Living in Poland

Poland is a country with more than 1,000 years of fascinating and often turbulent history. Its location in central–eastern Europe has shaped its past, bringing periods of prosperity but also many wars and changing borders. After the devastation of the Second World War, Poland lived under a communist system until 1989, when the country began its transformation into a modern democracy. Since joining the European Union in 2004, Poland has experienced rapid growth, investment, and a remarkable civilizational leap. Today, it is a highly modern, dynamic country and one of the top 20 largest economies in the world.

Polish people are generally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, though not overly expressive at first. It’s a safe country, with low levels of street crime and a strong sense of everyday security. Poland is also extremely diverse geographically. The north offers access to the Baltic Sea, the centre of the country is full of lakes, forests, and national parks, and the south boasts beautiful mountain ranges, including the Tatra Mountains. There are countless historical towns, castles, museums, and natural attractions to explore — and from Bydgoszcz, you can reach almost any region of Poland easily by train, bus, or plane.

The cost of living in Poland is generally lower than in Western Europe, while shops and services offer everything you might need, from international brands to local specialties. A teacher’s salary at IH Bydgoszcz may not allow for significant long-term savings, but it provides a comfortable standard of living and the opportunity to travel, discover the country, and enjoy day-to-day life in Poland.

Poland is full of amazing places to explore — from historic royal cities to peaceful lakes and impressive mountains. Whether you prefer museums, food, nature or weekend adventures, you’ll always find something new and exciting. Living in Bydgoszcz makes it easy to travel, so you can discover the very best of Poland during your stay.