The final product of the comenius partnership the guidebook for youngsters

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Contents 2
Chapter 1 Basic Information about the partner countries 3
Basic information about Finland 3
Basic information about Hungary 7
Basic information about Spain 10
Basic information about Slovakia 12
Basic information about Poland 15
Chapter 2 A tertiary education in partner countries 22
Education in Finland 22
Universities in Finland 24
Hungarian tertiary education system 25
Tertiary education in Spain 28
Tertiary education, universities in Slovakia 31
Education in Poland 33
The Higher Education Institutions in Poland 34
The most popular faculties to study in Poland over last 5 years and career paths you can take 37
Ten best universities in Poland 41
Chapter 3 Employment issues 44
Unemployment in Europe and in Poland 44
Employment issues – national and local levels 49
Reasons for unemployment in Spain 50
What steps should be taken? 50
Chapter 4 Business Etiquette 51
Business etiquette in Spain 55
Addressing a person 55
Dress code 55
Time and punctuality 55
At school 56
Meeting and greeting 56
Conversation 55
Business meals 56
Manners and customs 57
Giving presentations in public 57
Preparation 57
Impression 58
Verbal and non – verbal language 58
Confidence 58
Coping with nerves 58
Chapter 5 Disability issues 60
Chapter 6 First aid 67
Chapter 7 My Comenius experience 73

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Chapter 1 Basic Information about the partner countries
Basic information about Finland
Finland is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. In 2012
Finland's population was around 5.4 million. Helsinki is the capital of Finland. Other large cities include Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lahti ja Kuopio.
Here’s a list of interesting places worth visiting that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Sites:
Sammallahdenmäki is a Bronze age burial site in Finland in Lappi municipality. It is one of the most important Bronze Age sites in Scandinavia.
Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands (Kustaanmiekka, Susisaari,
IsoMustasaari, PikkuMustasaari, LänsiMustasaari and Långören) and which now forms part of the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Old Rauma is the wooden city centre of the town of Rauma. The oldest buildings date from the 18thcentury, as two fires of 1640 and 1682 destroyed the town. Most buildings are currently inhabited andowned by private individuals, although along the two main streets and around the town square they aremainly out side in business use.

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SantaPark (not on the UNESCO list) is an amusement park and visitor attraction near Rovaniemi inthe Lapland region of Finland. The park is designed to emulate the cavern residence of Santa Claus onthe Arctic circle. Popular culture often depicts Santa Claus (or joulupukki in Finnish) coming from Lapland. Therefore, tourists come every year to Rovaniemi to meet Santa Claus.
Languages
Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages of Finland. Finnish is a member of the Finnic group of the Uralic family of languages. The Finnic group also includes Estonian and a few minority languages spoken around the Baltic Sea.
Some examples:
Hello = Moikka
Good Morning = Hyvää huomenta
How are you? = Mitä kuuluu?
I’m fine, thanks = Hyvää, kiitos
Finland’s national anthem was originally written in Swedish by Johan Ludvig Runeberg and it goes like this:
Oi maamme, Suomi, synnyinmaa,
soi, sana kultainen!
Ei laaksoa, ei kukkulaa,
ei vettä rantaa rakkaampaa,
kuin kotimaa tää pohjoinen,
maa kallis isien!
Sun kukoistukses kuorestaan
kerrankin puhkeaa,
viel lempemme saa nousemaan
sun toivos, riemus loistossaan,
ja kerran, laulus synnyinmaa
korkeemman kaiun saa.
Oh our land, Finland, land of our birth,
rings out the golden word!
No valley, no hill,
no water, shore more dear
than this northern homeland,
precious land of our fathers.
Your splendour from its shell
one day will bloom;
From our love shall rise
your hope, glorious joy,
and once your song, fatherland
higher still will echo.
Jean Sibelius (8 December 1865 – 20 September 1957)

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Jean Sibelius (born Johan Julius Christian Sibelius) was a Finnish composer of the late Romantic period. His music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. Sibelius was born in Hämeenlinna in the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland, the son of Swedish speaking doctor Christian Gustaf Sibelius and Maria Charlotta Sibelius née Borg.
Although known by the typical Finnish and Swedish name "Janne" to his family, during his student years he began using the French form of his name, "Jean", inspired by the business cardof his seafaring uncle. He is now universally known as Jean Sibelius. In addition to the symphonies, Sibelius's bestknown compositions include Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse triste, the Violin Concerto in D minor and The Swan of Tuonela (one of the four movements of the Lemminkäinen Suite). Sibelius composed prolifically until the mid1920s. However, after completing his Seventh Symphony (1924), the incidental music to The Tempest (1926), and the tone poem Tapiola (1926), he produced no large scale works for the remaining thirty years of his life. Although he is reputed to have stopped composing, he in fact attempted to continue writing, including abortive efforts to compose an eighth symphony. He wrote some Masonic music and reedited some earlier works during this last period of his life, and retained an active interest in new developments in music, although he did not always view modern music favorably.
Tove Jansson (9 August 1914 – 27 June 2001)
Tove Marika Jansson was a Swedish speaking Finnish novelist, painter,
illustrator and comic strip author. Brought up by artistic parents, Jansson studied art from 1930 to 1938 in Stockholm, Helsinki and then Paris. Her first solo art exhibition was in 1943. At the same time, she was writing short stories and articles for publication, as well as creating the graphics for book covers and other purposes. She continued to work as an artist for the rest of her life, alongside her writing. Jansson is best known as the author of the Moomin books for children. The first such book, The Moomins and the Great Flood, appeared in 1945, though it was the next two books, Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll, published in 1946 and 1948 respectively, that brought her fame. Here’s a quote from the book Moominvalley in November:
“Lie on the bridge and watch the water flowing past. Or run, or wade through the swamp in

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your red boots. Or roll yourself up and listen to the rain falling on the roof. It's very easy to enjoy yourself.”
― Tove Jansson, Moominvalley in November
And here’s a link to a series of moomintrolls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUimRPULBKU
Finnish mythology
Finnish mythology is the mythology that goes with Finnish paganism which is still practiced by the Finnish people. It has many features shared with fellow Finnic Estonian mythology and its nonFinnic neighbours, the Balts and the Scandinavians. Some of their myths are also distantly related to the myths of other FinnoUgric speakers like the Samis. Finnish mythology survived within an oral tradition of mythical poemsinging and folklore well into the 19th century.
Although the gradual influence of surrounding cultures raised the significance of the skygod in a monolatristic manner, the father god "Ukko" (Old Man) was originally just a nature spirit like all the others. Ukko was a god of the sky, weather, and the crops. He was also the most significant god in Finnish mythology and the Finnish word for thunder, "ukkonen" (little Ukko) or "ukonilma" (Ukko's weather), is derived from his name. In the Kalevala he is also called "ylijumala" (overgod), as he is the god of things of the sky. He makes all his appearances in myths solely by natural effects when invoked.
Of the animals, the most sacred was the bear, whose real name was never uttered out loud, lest his kind be unfavorable to the hunting. The bear ("karhu" in Finnish) was seen as the embodiment of the forefathers, and for this reason it was called by many euphemisms:
mesikämmen ("meadpaw"), otso ("browed one"), kontio ("dweller of the land"), lakkapoika ("cloudberry boy"), metsän kultaomena ("the golden apple of the forest") but not a god. Tuonela was the land of dead. It was an underground home or city for all the dead people, not only the good or the bad ones. It was a dark and lifeless place, where everybody slept forever. Still a brave shaman could travel to Tuonela in trance to ask for the forefathers' guidance. To travel to Tuonela, the soul had to cross the dark river of Tuonela. If he had a proper reason, then a boat would come to take him over. Many times a shaman's soul had to trick the guards of Tuonela into believing that he was actually dead.

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Basic information about Hungary
Flag:
The Hungarian flag changed a lot in the course of history. At first it was only red and white. The green was added in the XV. century. All three colours have their own meaning: the red means strength the white means loyalty and the green means hope.
The flag we use today became official in 1990. The red, white and green stripes are equally wide without crest.
Language:
Hungarian language belongs to the Finno-Ugrian family of laguages. At the beginning our language seperated from its closest relatives and started to develop on its own.
After Hungary became catholic latin had a huge influence on our language. We use the latin alphabet in our own version of it. For a very long time latin was our official language.
From 1790 to 1820 we started to broaden our vocabulary and we changed the we we write our words. This process is called neology.
Hungarian first became official in 1836 besides latin. It became our only official language in 1844.
The Hungarian alphabet:
a á b c cs d dz dzs e é f g gy h i í j k l ly m n ny o ó ö ő p q r s sz t ty u ú ü ű v w x y z zs
A Á B C Cs D Dz Dzs E É F G Gy H I Í J K L Ly M N Ny O Ó Ö Ő P Q R S Sz T Ty U Ú Ü Ű V W X Y Z Zs
National Anthem:
Hungary’s first anthem was a song called Boldogasszony Anyánk. Then in the XIX. century when we were part of the Habsburg Empire our anthem was the same as theirs which was Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser composed by Joseph Haydn.
Our current national anthem (Himnusz) was declared official in 1989. It’s a poem set into music. The poem was written by Ferenc Kölcsey in 1823.
Legend:
The legend of the White Stag
It’s a pagan legend that discusses the process of settlement of the hungarians.
According to the lengend there were two brothers called Hunor and Magor whose descendants are the huns and the hungarians. While they were hunting in the woods a deer showed up in front of them and led them to a new land. The legend says that the deer was sent by one of their gods to show them the way to their new homeland. The brothers followed the deer and they settled down on a place we call

