Gerry,
English was also my primary language when I began my studies in Poznań. However, if you have an open mind and are willing to learn you can pick up the Polish language rather quickly. It is really beneficial to make friends with Polish med students as this will help assimilate you into the culture more quickly.
From a language standpoint, clinicals were not that difficult because I had learned enough Polish to communicate with the patients. We had a Polish language course during the 1st year of our studies, which helped to lear a lot of the basics. The attendings that you work with will translate for you and there are usually several Polish-American students, in each year, so it wasn't really a problem.
I, however, believe that one would have a richer clinical experience if he/she is able to communicate directly with patients. Here are my recommendations to beating the language barrier:
1. Buy a Polish phrasebook and/or text BEFORE you move to Poland. This a great way to get a jump start on the basics. Many of these books also come with audio tapes/cds.
2. Sign up for an intensive Polish language course BEFORE you begin classes in Poznań. I know for a fact that there is a language school for foreigners in Katowice. They teach people to become fluent within 6 months. Also Jagellonian University in Kraków also has summer Polish courses, check out this link: http://www2.uj.edu.pl/SL/
3. Seek out friendships with Polish people and don't limit yourself to hanging out only with students in your program. I've seen people do this and by the time they graduated they only knew how to say "yes" or "no" in Polish. If you are single, dating a Polish person is a sure fire way to become fluent in a shorter period of time.
4. Don't be afraid to speak!! Even if you only know one or two words, use them!! You will make progress and people will feel flattered that you are making the effort to speak their language.
The following was copied from the UMS North American website...
The expenses for academic year 2002-03 are estimated as follows:
All amounts in US Dollars.
Tuition $12,500
Room (1st year students) $2,500
Malpractice Insurance $100
Meals (self purchase) $2,900
Books and Supplies (self purchase) $1000
Transportation to Poznan (group trip) $1,100
Living Expenses (self purchase) $3,500
Approximate Total $23,600
*Single students over 24 years of age
Prices may be subject to change. Estimates are calculated by the University and published in the Student Handbook each year.
The above includes an estimate of $200 monthly for personal expenses.
There are no registration, administrative, or placement fees.
It is really difficult to approximate finances per year because so many variables are unfixed. Tuition is fixed and so is malpractice insurance (it was just raised to about $200/year). But depending how you like to live, this estimate can increase or decrease. I would estimate that I spent about $25,000 per year, and it was more than enough to live very comfortably. If you are frugal, you can do it for less.
I hope that this helps out somewhat. Let me know if you have any other ?'s.
Best Regards,
ctkMD