: Chaya Kessler
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Cost Description | Amount | Pay To |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Fee | $60.00 | OGE |
| GeoBlue Health Insurance | $24.50 | CAS |
| OCED Fee | $25.00 | CAS |
| Program Fee1 | $3,244.00 | CAS |
| Estimated Total Cost | $3,353.502 |
1Program fee includes: Airfare, Accommodation, In-Country Transportation, Museum Entrance and Activity Fees, and most meals
2 This total does not include tuition. For students enrolled in the Spring semester, the credit hour will be included your total spring credit hours (additional tuition charges may apply, depending on the credit hour cap). For guest students, 1-credit hour will be assess and information regarding this cost can be found on the Tuition Rates Page.
*Estimated Personal Cost (Not Included): Passport ($135), 2 meals (~$25), and spending money (~$250)
**Final program fee subject to change; Updated July 20, 2018.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application will open TBD
Application Deadline: TBD
Acceptance: TBD
Non-Refundable Deposit: $500.00 | TBD
First payment due (half)**: $1,426.75 | TBD
Second payment due: $1,426.75 | TBD
*Payments are to be made online through the program website. You may start your payments immediately upon acceptance on this program. There are no exceptions for late payments and failure to make a payment by the deadline will result in forfeiting your seat on the program.
**Student refunds from Financial Aid begin approximately 10 days prior to the start of the semester.
Contact Information
Chaya Kessler | ckessle7@kent.edu
Director, Jewish Studies