STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

POLAND
GUIDELINE

2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE CITIES.................................................................................................................................2
PROGRAMS...............................................................................................................................................3
Academic + Volunteer.............................................................................................................................3
WHAT`S INCLUDED.................................................................................................................................4
Pre-Program.............................................................................................................................................4
Abroad.....................................................................................................................................................6
Post-Program...........................................................................................................................................6
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES..............................................................................................6
HEALTH & SAFETY.................................................................................................................................8
DRESS CODE.............................................................................................................................................8
INSURANCE..............................................................................................................................................8
FLIGHT INFORMATION...........................................................................................................................8
WITHDRAWAL REFUND POLICY..........................................................................................................9
HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................10
UNIVERSITY...........................................................................................................................................10
ORIENTATION.........................................................................................................................................12
WEEKLY SCHEDULE.............................................................................................................................12

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ABOUT THE CITIES

Warsaw (Polish: Warszawa [varava] ( listen); see also other names) is the capital and largest
city of Poland. It stands on the Vistula River in east-central Poland, roughly 260 kilometres
(160 mi) from the Baltic Sea and 300 kilometres (190 mi) from the Carpathian Mountains. Its
population is estimated at 1.740 million residents within a greater metropolitan area of 2.666
million residents, which makes Warsaw the 9th most-populous capital city in the European
Union.[2][3][4] The city limits cover 516.9 square kilometres (199.6 sq mi), while the metropolitan
area covers 6,100.43 square kilometres (2,355.39 sq mi).[5]
In 2012 the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Warsaw as the 32nd most liveable city in the
world.[6] It was also ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Central Europe. Today Warsaw is
considered an "Alpha" global city, a major international tourist destination and a significant
cultural, political and economic hub.[7][8][9] Warsaw's economy, by a wide variety of industries, is
characterised by FMCG manufacturing, metal processing, steel and electronic manufacturing and
food processing. The city is a significant centre of research and development, BPO, ITO, as well
as of the Polish media industry. The Warsaw Stock Exchange is one of the largest and most
important in Central and Eastern Europe.[10] Frontex, the European Union agency for external
border security, has its headquarters in Warsaw. It has been said that Warsaw, together with
Frankfurt, London, Paris and Barcelona is one of the cities with the highest number of
skyscrapers in Europe.[11] Warsaw has also been called "Eastern Europes chic cultural capital
with thriving art and club scenes and serious restaurants".[12]
The first historical reference to Warsaw dates back to the year 1313, at a time when Krakw
served as the Polish capital city. Due to its central location between the PolishLithuanian
Commonwealth's capitals of Krakw and Vilnius, Warsaw became the capital of the
Commonwealth and of the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland when King Sigismund III Vasa
moved his court from Krakw to Warsaw in 1596.[13] After the Third Partition of Poland in 1795,
Warsaw was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia. In 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars, the
city became the official capital of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, a puppet state of the First French
Empire established by Napoleon Bonaparte. In accordance with the decisions of the Congress of
Vienna, the Russian Empire annexed Warsaw in 1815 and it became part of the "Congress
Kingdom". Only in 1918 did it regain independence from the foreign rule and emerge as a new
capital of the independent Republic of Poland. The German invasion in 1939, the massacre of the
Jewish population and deportations to concentration camps led to the uprising in the Warsaw
ghetto in 1943 and to the major and devastating Warsaw Uprising between August and October
1944. Warsaw gained the title of the "Phoenix City" because it has survived many wars,
conflicts and invasions throughout its long history.[14] Most notably, the city required painstaking
rebuilding after the extensive damage it suffered in World War II, which destroyed 85% of its
buildings.[15][16] On 9 November 1940, the city was awarded Poland's highest military decoration
for heroism, the Virtuti Militari, during the Siege of Warsaw (1939).[17][18]
The city is the seat of a Roman Catholic archdiocese (left bank of the Vistula) and diocese (right
bank), and possesses various universities, most notably the Polish Academy of Sciences and the
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University of Warsaw, two opera houses, theatres, museums, libraries and monuments. The
historic city-centre of Warsaw with its picturesque Old Town in 1980 was listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Other main architectural attractions include the Castle Square with the
Royal Castle and the iconic King Sigismund's Column, St. John's Cathedral, Market Square,
palaces, churches and mansions all displaying a richness of colour and architectural detail.
Buildings represent examples of nearly every European architectural style and historical period.
Warsaw provides many examples of architecture from the gothic, renaissance, baroque and
neoclassical periods, and around a quarter of the city is filled with luxurious parks and royal
gardens.

