European universities differ from each other on many levels. In Poland we have a traditional model of large public universities that offer classic degrees. Students don’t need to pay tuition as they are directly funded by the government. But as a result, the government can wield influence over the school. Needless to say, tuition has stopped being the main criteria for choosing a university. Polish students being given the opportunity to study anywhere in Europe look at other factors, such as prestige.
In 2006 Tony Blair arrived in Poland encouraging young Poles to study in the UK. Recent statistics showed a 1000 percent increase, in the last three years, in the number of Polish students applying to British universities. In 2005/6 there were 1483 applications, 78 percent higher than in the years 2004/5. That is why the British government’s plan is to attract 100 000 foreign students in the next five years, its goal, to become the world leader in education.
From comments on websites and private conversations Polish students are of two minds about staying or studying abroad. Polish universities are under-funded and students receive little help as grants and scholarships are low. What may seem attractive in foreign universities is being given the choice of how and when to study. We give you the tools and hands-on experience you make use of it as you see fit. The choice is yours.
Application – an official request for something (podanie, próba)Derivatives and expression:
To apply – to request something, usually officially (zgłaszać się)
Apply yourself – to work hard at something (przykładać się do czegoś)