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Hungary today.
Famous Hungarian figures:
I. Stephen (997-1038)
He was Hungary’s first king. He was raised in catholic mentality, he brought christian faith into our country. During his reign Hungary went through a lot of changes and started to develop. This
process granted Hungary enough power to remain a strong and independent country.
Sándor Petőfi: (1823-1849)
Hungarian poet, revolutionist, national hero.
One of the most outstanding figue of the hungarian poetry. He took a very important part in the revolution in 1848. He wrote the poem called Nemzeti Dal (National Song) that had a huge influence on the rebellious crowd.
He died in a battle against the Habsburg Empire.
A piece of literature:
Petőfi Sándor: Nemzeti Dal
Talpra magyar, hí a haza! Itt az idő, most vagy soha! Rabok legyünk vagy szabadok? Ez a kérdés, válasszatok! A magyarok istenére Esküszünk, Esküszünk, hogy rabok tovább Nem leszünk!
Sándor Petőfi: National Song
On your feet now, Hungary calls you! Now is the moment, nothing stalls you, Shall we be slaves or men set free That is the question, answer me! By all the gods of Hungary We hereby swear, That we the yoke of slavery No more shall wear.
Population: Our current population is 9 908 798 people. Our population involves people came from different nationalities like germans, slovakians, romanians, croatians, serbians and gypsies. The top 5 major cities: Budapest is our largest city and Hungary’s capital. Most of the citizens live here. There are lots of interesting tourist attractions to see, for example: The Castle of Buda, The Heroes’ Square and the Chain Bridge.
Debrecen: Our second biggest city. When you are in Debrecen it’s worth visiting the Zoo of Debrecen, the Hortobágy National Park and the annual Flower Carnival.

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Szeged: The third largest city in Hungary. In Szeged you can visit the Dóm Square, the Votive Church and the University ofSzeged which is also worth visiting. Miskolc: Hungary’s fourth biggest city. You can visit the Zoo and Cultural Park of Miskolc, the Old Wooden Church and the Cave baths of Miskolctapolca in Miskolc. Interesting places: Hortobágy National Park – Puszta:
The cultural landscape of the Hortobágy Puszta consists of a vast area of plains and wetlands in eastern Hungary. Traditional forms of land use, such as the grazing of domestic animals, have been present in this pastoral society for more than two thousand years. It is part of the Tisza plain of eastern Hungary.
Old Village of Hollókő:
Hollókő is an outstanding example of a deliberately preserved traditional settlement. This village, which developed mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries, is a living example of rural life before the agricultural revolution of the 20th century.
Hollókő also known for its traditional clothing style and Easter customs.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs:
In the 4th century a remarkable series of decorated tombs were constructed in the cemetery of the Roman provincial town of Sopianae (modern Pécs). These are important both structurally and architecturally, since they were built as underground burial chambers with memorial chapels above the ground.
Millenary Benetictine Abbey of Pannonhalma:
The first Benedictine monks settled down here in 996. They were evangelizing the Hungarians, they found the country's first school and in 1055 they wrote the first document in Hungarian. From the time of its founding, this monastic community has promoted culture throughout central Europe.
The Historic Wine Region of Tokaj:
The cultural landscape of Tokaj graphically demonstrates the long tradition of wine production in this region of low hills and river valleys. It’s located at the foothills of the Zemplén Mountains in Northern-Eastern Hungary.

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Basic information about Spain
Spain is situated in south-western Europe and occupies almost the entire Iberian Peninsula. It has a population of 47.190.493 inhabitants. Its government structure is a parliamentary monarchy. Its anthem is The royal march. Spain's national anthem is one of the oldest in Europe and its origins are unknown. Spain is divided into 17 regions and two territorial divisions.
MAJOR CITIES
MADRID: The capital and largest city in
Spain. It has got approximately 3.3 million
people and in Madrid metropolitan area there is a population of 6.5 million. It is the third-largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin.
BARCELONA: The capital of Catalonia the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid, with a population of 1,621,537. It is also the largest Spanish city in the Mediterranean sea. It is located on the north-east Mediterranean coast between the rivers Llobregat and Besòs.
INTERESTING PLACES WORTH VISITING
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Santiago de Compostela is located in the north-west of Spain, in Galicia. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. The oldest monuments are grouped around the tomb of St James and the cathedral. Lots of pilgrims go there to see the tomb of the apostle Saint James the Greater, Santiago.
LA ALHAMBRA
It is one of Spain’s major tourist attractions. Alhambra means Red Female because the building reflects the colour of red clay. It was built as a small fortress in the 9th century and later became the emir’s palace. When the Catholic Monarchs reconquered Granada in 1492,Christian rulers started to use it.
LANGUAGE Spanish is spoken by more than 400 million people around the world and it is one of the most important languages in business and in the cultural scene. In some places the word Castilian Spanish is used to refer to standard Spanish. That is because of the region of Castille. In fact, Spanish originated in northern Spain as a continuation of spoken Latin. In Spain there are a lot of dialects but we can’t confuse these with other languages in Spain, for example, Extremaduran or Andalucian would be dialects and Catalonian and Basque would be different languages.

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FAMOUS PEOPLE It very difficult to choose only two famous people in Spain because there are a lot of people who are good at doing specific things, so we would highlight some well-known people in different areas: Pedro Almodóvar is one of the best film director in Spain. In 2012, his film “The Skin I Live” received four Goyas and also won an Oscar award for “All about my mother” Diego Velázquez was a Spanish painter, one of the most important painters of the Spanish Golden Age. He was an individualistic artist of the contemporary Baroque period, important as a portrait artist. One of his most known works is “Las Meninas” Pablo Picasso was a Spanish sculptor and painter and he is also known for co-founding the Cubist movement. His best works were “Guernica”, “Las señoritas de Avignon” or“Maternidad”.
LITERATURE We can find some well known writers: Miguel de Cervantes: He was a novelist, poet and playwright and considered to be the greatest in Spanish literature and universally known for writing Don Quixote. Antonio Machado: He was a Spanish poet and one of the leading figures of the Spanish literary movement known as Generación del 98. He was born in Seville and in his poetry career, there are three stages:“Soledades”(1899-1907), “Campos de Castilla” (1907-1917), “Nuevas canciones” (1917-1930) Federico García Lorca: He was a Spanish poet. Nowadays he is the most widely read Spanish poet of all time. His major works were: “Impressions and Landscapes” (1918), “Book of poems” (1921), “Poem of Deep Song”; written in 1921 but unpublished until 1931. He was murdered in the Spanish civil war.
LEGEND OF LA SERRANA DE LA VERA It is a widely spread legend from Extremadura about a woman who was cheated by her lover. As he refused to marry her, she ran away, broken- hearted, to live in the mountains. “La serrana” hid in a cave and every man who passed by her was seduced and murdered. It happened to all men except one who managed to escape and report it to the authorities. Eventually, she was sentenced to death.

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Basic information about Slovakia
Slovakia is one of the smallest countries in Europe and it is situated in the heart of Europe. The population of Slovakia is about five millions. The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava and it lies on the banks of the river Danube. Slovakia is divided into eight regions - Bratislava, Trnava, Trenčín, Nitra, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Košice and Prešov. Our national language is Slovak. The Slovak flag is formed by three parallel stripes (white, blue, red), and by the Slovak state emblem – double cross.
The national anthem is “Nad Tatrou sa blýska” written by Janko Matuška (1844)
You can listen to the national anthem at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UALqd8t3YxY
INTERESTING PLACES WHICH ARE WORTH VISITING
Orava castle
It is a treasure of the history of Orava and still attracts thousands of tourists every year. This castle is situated on 112m high cliff above the river Orava, in the village Oravský Podzámok. The first document about it comes from the year 1267. There are still impressive exhibitions, e.g. the Castle Chapel, the Knight´s Hall, the Picture Gallery, the Natural Science Exhibition.
Gothic Wooden Roman-Catholic Church of All Saints
It is from the 15thcentury. It was awarded by the EUROPA NOSTRA PLAQUE in 1993
and this monument was included in the list of European Cultural Heritage. It has a
beautiful wooden altar with patrons of the church. Today, the church is used only occasionally, e.g. for weddings but its main purpose is to serve tourists.