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PROGRAMS
Academic + Volunteer

Program Type: Summer Study Abroad Program

Program Location: POLAND/Warsaw
Price: $ 3600
Program Dates: June 1th , 2016 June 21th, 2016
Current Minimum Grade Level:

8th Graders or higher by start of program

Minimum Language Requirement: No Language Requirement

Academic Program:
Total Hours of Instruction:

Turkish Language & Poland Culture Immersion

75

# of Students: Min 50-Max 75

Total Hours of Cultural Immersion:

100+

Total Hours of Service: 0

Language Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Total Credits: 0.5 Full Credit of Turkish Language
Application Deadline: Sunday March 11th, 2016 at 11:59 pm.
Flight Ticket Payment Deadline: March 25th, 2016 at 11:59 pm.
Final Payment Deadline: Friday, April 1st, 2016 at 11:59 pm.

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WHAT`S INCLUDED

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Afternoon
arrival at airport

level tests
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
Hotel check in
Warsaw
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
language
lessons
Departure for
Berlin OR
Krakow
Arrival in
Warsaw
final exam
packing up

language lessons
sightseeing trip to Wilczay Szaniec
"Wolf's Liar"

Evening
welcome dinner/orientation and
departure for Ogonki
grill and campfire
free time/sightseeing

boat trip

volleyball match/free time

kayaking and sports activities

grill and campfire

free time/sightseeing

football match/free time

cycling

grill and campfire

sightseeing in Gizycko

chess tournament

kayaking and sports activities

basketball match/free time

cycling

grill and campfire

free time/sightseeing

departure for Warsaw

time to rest

Visit to Palace of Science and

Culture/Warsaw City Tour

Visit to Warsaw uprising museum

bowling

Visit to Wilanow Palace/Lazienki

Park

free time/On-Campus Sports

facilities

Picnic/ Barbecue in Kabaty Forest

return from picnic

Visit to Copernicus Science

Museum

free time

National Museum

free time/On-Campus Sports

facilities

arrival in Berlin/sightseeing in Berlin OR

visit Wilicka Salt Mine/Sightseeing in
Krakow

departure for Warsaw

time to rest
swimming
Farewell Ceremony

shopping in Warsaw
departure for home

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OGONKI

Morning

WARSAW

Day

Course Descriptions
Program Overview
In Warsaw, HPS offers an intensive Turkish Language and Culture program at the University of Vistula.
Students attend classes in Turkish 4- hours daily, Monday through Friday. On the first day of class,
students are administered a language level placement test by the institute. Classes are taught by university
professors and attended by HPS Study Abroad Program students only; schedules are confirmed upon
language level placement. If necessary, class level changes may be made during the first few days of the
academic program. Students must first inform the professor(s) and program directors, Course
descriptions are available below.
Eligibility

Students must have an ability to speak Turkish at beginning level

Students must demonstrate an acceptable overall discipline record by providing an eligibility
form from school principal/counselor.
Students must attend school in grades 8th through 12th by the program departure date.
Students registered at HPS Study Abroad Programs are eligible to attend the programs and to take
Spanish language classes during the program.
Students who has no any DPS points by the application deadline
Students who has no any disciplinary record including academic dishonesty, arrest, suspension,
detention etc.

