Distinguished Scholar in Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Gdańsk
Poland
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The award holder will be expected to teach one regular course for undergraduate/graduate students in one of the three academic units: Faculty of History, Faculty of Philology or Faculty of Social Sciences. The Distinguished Scholar may also engage in research and/or scholarly activities at the faculty, e.g., give talks, run workshops, be available to meet with the researchers for consultation and mentoring.
The University of Gdańsk
The city of Gdańsk
Gdańsk is a city shaped by more than a thousand years of history. From its earliest recorded mentions to its emergence as a major center of international trade within the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk has long been a crossroads of cultures and traditions. Its rich heritage earned it the title Aurea Porta—the Golden Gate of opportunity and exchange. The city was also the site of several military conflicts and is widely recognized as the symbolic location where World War II in Europe began. In the decades that followed, Gdańsk transformed its challenging past into a narrative of resilience. It is now celebrated as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which played a pivotal role in Poland’s path toward democratic change. Today, the city continues to stand as a symbol of openness, innovation, and enduring spirit.
Gdańsk has an international airport, Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport with an extensive network of connections in Europe, and within Poland. Gdańsk is also well connected via rail networks. A comfortable train trip to Warsaw takes under three hours.
The University campus:
The University of Gdańsk features the biggest campus in northern Poland. At the heart lies the Main Library (Wita Stwosza 53 Street, 80-308 Gdańsk) where the Welcome Center is located.
The UG operates a Welcome Centre – a hub for foreign scholars and students joining the UG academic community.
Virtual walk around the campus
Awards are offered for a semester or an academic year.
Since the academic year in Poland starts in October, grants cannot start prior to that date. One-semester grants must begin either in October 2027 or February 2028; two-semester grants must begin in October 2027.
As a member of the union of the Fahrenheit Universities, UG co-organizes social and cultural events, including annual parade to inaugurate the academic year, science picnics, as well as events dedicated to integrating international scholars and their families living in Gdańsk.
The social media site operated by UG’s International Office regularly adds information about social and cultural events and activities for scholars and their families, such as the Movie Break series co-hosted by UG Film Centre.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
The contact person at the University of Gdańsk: Deputy Dean for International Cooperation and Development at the Faculty of History, Prof. Anna Mazurkiewicz anna.mazurkiewicz@ug.edu.pl
Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission
The contact person at the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission: Senior Program Officer, Ms. Paulina Kubylis paulina.kubylis@fulbright.edu.pl
List of courses taught in English at the University of Gdańsk
The city of Gdańsk's official tourist website
Regulations for grants awarded to American citizens
Information about the 2025-26 U.S. Scholars in Poland
Testimonials by Fulbright grantees to/from Poland, including U.S. Scholars
Useful websites on higher education in Poland:
Monthly Payment
Stipend: $6,000
Grant benefits are disbursed in PLN based on the average USD/PLN exchange rate, as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award. Amounts are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Stipend will be paid partly by the Commission and partly by the University of Gdańsk.
One-time payments:
Travel Allowance: $1,500
Relocation Allowance: $800
Monthly payment:
Conference / Research / Book Allowance: $150
Travel Allowance: $1,500 (per person), a one-time payment for dependent family members, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as dependents at the time of application.
Dependent Allowance: $250 (per person), a monthly allowance for dependent family members, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as dependents at the time of application.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Housing: In addition to stipend and benefits the University provides housing for the whole grant period securing the grantee a rent-free apartment in the historic heart of the Old Town. This 55 sq meters residence features a living room, two bedrooms, and one bathroom, offering a convenient commute to the campus.
In-country private Medical Care Package
Enrichment opportunities: In-country orientation, mid-year meeting, language-learning opportunities, Inter-country travel grant
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Poland
Apply for a Fulbright grant to Poland - a modern country with a centuries-old cultural heritage and scholarly tradition, ample research and teaching opportunities, rich geographical diversity, low living costs and unique location in the heart of Europe!