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Dobšinská Ice Cave
Dobšinská Ice Cave belongs to the most important ice caves in the world. Since 2000 it has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. This cave has the glaciated part at elevations from 1,100 to 1,120 metres above the sea level, the monumental glaciations of the Dobšinská Ice Cave persist for thousands of years at elevations only 920 to 950 metres.
Vlkolínec
Vlkolínec is a small village situated at the foot of a mountain in the north of Slovakia. This village is situated in the district of the town Ružomberok in Žilina region. It is a conservation area of folk architecture. You can find here classical wooden block houses typical for central Europe. This village has been included to UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav
Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav was born in Vyšný Kubín. He was and still is a very famous Slovak poet, playwright, novelist, translator, lawyer, and honorary President of Slovak Matica. Hviezdoslav is one of the leading personalities of Slovak literature and culture in Slovakia, he belonged to among the most important leaders in Slovak literature. There are also many squares, streets, a village and even a waterfall which are named by him.
In the art, we also have an artistic competition in poetry and prose called “Hviezdoslavov Kubin”.
Among his best known masterpieces we include:
- Letorosty I., II., III.
- Krvavé sonety
- Hájnikova žena
- Ežo Vlkolínsky
- Herodes a Herodias

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Juraj Jánošík
He is considered as a Slovak legend and national hero. He was a robber who took money the rich people and gave it to the
poor ones. He grew up in Terchová in a solitude, in the family whose name was repeatedly on the serf lists. According to the Slovak folk legend Juraj Jánošík and his retinue lived in the forests between Žilina and Liptovský Mikuláš. According to the Polish legend he was also looting in Poland. He was so called “Slovak Robin Hood”. Jánošík became very famous not only in Slovakia. He was also known in the Czech Republic.The Poles use to call him “hero of the Tatras”.
Ľudovít Štúr
He was the Slovak national revivalist,
politician, philosopher, historian, linguist,
teacher, writer, poet, journalist and editor.
In 1843 he codified the Slovak literary language based on the Central Slovak dialects. He was one of the leading
participants in the Slovak National Uprising.
Blessed Sister Zdenka
Zdenka Schellingová was a Slovak nun. She belonged to the Sisters of Mercy
Order. It was the order of the Holy cross pursuit by the Catholic Church in the Czech-Slovakia. Zdenka Schellingová was born in Krivá in Orava, as the tenth of eleven children. Her original name was Cecilia. Cecilia decided for religious life very discreetly. In her fifteen, she joined to the Sisters of Saint Cross Order in the Podunajské Biskupice. She decided to dedicate whole her life to God.

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Basic information about Poland
Location: Poland, an East Central European nation, borders six countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania. Its Baltic Sea coast spans 328 miles. Population:38,192,000 Capital: Warsaw Currency: Złoty (PLN), View Polish coins and Polish banknotes. Language and Alphabet: The Poles have their own language, Polish, which uses the Latin alphabet with a few extra letters, namely the letter ł, pronounced like the English. Locals usually also know a little German, English, or Russian. German will be more readily understood in the west and Russian more in the east. Polish has the second largest number of speakers among the Slavic languages after Russian.
Religion: The Poles are devoutly religious with almost 90% of the population identifying themselves as Roman Catholic. To most Poles, being Polish is synonymous with being Roman Catholic.
Poland History and Culture Facts
The name "Poland" originates from the name of the tribe "Polanie" which means "people living in the open fields". Poland first became a unified entity in the 10th century It's first documented ruler was Mieszko I in the 10th century. From the 14th to the 18th centuries, Poland and neighboring Lithuania were politically united. The constitution established in the late 18th century is a monumental event in European history. The next hundred years saw a Poland divided by those who would control its territory Russia, Prussia, Austria, but Poland was reconstituted during WWI. Poland was heavily affected by WWII, and today it's possible to visit some of the Nazi camps established there for the purpose of mass extermination of groups of unfavorable individuals, including Jews, Roma, and the disabled. The Katyń Massacre records the murder of some 22,000 of Poland's finest soldiers, academics, professionals and business owners in the 1940 by the Soviet Secret Police who were buried in the Katyń Forest in what is today Russia. In the 20th century, a communist regime with close ties to Moscow ruled until the 1990s, when communism's collapse reverberated through East and East Central Europe.
The highest mountain in Australia was named in 1840 by Polish explorer Paul Edmund Strzelecki as Mount Kosciuszko because of the mountain's resemblance to the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Kraków was the headquarters and the place of coronation of Polish kings and the nation's capital from 1038 until the move to Warsaw in 1596. Poles represent the biggest number of people by nationality to rescue Jews during the German Nazi-organised Holocaust, up to around 450,000 from certain death. Poland holds the world record with the most people at 6,135 being awarded the title of Righteous among the Nations by the State of Israel.

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Dąbrowski's Mazurka (national anthem of Poland)
Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła,
Kiedy my żyjemy.
Co nam obca przemoc wzięła,
Szablą odbierzemy.
Marsz, marsz Dąbrowski,
Z ziemi włoskiej do Polski.
Za twoim przewodem
Złączym się z narodem.
Przejdziem Wisłę, przejdziem Wartę,
Będziem Polakami.
Dał nam przykład Bonaparte,
Jak zwyciężać mamy.
Marsz, marsz...
Jak Czarniecki do Poznania
Po szwedzkim zaborze,
Dla ojczyzny ratowania
Wrócim się przez morze.
Marsz, marsz...
Już tam ojciec do swej Basi
Mówi zapłakany -
Słuchaj jeno, pono nasi
Biją w tarabany.
Poland has not yet perished,
So long as we still live.
What the alien force has taken from us,
We shall retrieve with a sabre.
March, march, Dąbrowski,
From the Italian land to Poland.
Under your command
We shall rejoin the nation.
We'll cross the Vistula and the Warta,
We shall be Polish.
Bonaparte has given us the example
Of how we should prevail.
March, march...
Like Czarniecki to Poznań
After the Swedish occupation,
To save our homeland,
We shall return across the sea.
March, march...
A father, in tears,
Says to his Basia:
"Listen, our boys are said
To be beating the tarabans."
The Dragon from Wawel
Centuries ago there lived in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill in Cracow a most horrible fire- belching dragon, a monster that ravaged the nearby meadows by devouring grazing cattle. The bravest knights tried to overcome the dragon in vain Even before they could took out their swords the fire from the beast's mouth killed them, so that one after another died
The king who reigned at the time sent out his heralds to announce that whoever could kill the dragon would as a reward marry his daughter and sit on his throne after his death. Knights encouraged by such a handsome offer came in large numbers, but they too were destroyed. The king gave himself up to despair, together with his daughter as she could not expect to ever be married. The dragon-ravaged country became poorer and poorer.
Then a shoemaker named Krak decided to conquer the beast by a unique strategy. After stuffing a fat ram with sulphur, he placed the tasty animal at the cave's entrance. The dragon, being greedy as well as stupid, swallowed the dangerous gift in one mouthful. Its throat burned so that it ran to the nearby Wisla river, gulping down so much water that it burst with a great bang, that way he set the surrounding countryside free from the grip of terror. The

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shoemaker married the king's daughter, and after the monarch's death, ascended to the throne. The town he rescued from the clutches of Smok, the dragon of Wawel Hill, took its name from him, and bears it to this day with great honour - the old capital of Poland, Krakow.
Famous People
Mikołaj Kopernik born on February 19, 1473 in Toruń, Poland was a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who formulated a heliocentric model of the universe which placed the Sun, rather than the Earth, at the center. The publication of Copernicus' book On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres, just before his death in 1543, is considered a Nicolaus Copernicus or major event in the history of science. It began the Copernican Revolution and contributed importantly to the scientific revolution. Copernicus had a doctorate in canon law was a physician, polyglot, classics scholar, translator, governor, diplomat, and economist.
Born on March 1, 1810, in Zelazowa Wola, Poland, Fryderyk Chopin, grew up in a middle-class family. He published his first composition at age 7 and began performing one year later. In 1832, he moved to Paris, socialized with high society and was known as an excellent piano teacher. His piano compositions were highly influential. He died of tuberculosis and ill health on October 17, 1849, in Paris

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Marie Curie,Maria Sklodowska Curie, was born in Warsaw on November 7, 1867, the daughter of a secondary-school teacher. She received a general education in local schools and some scientific training from her father. She became involved in a students' revolutionary organization as a result had to leave Warsaw to Cracow, which at that time was under Austrian rule. In 1891, she went to Paris to continue her studies at the Sorbonne where she obtained Bachelor’s degree in Physics and the Mathematical Sciences. She met Pierre Curie, Professor in the School of Physics, in 1894 and in the following year they were married. She succeeded her husband as Head of the Physics Laboratory at the Sorbonne, gained her Doctorate of Science degree in 1903, and following the tragic death of Pierre Curie in 1906, she took his place as Professor of General Physics in the Faculty of Sciences, the first time a woman had held this position. She was also appointed the Director of the Curie Laboratory in the Radium Institute of the University of Paris, founded in 1914.
Pope John Paul II also known as Karol Wojtyla (1920-2005). He was a poet, actor and enthusiast of the Polish mountains He was the only Polish Pope to this day and served the second longest. He contributed greatly to the collapse of communism in Poland and throughout Central and Eastern Europe. on 16 October 1978 he had chosen as a Pope. on 13 May 1981, Jan II Paweł was shot but fortunately survived The Pope died on 2 April at 21: 37 His family home in Wadowice just outside of Kraków
Interesting places visiting in Poland
The Hel Peninsula and the seaside
Hel is a small fishing village and seaside resort on the tip of the Hel Peninsula, just 30 km north of Gdansk across the sea. The beaches are clean and sandy, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, plenty of people playing great beach sports and swimming. The resort lies on the south side of the peninsula, with a small port and a popular beach just minutes from the centre, and wild sandy beaches to the east

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and the north. There is a lighthouse, a maritime museum, a sealion centre, plenty of restaurants and bars serving fresh fish and other foods, a sand dune park, fishing and speed boat trips, and shops and stalls as well as other attractions.
Lake Region
If you are looking for quiet, nature and relaxation, then the Mazury lake district is ideal. Located in north east Poland, there are huge tracts of clean forests, clean air, peace and quiet, also a popular destination for hunting and fishing.
The Mountains
The mountains in the south in the summer are also a great place for a holiday in Poland, relaxation and getting away from it all, it’s now easy to cross the border into Slovakia or the Czech Republic to spend some time there too. During the winter resorts such as Karpacz, Zakopane, Krynica, Szczyrk and Szklarska Poreba have great facilities for skiing and snowboarding.