Courses
Turkish Language Course (Grammar-Speaking)
Hours: 75 Language Level: Beginning, Intermediate
Credits: 0.5 Half Credit of Turkish Language Class
Course Overview:

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This course is specifically designed with the Beginning, Intermediate Turkish student in mind. The focus
will be on increasing language proficiency levels in students while simultaneously preparing
them to employ correct grammatical structures to their Turkish.
Objectives:
To provide an avenue for students to increase their Turkish language proficiency.
Methodology:
The methodology of this course will be based on any and/or all of the following procedures:
- Reading of texts
- Completion of work both in class and at dorm
- Participation in class discussion
- Administration of exams
The following teaching methods will also be employed:
- Communicative: Emphasizing interaction in communication
- Situational: Students acquire the necessary tools to react comfortably to daily circumstances.
- Personalized instruction and independent learning: Students interact directly with the language and learn
at their own pace.
Flight Information
For this destination, students will be arriving on the other day of their U.S. departure date.
Arrival and Departure Airport:
Warsaw Airport
Departure Date & Time: May 30
Return Date & Time: June 21
o
o
o
o

Study Abroad Orientation Handbook

Housing Placement & Description
Group Contact Information
Program Deposit

FINANCES
Program Fees

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We quote our program fees in U.S. dollars to protect our students and their parents from fluctuations in
the currency market. Our fees are set and do not change because of changes in the exchange rates. We use
forward contracts to balance out the exchange rate fluctuations and to protect our fees. Using forward
contracts can result in an average exchange rate that may vary significantly from the daily rates quoted by
the banks.

Services Included in the Program Fee

Your program fee includes a wide variety of services in addition to tuition and housing. Services are
provided only between the programs start and end dates listed on the program calendar. The HPS Study
Abroad program fee includes tuition, housing and three meals daily, orientation (including
accommodation), basic student union/university activity fees, personal and academic support services
both in the U.S. and abroad, and an official academic transcript issued by VISTUL.
Expenses Not Included in the Program Fee
Expenses not covered by the HPS Summer Study Abroad program such as commuting expenses, vacation
expenses, and transportation fees for U.S. domestic travel, passport, personal property, gifts, international
travel insurance, and personal items.
Payment Information
Payment due Dates and Financial Deadlines

Application fee:

None

Program deposit ($500-Non-Refundable ): Due 7 days after acceptance

Summer program fee due date:
April 1st, 2016
When sending your payment, please follow these guidelines:
Option 1:

You may deposit your program payments to ECO INTERNETIONAL TRAVEL`s account.

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Account number: 488054529528 (Bank of America)

Option 2:

You may make checks payable to ECO INTERNETIONAL TRAVEL`. Checks should indicate
on the memo section the students full name and the name of the program abroad (e.g., Summer
Study Abroad Program in Poland).
Give the payment checks to your study abroad program coordinator in your school campus

Option 3:

You may pay by credit card (Visa and MasterCard) via our website. Each online payment is
subject to a 4.0% convenience fee.
Link for Credit card or PayPal: http://ecointravel.com/payment.html

Payment Instructions
ECO INTERNETIONAL TRAVEL processes all payments and invoices. Here is the contact
information of ECO INTERNETIONAL TRAVEL:
Contact Information:
Work Number: 281-888-9019 (10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Cell Number: (832) 833-9019
Address: 10055 Ruffino Rd Houston TX 77031
Website: www.ecointravel.com
You can reach ECO INTERNETIONAL TRAVEL office from 10:00 am-4:00 pm CT daily by calling
(281) 888-9019.
Delinquent Payments
If we do not receive your full payment by the payment deadline, you will be withdrawn from the
program, will not be allowed to participate in any service or activity of the program. You will not be
refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.
You must make arrangements to pay your fee by the payment deadline.
Abroad
Full-time resident director & on-site staff
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Pre-program excursion
Hotel and Homestay accommodations
On-site program & safety orientations
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Room & board

University transcripts & academic credit
Weekly activities & meetings
Entrance fees
Transportation
Weekend excursions
24-hour emergency contact (U.S. & on-site)
Visa support (where applicable, we will not need a visa for Poland for US Citizen)
Volunteer project materials (VISTULA Documents)

Post-Program
Volunteer hours certificate
Program evaluation
Housing evaluation
Program evaluation for parents