With its picturesque old towns and medieval architecture, wild forests and powdery-sand beaches, humming city life and imaginative culinary scene, Poland is a country that is as captivating as it is surprising. Come and see for yourself!
Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe and the 5th most populous member of the European Union. The country shares borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Poland’s central location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the region. While living standards are comparable with those in Western European countries, the cost of living in Poland, even in bigger cities, is significantly lower (more information here).
Prior to your Fulbright grant, Fulbright Poland will invite you to a three day long Orientation in Warsaw, which typically covers topics such as the Polish culture and language, higher education, healthcare system and the specifics of your grant. Down the road you will have ample opportunities to bond and network with your fellow Fulbrighters and the Fulbright staff at events such as the Thanksgiving dinner, the November workshop, the Mid-Year meeting and the June Graduation. You will also have a chance to collaborate with experts from and beyond your host institution, as scholars may be invited to give occasional lectures in Poland and in other European countries participating in the Inter-Country Travel Program. Finally, throughout your grant period, you will have a dedicated Program Officer, who will oversee your stay in Poland.
In the words of one of our recent U.S. Fulbright Scholar alumni: "Get ready to fall in love with this place. I’m serious. This is a wonderful country, wonderful people. Get ready for your expectations to be exceeded.”
Higher education and research institutions in Poland
Poland boasts over 350 higher education institutions. These include universities, technical, agricultural, theological and pedagogical higher education institutions, medical universities, academies of physical education as well as higher education institutions of economics, arts and maritime studies. Polish higher education institutions provide a wide choice of 1st cycle, 2nd cycle and 3rd cycle studies as well as uniform long-cycle master’s programs, with about 900 programs offered in English.
Poland follows the Bologna framework of higher education, with a goal to facilitate comparability of qualifications and, as a result, student and academic mobility to and from other European countries. The quality of education and research offered at Polish higher education institutions is widely recognized and reflected in a growing number of international students representing over 170 countries.
The number of R&D institutions in Poland has grown over the recent years. Currently, there are ca. 102 research institutes and laboratories, and 69 institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, an independent state research institution with units all across the country. With the goal to enhance Poland’s commercial potential, research institutes established “The Łukasiewicz Research Network", Europe's 3rd largest research network (source: Euraxess).
Currently there are three national funding agencies in Poland that support research activities and academic mobility - The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), the National Science Center (NCN) and the National Center for Research and Development (NCBR).
The 2018 “Constitution for Science” reform aims to further improve the conditions for research and teaching excellence in Poland, encouraging sustainable growth of academic institutions, introducing doctoral schools and providing universities with more independence needed for effective management.
Basic information about the academic year in Poland
The fall semester (called the winter semester in Poland) runs from the beginning of October through mid-February, with a Christmas holiday break of about ten days. The examination session typically takes place in January and February.
The spring semester (called the summer semester in Poland) runs from mid-February through June, with a week-long Easter-break. The summer break takes place between July and August.
About the Fulbright Program in Poland
The Fulbright Program in Poland was initiated in 1959, at the height of the Cold War. Poland was the first country in Eastern and Central Europe to participate in the Fulbright Program and to this day remains one of the largest and most vigorous in the region. Approximately 5,000 American and Polish alumni have benefited from the program since its inception. About 80 grants are awarded each year by the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission to both American and Polish grantees. We offer approximately 12 U.S. Scholar grants in the research, teaching and distinguished scholar categories.
Applicants are encouraged to view the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission's website for current information about program offerings, recent initiatives and program alumni. For any additional information, please contact the Commission's Program Officers.
Website: fulbright.edu.pl/grants-for-american-citizens/
Facebook: /FulbrightPolska
Instagram: @Fulbright Poland
Testimonials
https://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyWarsaw/videos/368188145334477/
Mark Brzezinski, the former US Ambassador to Poland and a Fulbright alumnus, talks about his Fulbright experience in Poland during a graduation party for American Fulbright grantees.