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The Eagles Nests Of Poland
If you want to experience a true taste of Poland’s medieval history, then pay a visit to the Eagles’ Nests. Situated on the Kraków-Czestochowa Upland, this is a chain of 25 medieval castles built to protect Poland’s western frontier during the 14th century. Many of them are located in a protected area known as Eagles’ Nests Landscape Park, one of more than 120 landscape parks throughout Poland.
The castles were constructed at the command of Casimir III the Great, who ruled Poland from 1333 to 1370. At that time, Kraków was the capital of Poland, and lay perilously close to the border with Silesia. Casimir is credited for rebuilding Poland after decades of war that had devastated the country – in fact, when he came to the throne, Casimir’s neighbors simply referred to him as the King of Kraków, refusing to acknowledge his title as King of Poland.
Polish Traditions
January 1 - New Year's Day
New Year's Day is celebrated across Poland on January first. Major city centers, like Krakow's Main Market Square, are filled with celebrants waiting for the fireworks display on the night of December 31st.
Springtime - Easter
Easter in Poland is celebrated according to the Western Calendar. Eggs are painted and special foods are prepared. The majority of Poland's population is Catholic, and church services are also attended during Easter in Poland. The Monday after Easter is an important day for those celebrating in Poland.
On All Saint's Day (November 1), cemeteries in Poland are decorated with flowers and candles. The candles are specially made so that they can burn safely for a long period of time in order to guide spirits through the night. When darkness falls, hundreds of these candles can be seen glowing in Poland's cemeteries.
Recognition of this holiday is a part of the Roman Catholic tradition. Many Polish people consider their identity as Roman Catholics inseparable from their identity as Poles.
November 11 - Independence Day
Independence Day in Poland celebrates the country's assumption of independence in 1918. November 11 has been celebrated as Independence Day in Poland since 1989.

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December 24 & 25 - Christmas Eve and Christmas
Christmas Eve is the most important Christmas holiday in Poland and is called Wigilia. It is marked with a special meal, often made up of 12 meatless dishes, and observance of Christmas Eve traditions. The Christmas tree is typically decorated on this day. A large dinner may also be prepared for Christmas Day.
All Saints' Day on 1st November is an important religious holiday where Poles visit cemeteries to honour their loved ones who have passed away.
In addition to birthdays, Poles celebrate their name day or "imieniny", which is the day commemorating the saint they are named after. The names associated with each day is listed in all calendars in Poland. Just like birthdays, there are parties with food, drinks, presents and the singing of the traditional birthday song, "sto lat". And if you want to wish someone on their name day, just say "Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji imienin!"
Traditionally, the main meal of 3 courses is eaten around 2pm, starting with a soup, a main course of meat and a desert. Polish dumplings or "pierogi" are one of national dishes and one of the best recognizable Polish food outside Poland. Poles love their candies and chocolates

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Chapter 2 A tertiary education in partner countries
“We learn for life no for school”
Seneca
Education in Finland
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
Before primary school children go to preschool education. After that children go to elementary school (classes 1-6). Then children go to secondary school (classes 7-9).
AFTER COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
There are different kinds of classes to choose, for example a barber, a builder, a car mechanic, a chef, an electrician…
Vocational school takes 3 years. After that you have a trade and you are ready to work. If you want to continue studying after vocational school, you can go to polytechnic.
UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL
You have to pass the required and elective courses, at least 75. In the last year you have matriculation examination. Then you graduate.
Upper secondary school takes 2,5-4 years. After that you are ready to go to an university or a polytechnic.

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Loimaa upper secondary school
Loimaa vocational school
HIGH-LEVEL STUDIES
University
● You can go to university after upper secondary school.
● In university you can study almost whatever you want.
● After that you are highly educated and you will get a good job.
Polytechnic
● You can go to polytechnic after vocational school or upper secondary school.
● In polytechnic you can study many things about different jobs.
● After that you will get a little bit better job.

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GENERAL THINGS ABOUT SCHOOL IN FINLAND
● We get a school meal every day and it is free.
● We have a free health care in school and also a psychologist.
● In comprehensive school we have free education, books, pencils and other stuff.
● After primary school we have to buy books and everything else by ourselves, but the education and food is still free.
Universities in Finland
We have 15 universities in Finland. Here are the best five universities.
The best five universities
1. University of Helsinki was founded in 1640. The university is divided into eleven faculties which are Theology, Law, Medicine, Arts, Science, Pharmacy, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Social Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. The university is located on four main campuses: City center campus, Kampula campus, Meilahti campus and Viikki campus.University of Helsinki has 36 000 students.
2. University of Turku was founded in 1920. The university is divided into seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. The university also has faculties in Rauma, Pori and Salo. There are 20000 students.
3. University of Eastern Finland was founded in 2010. The university is located in three cities: in Joensuu, Kuopio and Savonlinna. The university is divided into four faculties which are the Philosophical Faculty, the Faculty of Science and Forestry, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. There are 15 000 students.
4. University of Oulu was founded in 1958. The university is divided into six faculties which are Technology, Sciences, Humanities, Medicine, Education and Business school. There are 15000 students.
5. University of Jyväskylä was founded in 1934. The university in divided into seven faculties which are Faculty of Humanities, Information Technology, Education, Sport and Health Sciences, Mathematics and Science, School of Business and Economics and Social Sciences. There are 15 000 students.
ELIGIBILITY
1) Eligibility for bachelor level studies at university depends on completing one of the following qualifications:
Finnish Matriculation examination and upper secondary level education
International Baccalaureate examination (IB)
European Baccalaureate examination (EB)
Reifeprüfung examination (RP)
Vocational upper secondary qualification of at least three years duration or an earlier corresponding qualification.
Competence based vocational upper secondary qualification, further vocational qualification or specialist vocational qualification or an earlier corresponding qualification Foreign
qualification that gives eligibility to enroll in a higher education institution of corresponding level in the country of origin. Other applicants may also be admitted, if the university

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considers their skills and knowledge sufficient. This eligibility requirement also applies to separate applications to bachelor level education or bachelor level education leading to master's level education.
2) Eligibility to master's level education (not included in the joint application) depends on completing one of the following qualifications:
Applicable Bachelor's degree
Applicable polytechnic Bachelor's degree
Applicable foreign qualification that gives eligibility to enroll in a higher education institution of corresponding level in the country of origin
Other applicants may also be admitted, if the university considers their skills and knowledge sufficient.
Hungarian tertiary education system
Tertiary educational attendance has grown rapidly over the years both in Hungary and in the more developed countries, but the gap between them has remained. Although there is a rise in the number of university students in Hungary there are big differences between the different regions of the
country. The Education Ministers from 29 European countries decided to harmonise and unify their Higher Education. It has resulted in the Bologna Process which currently has 47 participating countries among them Hungary.The aim was to make an easily comparable system. A Higher Education system which is based on three main cycles: bachelor, master and doctor. They wanted to make it more mobile, travelling to abroad to study is available.
Admissions to tertiary institutions
To get into a higher education institutions you must successfully pass the upper secondary school leaving examination, called mature exam. They can do advanced or normal level exams from the courses. Admission is decided according to a score system which is made up of the secondary school leaving examination results and the secondary school performance of the students. Higher education institutions may offer state funded and fee-paying places for applicants. The number of state funded places determined by the government every year. Bachelor and Master programmes Bachelor: BA/BSc programmes of 6 to 8 semesters (ISCED 5A, 180-240 ECTS credits) lead to a first degree Master: Master level programmes (ISCED 5A, 60-120 ECTS credits) of another 2 to 4 semesters require a first degree as admission criterion. The pre-requisite to entering doctoral programmes (ISCED 6) is a MA/MSc degree. There are a few fields of tertiary education (e.g. law and medical studies) where undivided long programmes remain the standard form of study (10 to 12 semesters, 300-360 ECTS credits) leading to a first degree but equivalent to a MA/MSc degree.
Advanced vocational programmes
Short cycle advanced vocational programmes ( 120 ECTS credits) are relatively new in the Hungarian education system. These programmes can be provided both by higher education
The Best Hungarian Universities
1.
Eötvös Lóránd University
2.
University of Szeged
3.
Semmelweis University
4.
Corvinus University of Budapest
5.
University of Debrecen

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institutions and upper secondary schools. These programmes lead to an advanced vocational qualification but does not give a degree.
Post-graduate specialisation programmes
Higher education also includes post-graduate specialisation programmes. You can do it after the bachelor and the master training,but it doesn’t give you a new degree.
PhD or DLA (Doctor of Liberal Arts)
A PhD or DLA (Doctor of Liberal Arts) degree is can be obtained after a doctoral course which follows a Master course.
Eötvös Lóránd University (Budapest)
The main faculties of the University is Law, Informatics, Humanities( teacher and kindergarten teacher training), and Faculty of Science. The most popular is the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education and Psychology in 2011.( Only in these 2 faculties the number of candidates is more than 12000.)
University of Szeged
The main faculties of the University are Faculty of Health Care, Faculty of Music, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Engineering.
Semmelweis University
The University is specialised in different Faculties of Health Science (For examle: doctors, dentists or pharmacists). This is the most famous university of doctors in Hungary.
Corvinus University of Budapest
The main faculties of the university are Faculty of Food Science and Faculty of Economics. This University is famous for high level of economic education.
University of Debrecen
The main faculties of the university:
-Faculty of Music
-Faculty of Law
-Faculty of Health Care
-Faculty of Economic
-Faculty of Humanities
The most famous faculty is the Management Sciences and Rural Development. (The university has more than 35000 students.)
The academic year in Finland
First of all, remember that the academic year in Finland is divided into two terms: Autumn term (from August/September to December) and Spring term (from January to the end of May)

