Poznan

About Poznan

Poznan is a place where the energy of the New Europe is merged with the civilization of the West. A metropolis with over half-a-million residents, Poznan is situated in the most economically developed region of Poland, closer to Berlin than to Warsaw. Poznanians can be counted on – they are well-educated, competent and welcoming.
The city is focused on achieving success, grounded on a 1000-year tradition of competence. The most ambitious of projects and the bravest of visions have a chance to succeed here. The state of Poland was born in Poznan and it was also the location of the Greater Poland Uprising, the only successful armed bid for independence in Poland and a proof of the exceptional resourcefulness of its citizens.
The people of this metropolis also stand out in terms of their spirit of enterprise, renowned for generations. During the great economic crisis at the beginning of the 20th century, Poznan managed to establish itself as one of the biggest trading areas in this part of Europe. Today, the Poznan International Trade Fair Centre successfully hosts large international events including the 2008 United Nations IPCC climate conference and a 2010 meeting of the delegations of 46 ministers of culture from Europe and Asia, under the auspices of the Asia-Europe Meeting.
The city’s sports infrastructure allows for the organisation of major international sporting events. In the opinion of experts, Poznan has one of the most beautifully located regatta courses in the world and hosts one of the largest street races in Europe- the Poznan Marathon. Poznan is also becoming famous around the football stadiums of Europe for the passion of the fans of Lech Poznan-the best supported club in Poland.
Poznan cultural climate is formed by the wide range of entertainment on offer. Major international events hosted here include: Malta Festival – the biggest theatre festival in Poland, Dancing Poznan – which has been attracting dancers from all over the world for 17 years and the Made in Chicago Festival – the only festival of the Chicago Jazz School in Europe.
The program is complemented by small but quickly growing events – the Animator Festival – the biggest festival of animated films in Poland, the Ethno Port Festival – recognized as one of the best 25 world music festivals in the world and Transatlantic – an event focusing on film scores.
By both realizing professional challenges efficiently and spending our free time creatively, we can look on Poznan as a City of Work and a City of Play.

Numbers

Founded: 10th century
Population: 537,643
Number of Higher Education Institutions: 34

Study in Poznan

Poznan is one of the four largest academic centers in Poland. Every one of four inhabitants in Poznań is a student. Since Poznań is smaller than Warsaw or Cracow still having a very large number of students it makes the city even more vibrant and dense “academic hub” than both former and current capitals of Poland. Poznan, with more than 30 colleges and universities, has the second richest educational offering in Poland after Warsaw.

Advantages

– Relatively low cost of living (prices and flat rent are much lower than in other European countries)
– Convenient infrastructure and public transportation
– Rich cultural life – concerts, festivals, exhibitions and nightlife.
– Local people are helpful and friendly.
– Poznan is located very close (closer than Warsaw) to the great European capital – Berlin.

Disadvantages

– Language barrier – when you don’t speak Polish, it’s difficult to deal with paperwork in offices, banks or at the doctor’s.

Interesting

– Poznan is the only city that is mentioned in the Polish anthem. Polish anthem is a lively song with uplifting lyrics written by Józef Wybicki in 18th century after the partitions of the country.
– Poznan is the most important city in Poland for all the musicians. One of the country’s best choirs are practicing and performing there. Every 5 years, world famous violin competition takes place in the city.
– Even though Poland is one of the most intolerant countries of Europe, Poznan is different. It’s considered as the most gay-friendly Polish city.