Young ones? Yes But don't expect people over-40 to know it [/QUOTE]

It really depends on person. I love to learn English, but some people don't.
Even though, I'd say you will be able to talk with young people in English here.

way to generalize basically half of an entire continent as if it's all some barren backwards wasteland a lot of people are so ignorant about things outside of the west

I'm on my erasmus in Poland ( wroclaw ) now

Pols and speaking english- no. Even youngsters suck at it and don't let me start about dealing with an administration in dorms or in a bank

but is ok. you will hang with other erasmus students

lol.
I toured EU with the military and it's just a very.."tough" place for topics like religion and sexuality. Never have I lived there, but experience with travel logs and comrades have made it a less than desirable place. Not really one to judge though since maybe the way we were treated were because we were Americans.

Do you have a specific reason for even wanting to LIVE there? I'm sure out of all the places Europe has to offer, you will find something similar and more comfortable.

Try using city-data.com's Europe forum. There are people there who will give you first-hand experience on issues regarding race and sexuality. They also have some data on hate crimes.

Anyway, whatever you choose, good luck.

And how do you like it?

A lot of people are.
However, most people don't tour them.
Based on small personal experience, it's not the greatest for the issue he/she were stating, since those were the issues I saw that were most prominent and uncomfortable.

I can't at some of you making Poland seem like some country straight out of Borat or something
I've lived in the US most of my life and I came here for university, so it's not like I don't have comparison with the West. Poland is a normal country. Not as rich as Western Europe but it's nice anyway. It's a bit different to what you know so it will be a cool experience.

Sounds like you gon' die.

well i've arived on sunday so i'm still trying to adapt myself to a new environment And i'm in a dorm just with other Pols so that sucks but i've heard that more erasmus students will arrive so finger crossed . And my classes starts on monday

Maybe i'll go to Katy Perry concert in Krakow ( 27.2. )

What are you studying and which university have you applied for?

I'm from Cracow. I'll try to answer your questions very honestly. Many people of which you've encountered already in this thread are wrong for what they're saying. There are many stereotypes about my country. Many of them were or are true. The were part is the key. Poland was very homophobic, but it's been changing with newer generations, more and more people are tolerant and basically just don't care with whom you sleep. As for religiousness, someone stated that 90% of the country is christian, that's so false. It was true back in a day, sure. But now? Many of middle-aged people are claiming to be christian, yet they go to church twice a year. Youngsters just don't go at all, if their parents don't make them to of course, however that's not the case. There are still homophobic people, especially in some areas of the city. The truth is, these kind of people can attack you without a reason and if you're giving them one, then that's green light to a fight for them.
You'll be fine if you won't show off with your orientation, you may be even ok if you do show off, but that's risky. You never know who are the people passing you by, right? In most cases that would end with just the stares and some murmuring, yet there are those bad cases of violence. Rarely though. We're not racist, most of us isn't. Even if someone is they won't do anything, it'll be harmless staring and talking. The reason is, there are not many people of color in here, so it's quite unusual to see someone different It's changing though. Again, I have to mention this group of people that can beat you up for anything, and being from a different race may be a trigger to them. Fortunately, throughout 20 years of my life I met them quite a few times but they didn't do anything. I guess, it depends on the mood.
I have to tell you that Cracow is the best place to party, it lives as much in the night as in the day if not more. The main square in the city center has so much to offer, you have to see it yourself. Don't worry everything's going to be fine, or shall I say amazing? Many erasmus students are visiting my university by the way

About foreign languages, young people mostly do know know English and in every restaurant or service place there will be no problem with understanding

I couldn't agree more. Even though I am currently studying in Warsaw, I decided to move back to Kraków. This city has something special

+ I'm a party guy, and Kraków has the best clubs in the country

isn't it 24th though? I live 10 minutes away from the place. Me and my friends decided we'd rather spend money on the alcohol and stuff and just go beneath the arena instead of paying for the tickets. And if we won't be able to hear her clearly which I doubt or she'll sing badly then we're going to play her songs from the speakers and call it a day

It is not I'm gay, living in Poland and I'm fine. PM me if you want to know anything else

I live there and Poland isn't racist at all, especially in Kraków where is a lot foreign students, so don't be bothered about that.
Yeah, Poland is quite homophobic, but if you stay away from holding hands with another guy in public then I think it won't be a problem.
Most of students can speak English very well, but it's a problem if you speak with 40+

Kraków is the best choice if you are going to visit Poland, but Budapest and Prague are also very friendly and cheap-to-live cities, especially for foreign student

Have fun!
PS. Stay away from drunk guys from UK who came here for stag-party and football 'fans'