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Most degree programmes only accept new degree students at the beginning of the academic year. So, usually your application will concern studies that start in the autumn term. In some cases, however, it may be possible to apply for studies that start in the spring term.
During the socalled summer term (JuneAugust)
it may be possible for already registered students to complete some individual course modules, but generally speaking that is "holiday time" and there is no separate summer term intake for degree studies.
Applying to universities
The exact application times and deadlines depend on the university and the programme.
However, in most cases the annual application period to the university degree programmes begins between late November and January.
For Bachelor's level admission at universities, please contact the university directly about info on how and when to apply (note that the universities offer only a very limited amount of Bachelor's level programmes in English) for Master's level admission, and information on the exact application.
Who can apply for exchange student status?
If you would like to study at the University of Helsinki for an academic term or year and then transfer your credits to your home university, you can apply for exchange student status. In other words, to qualify, you should be registered and actively studying at a university outside Finland. As a rule, the student exchanges are based on an agreement made between your university and the University of Helsinki. Also multilateral exchange programmes exist; for example, the USbased ISEP programme. The international counsellor or a similar adviser at your home institution can give you more information about the exchange programmes your university has with the University of Helsinki.
How can a foreigner get into a Hungarian University
Nowadays Hungary is a popular destination for foreign people in higher education. More and more student choose to study in Hungary.
The number of foreign students has considerably increased in the last few years. Many of them comes from the neighboring countries but there are a lot of students from Africa, Asia, etc (even from South-America).

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Foreigners can study the following subjects in Hungarian universities:
General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, Veterinary Sciences, Pre-Medical, Pre-Veterinary, English Language Course, Economics, Business Administration, Art, Art History, Communication, International Studies, Political Science
To get into any Hungarian University you have to follow some instructions:
EU/EEA students don’t need a visa to study in Hungary, but they do need to apply for a residence permit within 90 days of moving to the country. If you want to take a course in Hungarian, you have to take an exam to prove your language skills.
Application step-by-step:
 Choose University and course
 Download, print, and fill the application form.
 Collect the required documents
 Send the documents to the given address
 Pay the application fee
 Choose an exam place and date and apply for it via e-mail
 Application documents are different in every university but there are some documents which are required in all of the Hungarian universities:
 copy of passport/ID
 original/copy of Secondary school leaving certificate
 application form
 medical report
 application fee
 curriculum vitae
Entrance exam: There’s an oral and a written part in the interview.
After the entrance exam the exam papers will be sent to the universities for evaluation. The decision is not based on only the exam results. The University Board makes the decision usually within a few weeks after the exam and the applicants are notified about it by e-mail or/and hard copies.
Foreign students can also apply for exemption from the entrance exam on condition they hold Degree in a related field and proof of B2-level English knowledge is also a prerequisite.
Additional required documents for applicants for exam exemption:
- copy of transcript/degree of the related studies the request is based on, or copy of the IB or A-level

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- course description of the subjects studied (syllabus)
- proof of language knowledge: B2 level language exam (such as Cambridge FCE/CAE, TOEFL, IELTS)
TERTIARY EDUCATION IN SPAIN
Most relevant universities in Spain
According to “El Mundo”, a Spanish newspaper, ranking about universities in Spain, the best ones are:
1. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
The Complutense University of Madrid is a public research university located in Madrid, and one of the oldest universities in the world (1293). The university enrolls over 86,000 students. Alumni include renowned philosophers (Jose Ortega y Gasset, Ignatius of Loyola,), writers (Federico García Lorca, Antonio de Nebrija, Pedro Calderón de la Barca), scientists (Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Severo Ochoa)
2. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid:
It´s a Spanish University, located in Madrid. It was founded in 1971 as the result of merging different Technical Schools of Engineering and Architecture(18th century). According to the annual university ranking conducted by El Mundo, the Technical University of Madrid ranks as the top technical university in Spain, and second overall. The UPM is part of the TIME network, which groups fifty engineering schools throughout Europe.
3. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona
The Universitat autonoma de Barcelona also known as UAB is a public university mostly located near the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. it consists of 57 departments in the experimental, life, social and human sciences, spread among 13 faculties/schools. All these centers together award a total of 85 qualifications in the form of first degrees, diplomas, and engineering degrees. UAB has more than 40,000 students and more than 3,600 academic and research staff. The UAB is a pioneering institution in terms of fostering research
4. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
The Autonomous University of Madrid is one of the top universities of Spain and commonly known by its Spanish initials UAM or as "la Autónoma". UAM is a Spanish public university established in 1968. UAM has been one of Spain's most prominent higher education institutions, being ranked first amongst Spanish universities by the El Mundo University Supplement (known as "Las 50 Carreras"), by The Times Higher Education Supplement, and by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

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5. Universidad de Barcelona
The University of Barcelona (Catalan: Universitat de Barcelona) is a public university located in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. With 75 undergraduate programs, 353 graduate programs and 96 doctorate programs to over 63,700 students, UB was considered to be the best University in Spain in the 2011 QS World University Rankings. In 2010, according to University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), it is the best university in Spain and 83rd university in the world.
Universidad de Salamanca
The University of Salamanca is a Spanish higher education institution, located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid, in the autonomous community of Castilla and León. It was founded in 1134 and given the Royal charter of foundation by King Alfonso IX. It is the oldest founded university in Spain and the third oldest European university in continuous operations. It is the top-ranked university in Spain based on the number of students coming from other regions.[6] It is also known for its Spanish courses for non- native speakers, which attract more than two thousand foreign students each year
Most demanded degrees:
1. Master in Business Administration (ADE) 2. Architecture 3. Fine Art 4. Library science 5. Biology
Access to university.
You need to meet the following requirements:
1- Bachillerato Certificate (equivalent to Upper Secondary certificate)
2- PAU (University Entrance Exam):
a) Compulsory exams (foreign language, Spanish, History and Philosophy)
b) Optional exams (depending on the subjects chosen)
Admission mark:
6/14 Bachillerato marks
4/14 Compulsory PAU exams
4/14 Optional PAU exams
ERASMUS
Erasmus program consists of the carrying out of a studies or practices period in another European university or enterprise. During this period, the student doesn’t have to pay the tuition fees in the host institution (accommodation, the trip …) because the student receives a grant for these expenses, although it is not a very big one.There are two types of mobility programs: mobility for studying and

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mobility for work experience. It’s usually required to have an important knowledge of Spanish. In most universities classes at are mainly taught in Spanish, B1 Level is advised but UCM, for example, offers a free Spanish Language Course for levels under C-1 to students who apply for it
How a foreign student can get into a Spanish university
You must have studied in the European Union or one of these countries: Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or China. You can also study in our universities by having the European Baccalaureate diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. You can also take the PAU entrance test to improve your marks. If you don’t meet the requirements you must pass a test arranged by the UNED (Distance Learning National University).The recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas or studies for non-university education involves the declaration of their equivalence with the current certificates in the Spanish educational system. In the case of university degrees, this may involve recognition of the equivalence of degrees and diplomas gained abroad or partial validation of studies passed.
Tertiary education, universities in Slovakia
How long do we have to study to get a certain degree?
a) You can achieve the first degree after studying 3 or 4 years – after its graduation you get the degree baccalaureate (Bc.)
b) The second degree lasts from 1 to 3 years – after its graduation you get the degree of Mgr., Ing., art. ...
c) When you finish the third level – after the graduation you can get the degree of (PhD.)
Famous Slovak Universities
Jessenius Faculty in Martin University of Matej Bel in Banská Bystrica
Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra University of Žilina

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Which faculty can we find at Slovak universities?
Faculty of Medicine, Natural Science, Economics, Art, Philosophy, Political Sciences,
Education, Theology, Sport, Military, Agriculture.
COMENIUS UNIVERSITY
“If a human would like to become a human must be educated”
John Amos Comenius
Comenius University in Bratislava is the
oldest and biggest university in the Slovak
Republic. It was founded in 1919 and it
follows the university traditions of
Academia Istropolitana. Studying at the
oldest Slovak university enjoys
popularity with international students –
more than 2,300 students from 80 countries
study at Comenius University. The
university admits about 9,000 new students
every year who can choose from a rich
range of several hundreds of courses.
Comenius University in Bratislava is an
outstanding scientific institution.
Comenius University is also involved on
hundreds of national and international
scientific projects.
Faculties of Comenius University:
- Faculty of Medicine – 1919
- Faculty of Law – 1921
- Faculty of Philosophy – 1921
- Faculty of Natural Sciences – 1940
- Faculty of Education – 1946
- Faculty of Pharmacy – 1952
- Faculty of Physical Education and
Sports – 1965
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine – 1969
- Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and
Informatics – 1980
- Roman Catholic Faculty of Theology –
1990 (only in Slovak)
- Evangelical Faculty of Theology – 1990
(only in Slovak)
- Faculty of Management - 1991
- Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences
– 2002