Program Video and Photo CD

Program Completion Certificate

APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES

First Come First Serve!!! There are only 75 spots available.
Once you select your study abroad program, you are ready to apply! Be sure to carefully follow the
directions provided and complete all required application materials. The application process for HPS
Summer Poland Study Abroad Program will facilitated by your school campus engagement & support
coordinator Turkish Department in your campus. Here are the application steps below:
Eligibility
Deadlines
How to Apply
Application Documents
Once Accepted
Eligibility:
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 or equivalent to be eligible for the program
Students must have an ability to speak Turkish at beginning level
Students must demonstrate an acceptable overall discipline record by providing an eligibility
form from school principal/counselor.
Students must attend school in grades 8th through 12th by the program departure date.
Students registered at HPS Study Abroad Programs are eligible to attend the programs and to take
Turkish language classes during the program.
Students who has no any DPS points by the application deadline
Students who has no any disciplinary record including academic dishonesty, arrest, suspension,
detention etc.
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Deadlines:
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 11th, 2016 at 11:59 pm
Flight Ticket Payment Deadline: Sunday, March 25th, 2016 at 11:59 pm.
Final Payment Deadline: Friday, April 1, 2016

How to Apply:
Applications with the required documents are to be submitted by email to studyabroad@harmonytx.org
no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March11th, 2016. The application package will be provided by the
school principal. Please contact your principal for more details. After the due date, students` applications
will not be accepted.
Application Documents:
The Summer Study Abroad Program Application will require the following documents:
Application Form
Program Guideline Signed
Statement of Purpose
Two Recommendation Letters (One from Turkish Language Teacher, one from Principal/Asst.
Principal/Counselor/School Engagement & Support Coordinator)
Program Deposit Fee ($500)
Eligibility Form (The school administration will provide us this form by email)
A copy of the Passport & Visa (if applicable)
Transcript
Copy of International Health Insurance valid for the entire period of stay in Poland
Clear color copy of passport (valid for the entire period of stay in Poland)
Once Accepted
The Study Abroad Committee at H.P.S. Central Office will review your application upon successful
submission of all required application items. Once your application has been carefully reviewed and all
requirements are met, you will be notified by email once a decision has been made regarding the H.P.S.
Summer Study Abroad approval.
HEALTH & TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before traveling abroad:
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Know your insurers policies regarding payment for services or reimbursement for a claim made
abroad.
Most overseas health providers will not process American insurance claims and will expect
payment at the time of treatment.
Have ready access to at least $500 (credit card or travelers checks) in the event medical
treatment is required.
Bring contact information for your primary health-care provider with you. Pack a few blank claim
forms in case you need them.
Submit your insurance information to HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Coordinator on-line.

Questions to consider when acquiring insurance

When does the plan begin and end?
Will the plan cover hospitalization for accidents and illnesses for the entire time I am abroad?
Will the plan cover doctor visits and medication prescribed abroad?
Does the plan cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Are there treatments or types of treatment centers that will not be covered?
Is there a deductible? If so, how much?
Is there a dollar limit to the amount of coverage provided?
What are the procedures for filing a claim for medical expenses abroad? Do I need to pay
expenses up front and then submit receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement?
What if I dont have enough money to pay cash up front? Can money be wired/sent abroad? How
do I do that?
What do I use as proof of international medical coverage (if I need to use the insurance or if the
host government requires documentation)?
Does the plan cover non-U.S. citizens?
Will this insurance cover me in the U.S. for the insured semester if I decide, for medical or other
reasons, to return before the end of the program? (If students have a serious accident or illness
abroad, they may need to return to the U.S. for further care; it is therefore important that students
obtain coverage that applies not only abroad, but also in the U.S. during the study abroad period.)
Health Considerations While Abroad
Take care of foreseeable health needs (medical, mental, dental, gynecological, optical, etc.) before you go
abroad.
Your state of mind
Going abroad is not a magic cure for problems at home. Any health issues you have will follow you
wherever you travel. New circumstances can even exacerbate existing issues into crises while you're

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away. If you are concerned about your physical or emotional health, including use of alcohol or other
controlled drugs, address your situation honestly before going abroad.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine
If you take prescribed medications, take enough with youin your carry-on luggage to avoid problems
with customsto last 2 weeks beyond your expected return. Take a doctors note or the original
prescription. And, stay on your meds! Pack non-prescription drugs and a modest first-aid kit. If you wear
corrective lenses, pack an extra pair of glasses and/or contact lens and extra bottles of saline solution.
Immunizations
Make sure you have the recommended immunizations for the country you will live in and any countries
you plan to visit.

