Bridging Borders and Hearts: TEIP’s Unforgettable Summer in Poland.

Bridging Borders and Hearts: TEIP’s Unforgettable Summer in Poland.

In its 32nd year, the impact of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Teaching English in Poland program is shining brighter than ever. This year’s theme, “One person can change the world,” resonated across seven camps, three of which served students in new locations in southeast Poland.

By Kristin Miller

Kristin Miller is an educator with a passion for international learning who serves as the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme coordinator and instructional coach for Oberlin City Schools in Oberlin, Ohio. Over the past nine enriching summers, Kristin and her family have embarked on journeys to Poland with the Teaching English in Poland Program. They have been warmly welcomed by camps in Otwock, Załęcze Wielkie, Ocypel, and, most recently, Basznia Dolna. These annual visits to their beloved second home in Poland and their teaching at TEIP camps are cherished traditions for Kristin and her family. 

The echoes of learning, unity, and cultural enrichment reverberated across each camp, leaving an indelible mark on the over 600 students. The camps were also a melting pot of educators: 60 American, 30 Polish, and 10 Ukrainian teachers, teaching assistants, and eight peer tutors united by a common purpose. Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, the Basznia Dolna camp also hosted nine volunteer AFT members among its staff, and the Olsztynek camp operated in partnership with the EFC Foundation. 

This year’s theme, “One person can change the world,” was not just a slogan—it was a call to action, urging each participant to embrace their role as educators and learners in an uncertain world. Among this year’s 600 TEIP campers, around 400 were Polish, close to 200 were Ukrainian, and remarkably, even 3 students hailed from Belarus. The diversity within the camp mirrored the current population of Poland, where cultural differences enhance the beauty of shared experiences. 

It’s a daunting task to pinpoint a singular highlight from each camp. From creating their own board games to delving into the charm of major U.S. cities like New Orleans, New York City, and Chicago to discovering the thrill of kickball, the campers were enthralled. Older campers were captivated by classes such as forensic science by an FBI agent, criminal investigation by an attorney, mindfulness by a yoga professional, and plein-air painting by a professional book illustrator. Baking apple pies, rice crispy treats, and peanut butter cookies added a delectable touch to the learning. Campers will never forget the dances they learned, like the Cha-Cha Slide, turning the camp into a dance floor of laughter. As Independence Day dawned, the camps celebrated the 4th of July in style—with hotdogs, s’mores by a crackling campfire, and a sense of unity that transcended borders. 

For the dedicated staff, almost every moment in Poland was a cherished memory. Visiting historical landmarks such as the art museum and castle in Łancut, the Wieliczka salt mines, the old synagogue in Kraków, and the Royal Palace in Warsaw, each experience was a journey of enrichment. For several of the staff members with Polish roots, the experience was the first time connecting directly with and learning about their ancestral homeland of Poland, and immersing themselves in the nation’s history and culture was both educational and profound.    

Intercultural bonds were also formed in unexpected ways. The students enthusiastically taught their American counterparts a popular Polish dance, sparking joy and camaraderie. Campers and teachers found when language barriers couldn’t be bridged, sometimes the best translation was simple, heartfelt hugs. The warmth and hospitality of the Polish people resonated deeply with the American staff, and Poland ceased to be just a place; it became a second home and its people, family. 

As we reflect on another chapter of “Teaching English in Poland,” the words of the theme resonate even more deeply. The impact of a single individual can cascade into a movement, transforming lives, cultures, and perspectives. The 600 students, the 100 educators, and everyone involved have proven that change is not just possible—it is inevitable when minds unite. 

TEIP welcomes teachers from all subject areas and teaching assistants from all walks of life: professionals, retirees, and college students are encouraged to apply and to see how they, too, can change the world! 

Source:  The Kosciuszko Foundation Inc