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Other important facilities of Comenius University in Bratislava:
- Academic library of Comenius University
- Information technology centre of Comenius University
- Botanic garden of CU
- Comenius University press
- In the area of university, there are two tennis courts with aluminic surface
The present educational system in Poland was introduced in 1998/1999 then the pre-school education underwent certain changes, since 2002, pre-school education has been treated as the first level of the education system and starting from 2003/2004 school years it became compulsory for children of six years old. The pre schooling stimulates the general development and gives the primary reading skill and basic mathematics.
Education in Poland
Pupils of 7-12 attend primary school. Their education is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (grades 1-3) at which they begin learning and the second cycle (grades 4-6) at which systematic learning is provided. Primary schools operate on the basis of general educational plan which determines the minimum weekly number of lesson of particular subjects. The main components taught at the lower level of the primary school (grades 1-3) These are:
 Polish language,
 social and natural environment and
 mathematics,
 crafts and technology,
 art and music and
 physical education. In the lower grades one teacher teaches all subjects,
In the higher grades each subject has a different teacher and usually pupils change classroom for each subject. After completing primary school pupils can choose different secondary education, which is free of charge. General secondary schools provide pupils with general education, with the possibility of receiving the graduation certificate of general education.
Those who have passed the final examination called matura" may apply to universities. Those who do not want to study at university and those who have not taken the matura" examination may continue their education in post - secondary vocational schools. Secondary schools of vocational education prepare qualified workers and others with equivalent qualification. They also provide general secondary education. The purpose of these schools is to meet the demand for qualified workers, and they also provide young people with the opportunity of acquiring secondary education and taking the matura" examination.

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Students can choose post-secondary education. They are trained as nurses, accountants, administrative personnel for enterprises and hotels, computer specialists.
After secondary school students can take higher education. There are various types of higher educational institutions in Poland.
Studying in Poland will give you a complete education, prepare you for work in the labour markets of the world. The reform of science and the higher education sector was launched in the years 2010-2011 The introduction of EST points made it easier for Polish as well as foreign students to take up studies abroad which can be a life-changing experience because they expose people to completely new and different worlds, values, attitudes cultures, languages, nationalities and countries. Poland is in the fourth place in Europe in terms of the number of people with higher education. The total student population is over 2 million studying at 450 higher education institutions Each year almost half a million of young people start their education at universities and colleges. The Polish universities offer more than 200 high quality study faculties. The structure of studies in Poland corresponds to the guidelines from the Bologna system newly introduced in the European higher education based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). There are 30 thousand foreign students studying in Poland while almost 100 thousand students from Poland started their education in another country within the European Union. They can study medicine, biotechnology or engineering, but also art and business. The diploma awarded to them upon graduation is recognized in Europe as well as in most countries of the world.
The Higher Education Institutions in Poland are divided into state (public) and private(non- public) institutions.There are two main categories of higher education institutions: Universities and non-university type institutions. At the university at least one unit should be authorized to award the academic degree of doktor (PhD)
www.highereducation.pl, www.mnisw.gov.pl
All higher education institutions are required to end their courses with examinations. There can be several independent examinations or tests in separate parts of a subject. To successfully complete a semester (or a year), a student must get the passing (at least “satisfactory”) marks for all assessments and examinations in the subjects covered by the curriculum ECTS credits In addition to the grading scale, in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) under which a certain number of credits is allocated to a given subject, independently of marks awarded. To complete a year successfully, the student has to collect 60 credits (30 per semester).
Grade Description
The most common scale comprises the following marks:
5 very good (bardzo dobry)
4 good (dobry)
3 satisfactory (dostateczny)
2 unsatisfactory/fail (niedostateczny)
credit/pass (zaliczenie)
Sometimes the plus symbol or decimal is used to modify the numerical

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In Poland there are four main terms referring to academic titles/degrees: licencjat or inżynier (the equivalent of Bachelor, being the first post-secondary degree you can get as a student),
magister (the equivalent of Master) and doktor (the equivalent of Doctor) no matter whether you graduate in arts or e.g. molecular biology.
We have First-cycle studies, lasting from 3 to 4 years, lead to the professional title of a bachelor ( licencjat) or an(Engineer) inżynier in the field of engineering, agriculture or economics. This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor’s degree. The full-time courses are treated as the basic type of studies. They focus on preparing students for future employment or education within the Master’s degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn 180- 240 ECTS credits. The higher education institutions run full-time, extramural, evening and external courses, which usually requires the students to pay fees. There are Eleven fields of study with long-cycle programmes which last a bit longer, due to the difficulty of specialization, these are: acting, art conservation and restoration, canon law, dentistry, law, medical analysis, medicine, production and photography, pharmacy, psychology and veterinary medicine. You are awarded the professional title of a Master (magister after 5 or 6 years of studying
Second-cycle studies – Master’s degree programme (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle
studies and leading to the professional title of a Master (magister
Third-cycle studies – Doctoral degree programmes (normally take 3 to 4 years) are for graduates of Master’s degree programme, leading to the PhD degree, offered by the university type schools as well as some research institution The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee and pass the doctoral examination. The best students at the university get scholarships from the university or from the Polish Government or a number of Polish higher education institutions which also offer their own scholarships.
The Polish higher education institutions offer a diverse range of study programmes in Polish and in foreign languages, mainly in English. The number of degrees in foreign languages is growing. At present, more than a half of the 119 existing fields of study are accessible in a foreign language.
In order to graduate, the students are required to:
pass a performance assessment for all subjects, integrated placements and practical work sessions, and pass all examinations covered by the study programme set for a given field of study; present, at an appointed date, a diploma project and obtain a passing mark for that project; pass the diploma examination. the student receives a diploma of completion of studies in a specific field of study together with a Diploma Supplement (copy of the diploma translated into a foreign language, describing the degree, level and specialisation).
The academic year in Poland is divided into two terms about 15 weeks each – the winter and the summer semester. The winter semester starts in October and ends in mid-February, with a break of ten days for the Christmas holidays. The examination session usually takes two or three weeks, beginning in January. The summer semester starts in mid- February and ends in June, with a one-week break for Easter. Summer holidays last for three months from the beginning of July to the end of September

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Admissions to the study programmes are administrated by the university and candidates apply directly to the institution of their choice. In general, the requirements for foreign students applying for universities in Poland are as follows:
 provide the following documents to study for BA or MA
 if you are an international student requiring a visa or a residence permit to stay and study on the territory of European Union, you should provide such a document.
 have the refugee status granted by the Republic of Poland
 provide secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's high school, application form filled in 4 passport-size photographs copy of candidate’s ID (passport certificate of the English language proficiency optionally (unless the high school courses were taught in English);
 provide medical certificate with no contraindication for studying, admission fee payment receipt.
 provide Undergraduate program diploma or an official duplicate issued by the university, candidate's CV with the details about the school and professional career optionally one academic reference and one personal reference optionally,
 filled out application form, 4 passport-size photographs, copy of the candidate’s ID (passport), proof of English language proficiency (unless the first degree was taught in English), medical certificate with no contraindication for studying, admission fee payment receipt.
 You can Set up an account in the Online Application System from March till the end of September and complete the forms you already can : personal data, education details. School leaving exam results can be entered later
 If you're taking part in admission for a programme where the qualification criteria is School leaving exam and you don't have a Polish maturity certificate you need to register for Central Entrance Examination.
 Confirm your registration. Pay your application fee in a currency you declared when setting up your account. Remember that you need to pay a separate application fee for each registration.
When the date of your entrance exams comes the details about the exam will be sent to your OAS account no later than two days before.
Are you having problems with arriving because you need a visa? University can issue a certificate stating that the purpose of your visit is a university entrance exam.
If all registrations are confirmed and all forms completed and confirmed, wait for your results! You will be notified through your OAS account or even get sms
If you have been accepted for enrolment, now complete the ‘data for enrolment' form, print out the OAS application form from the ‘required documents' tab and check if you have all documents required for enrolment ready.
You need to come to the office responsible for your new programme of study (the address can be found on your OAS application form) and bring all required documents with you.

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The most popular faculties to study in Poland over last 5 years and career paths you can take
These are the IT studies concerning the computer studies and skills in data processing, database production and transfer, for example technology, in economics, genetics. The branch of studies also concerns the software making, the change in data processing, transfer through software use for different purposes. The faculty is very popular among the candidates, they don’t have any problems finding job after graduation. Possible professions you can do after, finishing IT studies.
business analyst
business information systems
eBusiness
Internet communications
IT consulting
online media production
programming
system administration
web design
web development
Law and administration give you a thorough knowledge In public life examines the role of the administration in government and legal education as well . It concerns penal law, constitutional law, civil procedure it will explore the various trends in American public administration, examine the unique circumstances involved in
Administering public organizations and look at different techniques of public management. public administration will provide the student with a survey of Polish. Possible professions you can do after, finishing Law and administration
tax office
job advisor,
Insurance account manager
license manager
school manager
the public administration worker
barrister
barrister's clerk
solicitor
judge
property valuer
court executive officer
land steward
Management the faculty for those who want to run the company responsible for managing the organization, its employees, customers, reputation, assets and interests of stakeholders. The company management is primarily concerned with the strategy, structure, and operations The successful manager will identify options for the company as well as help with additional resources to implement solutions. The studies will prepare its graduates for operating across a wide variety of services such as business strategy, marketing, financial and management controls, human resources, information technology, e-business and operations, and supply-