Health Service Recommendations

Before traveling overseas, educate yourself about public health service or advisories related to the host
country, especially if traveling to remote areas. The U.S. State Department also maintains a website that
houses extensive travel-related health and safety information. Students are encouraged to browse:
http://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en/health.html to learn more about how to reduce their risk
of developing a serious illness while abroad.
ACADEMICS
Courses taken abroad may fulfill graduation, distribution, major and elective requirements. It is common
practice for students attending a study abroad program sponsored by another university, college or
organization to be registered at both the VISTULA and Harmony Public Schools. Dual registration is
necessary to obtain a transcript and transfer grades from the university or study abroad program.
Registration Policy
To activate your study abroad registration, each student must be fill out Obtaining Academic Credit: U.S.
School Form with his/her school counselor prior to depart from the U.S.A.
Credit
To receive credit for academic work abroad:
Must be approved through Harmony Public Schools
Must register for an "academic credit" (requires written permission in advance from your campus
administration-by providing us the Obtaining Academic Credit: U.S. School Form)
Students in non-English-speaking countries MUST study the language of the host country while
there
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Complete course work with C or above

Allocation of credit:
You must complete all course work by end of the summer abroad period. Incomplete work = no
allocation of credit
Bring back all course work completed abroad, including essays, research papers, graded exams,
course bibliographies, syllabus, lecture notes, etc.
You will be asked to show your work for credit evaluation

Grades:
Will appear on your high school transcript
Will not be converted
Will be exactly as recorded on the official transcript generated by your study abroad program or
foreign university
May not take courses "Pass/Fail"
Study Abroad Transcripts
Your responsibility to request an official transcript from your study abroad program or university
Have it sent to your school counselor
Your official high school transcript will indicate: the institution or program you attended, the
courses taken, the credits earned, and the grades in their original version
Specific procedures for credit
Credit is awarded after:
You return to your campus, and
An official transcript from your study abroad program or university, Obtaining Academic Credit:
U.S. School Form, Host School Form and all supportive documents including essays, research
papers, graded exams, course bibliographies, syllabus, lecture notes, etc. is received by a school
counselor,
Your school counselor verifies and process your all documents and
Credit will be awarded by your school counselor/administration.
0.5 Credit of Turkish can be awarded for this special Study Abroad Program course. The Travel Abroad
program through Harmony Public Schools will satisfy the requirements for this courses credits. The
presentation will be reviewed by the program committee and credit applied to the students transcript.
DRESS CODE
All general guidelines for dress in the HPS student handbook/guidelines apply on study abroad program
days. Students are expected to arrive in a proper dress every day throughout the HPS study abroad
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program, display honesty and neatness, and take pride in their dresses. The school relies on student
common sense and the support of parents to help maintain this dress code. Parent must provide their
children with the required dress. Clothing items must not depict images of violence
Notice to Parents and Students
If a student arrives at the study abroad program out of desired dress or is groomed inappropriately, the
student will not be allowed to attend language classes until he or she is appropriately dressed. The school
reserves the right to determine and restrict unbecoming styles. Violations of the HPS study abroad
program`s policy and grooming standards will result in disciplinary action. Dresses with torn pants or
shirts with holes are not allowed. All damaged dresses items should be replaced.
Dress Top
All students must wear a shirt and All dresses must have sleeves.
No short, skintight, or bicycle legging dresses or skirts may be worn.
Students may not wear low cut, midriff-baring, or backless blouses.
No spandex or tight fitting t-shirts, shorts, or sweatpants are allowed.
Pants
Properly fitting pants or shorts for all grade levels
Shorts must be the knee or longer. No skirts are allowed.
Pants may not be baggy or sag, or have a low waistline.
Pants must be worn properly at waist.
Pant legs may not be rolled up.
Student may wear leans, but they cannot be tight or skinny leans.
Personal Appearance
No facial or body piercing are allowed.
No clip-on jewelry (earrings, nose rings, etc.) is allowed Girls may wear only one pair of stud
earrings; no large dangling or hoop earrings are allowed; Boys may not wear earrings.
No tattoos are allowed.
No extreme hairstyles (Mohawk/Fohawk/Designs Cut and Spiked-Up) or extreme colored hair
are allowed. Boys` hair may not pass the neck. Sideburns may be to the tip of the ear lobe.
No facial hair for high school male students. Boys must be clean shaven.
Wallets with long chains are not permitted.
Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Girls may wear tasteful make-up and nail polish that does not call attention to the students.
Footwear
Socks must be worn at all times.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Most airlines arrange for overnight flights to Poland. For this program, students need to depart the U.S. on
the official departure date of the HPS-Study Abroad program and arrive in the host country next day.
Programs in Poland, due to their distance and time zones, will enable students to depart and arrive on
different day.

