Holocaust Memory & Polish Art and Culture
Discover the breathtaking art, architecture, and culture of Poland’s most famous cultural landmarks in and around Warsaw and Krakow, the current and former capitals. Explore how Poland deals with the heavy legacy of the Holocaust by visiting historic Jewish sites, Holocaust memorials, and the former extermination camp Auschwitz. Gain insights into current Jewish life in Poland by meeting members of Jewish community. You will be traveling with Dr. Marcel Rotter, Modern Languages and Literatures and Dr. Suzie Kim, Art History.
February 27 – March 8, 2026
Program Fee: $3,037
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: November 1, 2025
Final Balance ($2,537) due: December 15, 2025
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in-person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
Students will earn 1 course credit for IDIS 350P Holocaust Memory or IDIS 350X Polish Art & Culture. Students may elect to take both courses (for a combined total of 2 credits). As part of their coursework, students will:
- Visit historical sites and memorials in Poland
- Study required readings prior to departure
- Keep a reflective diary during the trip
These courses satisfies the Beyond the Classroom OR Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director only.
Students will stay in local hotels in double or triple occupancy.
There are no prerequisites for either course. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. This program is open to all UMW students regardless of major or year of study. It is also open to non-UMW students.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations
- Some meals
- In-country transportation per itinerary to include airport transfers
- Group excursions and entrance fees per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
Excluded in the program fee:
- UMW Tuition (may be included into your spring term course load)
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Personal health costs (ex. vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Supplemental meals and snacks
This program requires a moderate level of activity, including significant walking on cobble stone and standing in exhibitions.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.