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chain management. The students doing the faculty will find out how to carry out research and collect data to understand the organization , conduct analysis interview clients, employees running focus groups and facilitate workshops, prepare business proposals/presentations. The future candidates for this faculty should know at least two foreign languages at B2 level at the beginning and continue foreign language learning towards fluency while studying. The faculty also try to include soft skills such as team work and the ability to communicate, negotiate. Possible professions you can do after, finishing Management
management consultant
company manager
maintenance engineer
human resources manager
Construction is one of the quickest developing faculties at the universities, the students learn about the construction materials used in building, gain training in design as well as in installation and maintenance. They need to have a combination and designing skills, the students learn to read detailed diagrams, plans and drawings, get skilled in using whole life cycle costing techniques, learn how to keep the work to the budget, or designing site-specific equipment as required, find out how to negotiate and develop project contracts organize and assess the work of contractors , the faculty offers new specializations, such as intelligent buildings and organic lighting or the new technologies that help to reduce the carbon emissions of a building. The faculty offers course in constructing law of the EU Possible professions you can do after, finishing Construction
architect
architectural technologist
building control surveyor
building services engineer
building surveyor
commercial/residential surveyor
consulting civil engineer
contracting civil engineer
engineering geologist
estate agent
historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
housing manager/officer
landscape architect
planning and development surveyor
quantity surveyor
rural practice surveyor
site engineer
structural engineer
town planner
water engineer
Production Engineering is responsible for the research, specification, design and development of materials to advance technologies of many kinds. Its expertise lies in understanding the properties and behaviours of different substances, from raw materials to finished products. The field is also referred to as materials science or materials technology.

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The students learn how to provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles. They will find out how to work on all stages of a product, from research and development to design and manufacture, through to installation. The graduate will be equipped as well in skills of management. Possible professions you can do after, finishing Production Engineering
automotive engineer
bBiomedical engineer
broadcast engineer
building services engineer
chemical engineer
communications engineer
consulting civil engineer
contracting civil engineer
control and instrumentation engineer
drilling engineer
electrical engineer
electronics engineer
energy engineer
food technologist
land-based engineer
maintenance engineer
manufacturing engineer
manufacturing systems engineer
materials engineer
mechanical engineer
mining engineer
naval architect
petroleum engineer
production manager
quality manager
site engineer
structural engineer
technical brewer
technical sales engineer
telecommunications researcher
water engineer
Economics – the faculty connected with production analysis, with the distribution and consumption of foods In the nation. It explores how a citizen and the society use the resources to produce various goods and to consume or use them. Together with finances and accountancy the Economics is the faculty chosen most often. Possible professions you can do after, finishing Economics
accounting technician
actuary
chartered accountant
chartered certified accountant

40
chartered management accountant
chartered public finance accountant
corporate investment banker
corporate treasurer
financial adviser
financial manager
financial trader
internal auditor
investment analyst
operational investment banker
retail banker
senior tax professional/tax inspector
tax adviser
Environmental engineering is the integration of science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment, to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to clean up pollution sites. Environmental Engineering can also be described as a branch of applied science and technology that address the issue of energy preservation, production asset and control of waste from human and animal activities.
Robotics engineers
Environmental studies and ecology the faculty prepares you to deal with ecosystems as a whole, the abundance and distribution of organisms (people, plants, animals), and the relationships between organisms and their environment. In the faculty you will conduct surveys to identify, record and monitor species and their habitats, learn about the taxonomy how to classifying organisms and how to create habitat for endangered spieces, you will analyse and interpret data, using specialist software programs, you will become aware of environmental policies in the EU You can specialize in the following areas (e.g. freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna, flora) and then carry out a wide range of tasks relating to that area.
Possible professions you can do after, finishing Economics
ecologist
energy engineer
energy manager
environmental consultant
environmental manager
marine scientist
nature conservation officer
recycling officer
waste management officer
water quality scientist

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Ten best universities in Poland
Jagiellonian University of Cracow http://www.uj.edu.pl/
The University of Warsaw http://www.uw.edu.pl/
Adam Mickiewicz’s University of Poland http://amu.edu.pl/
Warsaw University of Technology http://www.pw.edu.pl/
University of science and technology of Stanisław Staszic in Cracow http://www.agh.edu.pl/
University of technology in Wrocław http://www.pwr.wroc.pl
University of Wrocław http://www.uni.wroc.pl/
Warsaw School of Economics http://www.sgh.waw.pl
University of Medical Sciences of Poznań https://www.ump.edu.pl/
Nicolaus Copernicus University of Toruń http://www.umk.pl/
The Jagiellonian University
In 1364, after many years of effort, King Casimir the Great got permission from the Pope to establish a university in Krakow, the capital of the Kingdom of Poland. It was the second university to be founded in Central Europe. Studium Generale in Krakow, as the school was then called, consisted of three faculties only: liberal arts, medicine and law. The students had the right to elect the Rector Rector was elected by the professors only from 1400 when it was restablished by the queen Jadwiga.
The restored Krakow University soon became prominent in the world of learning. In the second half of the fifteenth century the Krakow schools of mathematics and astrology flourished. In that period, in the years 1491 - 1495, Mikolaj Kopernik (Nicolaus Copernicus) studied liberal arts in Krakow. The status of the University was reflected in the fact that in the years 1433 - 1510 as many as 44 per cent of the students came from other countries than Poland
In the eighteenth century the University continued to decline, yet some symptoms of change became gradually apparent. The systematic teaching of German and French was introduced, as well as lectures in Polish law, geography and military engineering
The third and final Partition of Poland posed a serious threat to the very existence of the University, but fortunately it was saved by the intervention of Professors Jan sniadecki and Jozef Bogucki in Vienna. Once again the University became a major academic centre. Scientific achievements of the time included the work of the following professors: the chemist Karol Olszewski (1846 - 1915) and the physicist Zygmunt Wroblewski (1845 - 1888), who were the first to liquefy oxygen and nitrogen from the air in 1883, and later also other gases.

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The Jagiellonian University was dramatically affected by the German occupation of Poland. On 6th November the Nazis ostensibly invited the University professors and other teachers to a lecture by Obersturmbannführer Müller. The lecture turned out to be a trap. 144 University staff were arrested by the Gestapo, together with some students, 21 professors of the Academy of Mining and others, and sent to a concentration camp. The years 1939 - 1945 had a devastating effect on the University. 34 University professors and other staff died in the concentration camps of Sachsenhausen, Dachau and Auschwitz, as well as in Kharkov, Katyn and other death camps, the victims of both the Nazis and the Soviets.
The structure of the Jagiellonian University is unique in Poland. Among the 15 faculties, there are three which comprise the Collegium Medicum: The Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Health Protection. These three were separated from the University in 1950, following the Soviet model, and reincorporated in the Alma Mater in1993. Until recently, the Jagiellonian was the only Polish university with medical faculties, although currently the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń also has them.
The Jagiellonian University educates on the three levels: Ordinary, Masters, and Doctoral, following the principles of the Bologna Process. 650 jubeelee
The University of Warsaw
The university of Warsaw founded in 1816, is the best university and a leading research centre in Poland. The high level of scientific research
University of Warsaw is listed among top 4% of the World-Class Universities and recognized by prestigious international rankings such as, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the CHE Excellence Group 2010 (subjects: chemistry, physics).
Currently, there are 20 faculties and 30 other units, including the Centre of New Technologies The University collaborates with ca 1,000 foreign institutions, including 420 partnerships within the boundaries of more than 1,100 Erasmus agreements and 240 partners from 52 countries within the boundaries of university agreements on direct collaboration.
UW offers undergraduate, graduate and post-diploma studies, organizes summer schools and vocational courses, initiates interdisciplinary programmes and introduces new teaching techniques. Its offer is adapted to the needs of the changing world and the challenges and complexity of the labor market. Our scholars regularly receive awards and win competitions for research grants. UW students are well-educated and very competitive, winning many contests and championships. Scientific and vocational development of our students is supported by appropriate offices, organizations, and cooperation with numerous institutions. National and international companies highly value our graduates

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Adam Mickiewicz’s University of Poznań
Adam Mickiewicz’s University of Poznań was founded in 1919 after Poland gain its independence in 1918, it was named as the Polish University of Poznań. The first faculty run in 1919 was the one of Philosophy, Then the Prussian authority changed its name of the High School of Piast Monarchy in 1919. The beginning of the academic year took place 7 May 1919, it was 308 years after the foundation of the university. In 1925 the faculty of Mathematics, Science, and Humanities were launched
King Sigmund Vasa founded the College of Jesuits which was considered the first university of Poznań in 1611. The same charter was given to the College of Jesuits by the kings of John Casmir in 1650, John III Sobieski in 1678
The Nazis closed the university down and dissolved the governing body of Professors just after the war began September 1939, many lecturers were killed in the concentration camps. The ones that survived together with the lecturers gave the lectures in the Secret University of Western territories together with the professors of Warsaw University. The university was restored after the war.
You can study at fifteen faculties at Adam Mickiewicz’s University including humanities, science, Philosohy, sociology or arts. There are daily programmes as well as extramular studies for which you need to pay fees

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Chapter 3 Employment issues
Unemployment in Europe and in Poland
Unemployment is one of the most important economic and social problems in Poland because the unemployment rate has been rising steadily over the recent years. During the communism the official unemployment level was less than 1 %, but according to historians and the economists the hidden unemployment was over 50 % in some factories. That meant that a job for a person was done by two people. Due to the political and economic system transformation (form the centrally planned economic model to a free market system) after the 1989 the unemployment rate started to rise rapidly. In 1990 it was 61%. Up to 2002 the Polish economy has adapted to the free market system in a way, and the unemployment rate was only 20%. And this unfavorable trend was reversed, since 2002 the unemployment has declined to 15 % in 2006 and 9,5% in 200 the lowest unemployment rate. Such decline was due to the economic upward trend which produced more

45
job offers . Then, due to the economic crisis in 2009 the unemployment rate increased to nearly 12% and to 12,8 in 2010.
The unemployment rate in Poland over the last 20 years
A strong differentiation is observed in the unemployment rates for various parts of Poland. The highest unemployment rate for one region means that it can be more than twice the figure in the other region. In the warmińsko – mazurskie voivodeship in the north – east part of the country the unemployment rate in February 2011 was 21,5% while in the richest district: mazowieckie with the capital city only 10 % The highest unemployment rates are primarily seen in the regions dominated by the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing industries.