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Arrival and Departure Airport: Warsaw, Poland

Departure Date & Time: Students should depart the U.S. on the departure date and arrive to Warsaw next
day.
Return Time: On the official program return date, groups will travel to the Warsaw airport and depart on
that day, arriving in the U.S. on the same day.
WITHDRAWAL REFUND POLICY
The Withdrawal Deadline from any HPS Summer Study Abroad program is prior to the ticket purchasing
date of the program. If a student withdraws after this final deadline, no refund will be given, regardless of
the reason for withdrawal. All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing by the parent/guardian of
the participant.
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program has the following deadlines:
Application Deadline (Friday, March 11th, 2016 at 11:59 pm.):

Due date for deposit and application materials of $500

First Payment for the Flight Ticket Deadline (Friday, March 25th, 2016 at 11:59 pm.)

Due date for first payment of $1,000

Final Forms & Payment Deadline (Friday, April 1st, 2016 at 11:59 pm.)

Due date for the full payment of the program & all supplementary material

Withdrawal Deadline

Last chance to withdraw from the HPS Summer Study Abroad program prior to the Flight
Ticket Deadline

If a student withdraws from the program prior to this final deadline for withdrawal, the refund policy is as
follows:
a) If the student withdraws from the program on or before the first payment deadline appearing in the
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program catalog/website, they are liable for the $500 application deposit.
The $500 application deposit is part of the program price and not an additional fee.

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b) If the student withdraws from the program after the first payment deadline but prior to the final forms
and payment deadline appearing in the HPS Summer Study Abroad Program catalog/website, HPS
Summer Study Abroad Program will not refund any payment. This applies to all students, regardless of
the reason for withdrawal.
c) If the student withdraws from the program after the final forms and payment deadline but prior to the
departure date appearing in the HPS Summer Study Abroad Program catalog/website, HPS Summer
Study Abroad Program will not refund any payment.
Signing and returning all documents in your acceptance packet is the students responsibility. If a student
fails to return the documents after repeated notification (email or call), he/she will be deemed withdrawn
and will not be eligible for a refund. Program changes are not permitted 1-14 days prior to the start of the
program.
HOUSING
In Warsaw, students will stay in the hotel throughout the program.
In Ogonko, students will stay at university camp

UNIVERSITY

Vistula University (VU) (Akademia Finansw i Biznesu Vistula) was founded in 1996 and is one
of the first private universities of Poland. Vistula University (Vu) is supervised by the Ministry of
Science and Higher Education of The Republic of Poland and accredited by the State
Accreditation Committee. The university offers programs in English and Polish in several fields.
While being a student at Vistula University students get a unique chance to study in an
international environment with students from over 35 different countries. Apart from the
attractive educational program, the University offers its students an opportunity to participate in
scholarship programs, internships and international programs such as Erasmus. In addition,
through the COOP-EDU program, it cooperates with many renowned companies such as IBM,
Microsoft, Aster and Oracle.
ORIENTATION
Students fly into Warsaw where they meet the VISTULA resident staff and attend on-site
orientations. The orientation program encompasses the HPS on-site orientation delivered to all students in
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the first days of their HPS Summer Study Abroad Program. The VSTULA staff will discuss health and
safety while abroad, Poland's history and culture, what to expect, the academic program, and adjusting to
daily life in Poland. The orientation program is an important introduction to a new culture and a new
experience, and is designed to prepare students for a successful, positive and rewarding experience that
will influence the rest of their lives.
After the day-long pre-program excursion, students will take a language placement exam and join a weeklong program in Warsaw.During their first few days in their host city, students will participate in a city
tour, take a language placement exam, and begin classes.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
In addition to classes, the VISTULA staff may organizes meetings to monitor students' progress and
discuss the week's itinerary, including cultural activities and excursions.
Classes
Classes are held Monday through Friday with morning sessions.
Cultural Activities
The VISTULA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite students to
experience the local color of their host city, while learning about the history and culture of their new
surroundings. Several mandatory activities are planned for each week students are abroad. Below is a list
of cultural activities the VISTULA staff in Warsaw has organized in the past.
Free Time
During each week and on some weekend days students will have free time to explore Warsaw with their
chaperones. The VISTULA staff provides students with suggested activities to help learn more about their
host city and culture.

Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the students study abroad
experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the
classroom in the five areas of the Expedition/Exploration Model. Transportation and guided tours are
included as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional
excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost, but provide
students other opportunities for expedition, exploration, and discovery.
The Discovery Model
A primary objective of all HPS High school programs is to facilitate the learning and development of
program participants. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but HPS
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline
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High School is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student
learning are shaped by a teaching & learning framework we call the Expedition/Exploration Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery:
1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
CHAPERONE RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
The purpose of a chaperone is to keep order and see to the safety and conduct of those students involved
in a school event. Chaperones for all activities agree to adhere to the procedures set out below as well as
the duties and responsibilities set out in the Superintendent regulations affecting chaperones. It is
expected all chaperones read and become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of Chaperones as
set forth in this document. Chaperones must also complete the Volunteer Application form prior to serving
as a Chaperone.
Eligibility Criteria

Chaperones must be a staff member of HPS or Partner Schools

For the welfare of the chaperone, he/she should be in good physical health.
Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age.
Chaperones will be selected by the HPS Summer Study Abroad Programs Committee with
approval by Area superintendent, school principal, and engagement &support programs director
and/or coordinators summer.
Chaperones selection will be based on experience, skills, character, length of service to the
organization, teacher of the course, and additional miscellaneous factors.
At least one chaperone may have a medical background, training or experience.
Chaperones cannot bring other family members other than chaperoning members.
As required by HPS Summer Study Abroad Program, applicants must submit the appropriate
documents for criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting.

Chaperone Guidelines

The trip supervisor must be a faculty/staff member of HPS.

All chaperones must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the school faculty/staff or a
district registered volunteer.
Overnight chaperones must assume a 24-hour day responsibility for students from the time they
leave until the time they return. The purpose of chaperoning is not to spend quality time with only
your child (ren). All parent chaperones are on duty 24 hours a day with responsibility to the
entire group and itinerary at all times.
The level of student supervision of students while on the trip is no less than the level of
supervision of students required when students are on campus, participating in class, or
participating in other school or school board activities.
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline
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Chaperones are expected to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline, the
Civility Policy and shall report all suspected violations to the trip supervisor immediately.
Chaperones may not discipline a student, staff member or another chaperone. Consequences for
inappropriate behavior will be determined by the trip supervisor.
Drinking of alcoholic beverages by a chaperone at any time during the trip is prohibited.
Smoking by a chaperone at any time during the trip is prohibited.
Chaperones must actively supervise and maintain an accurate check of members assigned to
them.
Overnight chaperones may not retire until all students are in their rooms, all visiting between
rooms has ceased, and chaperones have verified the safety and security of the students.
Chaperones will not have free time for independent sightseeing, tours, or shopping.
Gender of the group members shall be considered when assigning chaperones and floor
assignments.
Chaperones will not be permitted to bring siblings of participating students or other persons on a
field trip.
Parents or student relatives who are not chaperones or student participants in the trip will not be
permitted to interfere with the chaperones responsibilities, nor substitute, unless approved by the
trip supervisor.
Chaperones must wear appropriate clothing at all times. Appropriate clothing is defined in the
HPS student handbook as being dressed from neck/shoulder area to mid-thigh or knee area.
Medical release waivers for each student shall be carried on all trips/programs. In case of an
accident, the medical release waivers shall be presented to the treating physician. A students
permission slip shall be attached to the student injury incident report which is required with an
accident.
Chaperones are required to report any illness of students to the trip supervisor immediately.
For the welfare of the chaperone, he/she should be in good physical health. Chaperones should
expect extensive walking daily, on uneven terrain; bus travel through winding mountainous roads,
and exposure to culturally different environments.