"I had an amazing experience as a Fulbright Senior Scholar grantee to Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. It was a joy to work with my Polish students and colleagues, both in Poznań and through other connections that I made. The Polish Fulbright Commission couldn’t have been more helpful and supportive in my acclimation; I truly felt like I had a network of people who cared about my experience and made me feel at home. One of the best experiences of my life and career".
Laura Wayth
Professor of Theatre and Coordinator of Actor Training
School of Theatre and Dance
San Francisco State University
"Being a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Warsaw was a transformative experience where the scientific and cultural exchange continues to be an important part of my life. Poland is a beautiful, interesting country and living there made it possible to learn about its many facets, from its well-known music and theater to its national parks, in addition to gaining insight into its complex history".
Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert
Ph.D. Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Scripps College
Professor of Biology
W.M. Keck Science Department
Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges
"Being deeply moved by the number of students whose research interests centered on some aspect of American and more specifically African American culture, my fondness for Polish culture, and by my success as a lecturer and performer got me interested in extending my Fulbright Award through the 2013-2014 academic year".
Stan L. Breckenridge
Musicologist, composer, vocalist, pianist, author
Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador
More testimonials at fulbright.edu.pl/testimonials/
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
The University of Gdańsk boasts significant scientific achievement which enforces its leading position, particularly through activity and research connected with the sea. In this regard, the University has been involved in cooperation with scientific research centres from nearly all corners of the globe.
20 March 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of the founding of the University of Gdańsk, at present the largest university in the Pomeranian region, which has had an indisputable influence on the development of modern Poland, science and higher education. We have eleven faculties with over 25,000 doctoral students and post-graduates, who are taught by more than 1,700 academic staff.
The University of Gdańsk has been listed in such international rankings as the QS World University Ranking or the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking is a reflection of the high quality of education, scientific research conducted and increasing international standing as well as a high level of knowledge transfer to the economy. The dynamic development of the University of Gdańsk is reflected in its presence amongst the world’s 400 best young universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2019 in which the University of Gdańsk was the only Polish university to feature.
Award holder will gain access to university's research centers, local archives, museum collections, fieldwork opportunities, and a broad international exchange ecosystem. UG’s affiliation with two key alliances expands the potential impact of the partnership:
1. SEA-EU Alliance: As a member of this alliance of nine coastal European universities, UG actively contributes to a shared space for education and research development. This enhances networking and cooperation opportunities for future exchange participants across Europe.
2. Fahrenheit Universities Union: UG is a core member of this strategic union with the Medical and Technical Universities in Gdańsk, further solidifying the region's academic strength and collaborative potential.
Drawing on Gdańsk’s legacy as a city shaped by cultural exchange, democratic transformation, and the Solidarity movement, our academic community brings together scholars in humanities and social sciences working at three faculties.
The Faculty of History offers eight fields of study of the first and second degree cycle - History, German Studies, Sightseeing and Historical Tourism, Religious Studies, Archeology, Ethnology, History of Art and the new one: Museology and Preservation of Cultural Heritage.
The Faculty of Philology provides 26 fields of study relating to the 18 languages and culture of the world, the Baltic countries, Poland and the Pomerania region. The foregoing form part of the following scientific areas: philology and neophilology, literature and linguistic, creative writing and cultural studies (in collaboration with the world-famous The Musical Theatre in Gdynia and The Gdynia Film School).
The Faculty Social Sciences offers 24 fields of study, including two in English. The leading scientific disciplines at the Faculty are: philosophy, political and administrative sciences, sociological sciences, social communication and media science, pedagogy and psychology. Research is also carried out in the fields of: social communication and media science, cultural and religious studies, and security studies.
Moreover, scholars from these faculties cooperate on an interdisciplinary basis. In particular, for visiting scholars across the humanities and social sciences, many areas provide a dynamic environment rich in resources, networks, and possibilities. Guests can engage in joint research projects, contribute to specialized seminars, supervise students, or co-develop courses within English-language programs. The UG English-language teaching offer is available here.