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The unemployment rate by administrative districts (February 2012)
Unemployment in Poland is affected by fluctuations of the weather and seasons. For example, in winter there is a high unemployment especially in tourist, building industries and in agriculture.
Polish unemployment is a problem for young people (below 35 years of age) According to Eurostat data 24,9% among the unemployed are young. It’s because the young people have unually no experience on the job market, their qualifications are incompatible with employers’ demands and they are not flexible enough. Women and people over 50 also experience difficulties finding the job. People of the last group spent almost half of their lives under the communist system, so they find it difficult to adjust to the capitalist system. They are unwilling or they don’t have a chance for re-education and qualification changing.
The unemployment in Poland tends to be of structural or long term in nature. As we can see in the chart there are 34 % of the unemployed who cannot find a job over 12 months; this, in turn, has an impact on the health and well being of large segments of society.
Despite economic growth during the last 20 years and a large emigration of job seekers, unemployment in Poland remained at some of the highest levels in Europe.

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Poor labour laws aimed against employers.
Significant bureaucracy and legal difficulties when employing and dismissing, almost no temporary solutions for employers to avoid taxes and give them more flexibility to employ and fire. Such situation prevents the healthy labour market from development.
Poland’s economic achievements over the past two decades should be celebrated. However the danger is that using the achievements to justify and sustain, inflexible, outdated, labour system may prevent the long term growth, discourage entrepreneurship and result in high levels of structural unemployment in Poland for years to come.
Large wage taxes and expensive social security benefits (ZUS) – employers often avoid the expensive costs for social security and taxes associated with hiring an employee on a permanent contract, usually they offer short term or temporary contracts.
Influential trade unions prevent change they have a strong political influence and have acted to prevent modernization of the labour system. Protecting the interests and benefits of their members in the mining, manufacturing,
Public sector has, in turn, prevented the possibility of a more flexible labour system in the Polish economy, that affects developing industries.
The years 2002- 2006 belong to the crisis years in the job market in our region as well as in the country. The slowdown in the economical development in the region and the country results in the fewer number of job facilities and the increasing number of the unemployed people. The statistics show a small decline in the number of the unemployed people in the years 2007- 2012, it’s connected with the job mobility of the unskilled or the low skilled workers. Over the decade, the largest number of the unemployed have been the young people 25-34 age group. They made 954 people in 2009 in the region, it was the 60 % of the unemployed registered in the district job centre. The significant is the fairly low number of the unemployed people over the 50 – 55 years of age, only 168 people, it means these people enjoy their workplace and are quite safe in the job market, but there aren’t any new places for the unskilled inexperienced or low skilled workers.
In 2009 there were 157 unemployed registered with higher education among them 100 women. Since that year, the number of people with higher education has been gradually increasing because the graduates can’t find job after some faculties. They try to take up another faculty, corresponding to the labour market or start the job under their qualifications, migrate abroad for a job search there they work out of their profession but for higher salary.

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Among the registered people in the job office are the ones with elementary schooling , and lower secondary schooling 1034 people altogether. There were 1039 people registered with the vocational education. The main problem in the district is the long term unemployment, people stay out of work up to 12 or longer to 24 months.
The job facilities in the local labour market of Golub – Dobrzyń

49
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES (NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS)
There are nearly 6,000,000 unemployed people in Spain. That means that 1 in 4 Spaniards are out of work, an unemployment rate of 26 per cent. About 3,500,000 jobs less than in 2008, when the recession hadn’t started yet.
In Almendralejo the most affected population sector is the youths. Many of them have a low level of education or dropped out of school earlier than expected

50
One of the most affected age groups by unemployment is the youths. The number of 16-24 year old Spaniards out of work rose to 51.4 per cent in December, 2012 more than double the European Union average.
Reasons for unemployment in Spain:
· The effect of the housing bubble. The construction boom and associated industries attracted a lot of young people that were left without a job after the crisis. Now many of these young people have a basic qualification and low skills to develop other activities.
· Temporary employment. It has been customary to hire workers for a short period of time since firing full-time workers involve high costs for the employers.
· Not enough growth. The Euro crisis and the Spanish debt stop the government from finding solutions.
What steps should be taken?
Education:
Flexible education programmes to reduce early school leaving.
Introduction of Dual Vocational Education facilitating the transition to the labour market.
Labour Market:
Creation of a single permanent contract to avoid temporariness.
Promote recruitment of the unemployed.
Programmes to encourage: Self-employment, entrepreneurship and competitiveness

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Chapter 4 Business Etiquette
Etiquette is an unwritten rule synonymous with manners
Etiquette is variously defined as
Politeness
Consideration
Thoughtfulness
Good manners & behavior
It is treating others as you would like to be treated with consideration, thoughtfulness & courtesy.
 Introducing people
 In business, introductions are based on power and hierarchy
 Gender plays no role in business etiquette; nor does it affect the order of introductions.
 Introduce someone from your firm to a client or customer.
 Introduce a junior executive to a senior executive.
 As you say each of the individuals' names, look at him or her.
 The way you respond to someone else's introduction is just as important as making the introduction
 Always stand for introductions and offer your hand.
 If you forget someone’s name
 Confess and express sincerity and warmth. Say: „I am so sorry. I have completely blanked on your name.”
 Ask the person to please repeat his or her name.
 Ask the person how he or she prefers to be addressed.
Business card tips
Never leave your home or office without your cards and plenty of them.
Keep your cards in a quality business card case that protects them from wear and tear.
Invest in quality business cards.
Know where your business cards are at all times.
Hand them out with discretion. Never assume someone wants your card, ask first!
Never ask a senior executive for his or her card ; many will exchange cards with others of similar rank.
Give and receive cards with your right hand–the hand of discretion.

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Give the card so the person who is receiving it can read it without having to turn it around.
Always make a comment about a card when you receive it.
Keep your business cards up to date.
Give and receive cards with your right hand–the hand of discretion.
Give the card so the person who is receiving it can read it without having to turn it around.
Always make a comment about a card when you receive it.
Keep your business cards up to date.
Don't write notes to yourself on someone else's business card during the exchange unless they appear relevant.
Don't write notes to yourself on someone else's business card during the exchange unless they appear relevant.
Meeting and Greeting
 You only have ONE opportunity to make a good first impression
 When meeting someone, shake their hand firmly, look directly into their eyes, and say their name in your mind three times.
 Shake hands firmly with everyone present look directly into their eyes, and say their name in your mind three times: men, women, and children -- at business and social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
 Handshakes are light not firm.
 Women should extend their hand to men first.
 Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your hosts or colleagues to use their first names.
The goals of small talks
Good small talk is like the tennis game.
Someone receives the ball, answers a question, and then hits the ball, asks a question.
The goal is to keep the conversation alive.
The weather: it affects us all
A good book: this is a sign of an intelligent, aware, curious individual which will reflect well on you.
Transportation: We all have direct experience.
Your surroundings: This can be anything from the actual room or to the city itself.
Sports
Conversation stoppers

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Do not ask about:
 religious beliefs
 financial situation
 any illness
 details about a divorce or an affair
 someone's weight, height, shoe size, age or mental health.
 harmful gossip; and
 telling racial, ethnic, and sexually oriented jokes
 Small Talk Tips
 First, observe. Your small talk will be more effective if you take the time to look for the best possible icebreaker.
 Stay safe.
 Ask open-ended questions.
 Make strong eye-contact, the key indicater of your interest and respect.
 Be aware of your body language revealing how you really feel.
Body Language
Words only account for 7% of an initial impression. Vocal quality accounts for another 38%. The rest of 55% of any first impression is based on non-verbal perceptions of appearance and behavior.
do not display affection in public, it is not polite to seem back slapper or toucher
Hugging, kissing and touching is usually reserved for family members and very close friends.
keep a certain amount of personal space. Do not stand too close to another person or put your arm around someone's shoulder.
Staring is considered rude.
To gain and increase respect, first establish your presence in a room, then smile.
Corporate Culture
punctuality is important for business meetings. Be on time.
prefer a congenial business relationship, but tend to get right down to business after a few moments of polite conversation.
Business is best initiated through a well-connected third party.
Expect formalities and protocol to be observed in business
Meetings should be scheduled well in advance.
Meetings generally have a concrete objective, such as: making a decision, developing a plan or arriving at an agreement.
Presentations should be detailed and subdued.
The Polish are known for being skilled businesspersons.
Dining and Entertainment

The final product of the comenius partnership the guidebook for youngsters

The final product of the comenius partnership the guidebook for youngsters

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