Chaperones who wish to be considered, will submit application and HPS Summer Study Abroad Program
Guideline signed by Sunday, March 6th, 2016 and complete background check as required by HPS. All
required documents must be submitted by applicants to serve as a chaperon in the program, otherwise
applications will not be considered. Please contact your school principal for more information.
Resources:
Orange County Public Schools, Florida McIntosh High School Orchestra Boosters, INC., Field Trip
Chaperone Application
Stevenson High School, Band Boosters, Field Trip Chaperone Application
Anchor Bay High School, Band Camp Chaperone Application
Miscellaneous
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline
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Personal Input/Common Sense

PHOTO CONTEST
Did you study abroad, have the time of your life, and have a lot of great pictures you would love to share
with the Harmony Public Schools? Here is the perfect chance to display your photos to your fellow HPS
students, staff, and parents! Dont miss out on this great opportunity to show off your beautiful
photographs and videos from your engaging experience abroad!
We are pleased to announce the HPS Study Abroad Photography Contest in order to promote study abroad
programs to the student, parent and staff community. Program participants of HPS study abroad programs
are invited to submit photos and videos from their time abroad. Entry photos and videos are grouped into
eight categories: The Artistic Eye, Culture, Customs and Traditions, the Gang is all Here, I'm with
HPSSA! Once in a Lifetime Moment, When in POLAND, Your Major Abroad, and Video Short.
Contest Categories
The Artistic Eye - A chance to express your creative vision that may not fit in any of the other categories
Culture, Customs and Traditions - Fairs, ceremonies, holiday celebrations, local festivals, and other
cultural activities
The Gang is all Here - Organized group shots with 3 to 8 people
I'm with HPSSA! - HPSSA activities and/or excursions, students holding the HPSSA logo, HPSSA office
& staff
Once in a Lifetime Moment - Everyone has that moment abroad when they stop and realize that the
study abroad experience truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Were you able to capture that moment?
Show us!
When in POLAND - Everyday life, activities, foods, people and places unique to your city
Your Major Abroad - Give us an insight of your academic experience abroad; after all, studying is the
root of studying abroad! What were your classes like? Did you collaborate on any research projects?
What did you learn that opened your mind?
Video Short - Show us a distillation or highlight of your study abroad experience in a short video, minidocumentary, or media collage of less than 5 minutes.
Eligibility

The photo contest will be open to HPS summer study abroad students attending summer study
abroad programs during the 2016-17 academic year.
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline
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For purposes of this competition, study abroad may include international internships or
employment.
It does not, however, include vacation travel abroad other than interim travel as part of a study
abroad program.

How to Submit

Each photo needs to be submitted with a brief description for each online.
Use this entry submission form to upload your images and/or video.
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2016.
Two finalists from each photo category and from the video category will be displayed on
our webpage on July 10, 2016. Voting will take place online from June 10-24, so spread the word
and tell your friends!
Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category, which will be determined by the amount of
"likes."

Contest Rules

Photos must be your original work.

Photos must be high quality resolution, at least 2 MB and up.
Photos must be taken while abroad on a 2016-2017 HPS summer study abroad program.
Photos must be free of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or any inappropriate material or content.

By submitting photos to the contest, entrants are agreeing to grant the HPS license for use of the
photographs in displays related to the contest and in the HPS`s printed and electronic publications. Photos
may be modified, retouched, and used for promotional purposes, such as on the HPS Study Abroad
website, Facebook, Flickr, and in brochures, fliers, or posters. By agreeing to these terms, entrants are
releasing all submitted photos from any liability that may arise from the use of the images.

Prizes
Prizes will be announced by the school administration/central office.
We also select a variable number of honorable mentions. The winners will be announced by the end of the
Summer`16.

I have read the above Harmony Public Schools Summer Study Abroad Guideline document
and agree to follow the procedures and policies outlined and referenced in it.

Date:____________________________
HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline
Initials: _____ ______

Student Name (Please Print):__________________________________ Signature:

__________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print):___________________________ Signature:

_________________

HPS Summer Study Abroad Program Guideline

Initials: _____ ______