Foreword. Professor Tomasz Szapiro Rector of SGH

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2 Table of Contents Foreword 3 Get the facts 4 History 8 Structure / infrastructure 10 Education 12 Science & Research 16 Support services 18 International relations 20 Students 26 Alumni 28 Corporate partners 30 Warsaw 32

3 Foreword The Warsaw School of Economics information guide offers an overview of the school which is a point of reference not only to economists and managers, and not only in Poland. Just like chambers of a computer game, the consecutive sections of the guide reveal areas of our activity that enabled us to achieve our current status. These activities, together with a hundred-year tradition, location in the capital city and multicultural students community (several thousand students coming from various Polish regions, and a few hundred from abroad), lead to the creation of a specific academic environment. The greatest value of our school, which has always accompanied its development, derives from a perfect balance between three elements: first, its unquestionable educational level; second the ability to improve the system in critical moments, with bearing in mind its long tradition; and finally flexible adjustment of programmes to students needs as well as developing knowledge and experience. This is what our competitors are jealous of, apart from the legendary patriotism of our alumni. That is why the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) is a perfect place to study the best time of your life! Professor Tomasz Szapiro Rector of SGH

4 Get the facts Warsaw School of Economics was founded in 1906 by August Zieliński as Poland s first university of economics. Over students are enrolled at our School in bachelor s and master s degree programmes, are studying at the doctoral level and over are completing other postgraduate courses. SGH employs over staff members, of whom 820 are teaching and research staff. Accoording to the results of The Financial Times ranking of the Masters in Management programmes SGH is among the best European economic universities. According to the Eduniversal ranking, SGH is one of the three top business schools in Eastern Europe. In the opinion of journalists of the Polish edition of Newsweek, among all Polish universities it is SGH that gives its graduates the greatest chance of finding a good job. SGH students represent almost 60 countries. Since the beginning of the economic transition in 1989, 10 out of 17 finance ministers of Poland were SGH graduates. The main negotiator of the Polish membership in the European Union, from 5 December 2001 until the end of negotiations, was Jan Truszczyński an SGH graduate and lecturer. Get the facts Professor Leszek Balcerowicz an SGH graduate and lecturer, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, former President of the National Bank of Poland, is considered to be the main architect of the Polish economic transformation after Professor Danuta Hübner, the first Polish commissioner in the European Commission (for Regional Policy), previously the Minister of European Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Head of the Office of the Committee for European Integration and the Secretary of the State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, is an SGH graduate and lecturer. 5

5 Get the facts To a large extent, SGH owes its current renown and leading position on the market of economics education in Poland to thorough reforms conducted in the organisational structure of the university and its syllabi in the early 1990s. On one hand, the changes consisted in introducing an innovative, department-less organisational structure with employees gathered in scientific research units called collegia. On the other hand, the educational process was thoroughly reformed, which led to the individualisation of the courses of study. These changes were accompanied by almost revolutionary transformations of the programmes offered, resulting in the introduction of new subjects as well as the modernisation of the content of lectures and teaching methods. SGH s continuous development in the form of incessant changes taking place from the beginning of the reform at the turn of the 1980s results from fast reaction of the institution to the changing reality of the contemporary world. We must not forget that it is the experts connected with SGH who have had a significant influence on the character of social and economic changes in our country Today, the Warsaw School of Economics is considered to be the best economic university and one of the best Polish universities. Education at SGH is appreciated by students, employers and accreditation institutions. The career path developed in cooperation with Ernst&Young was awarded with the prestigious ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certificate. Two faculties Quantitative Methods in Economics and Information Systems as well as Finance and Accounting were distinguished by the Polish Accreditation Committee. Such a distinction may be granted to a given faculty at only one school in the country. In 2011, SGH received the IQA (International Quality Accreditation) certificate granted by the CEEMAN organization, confirming the highest level of education in the area of management. 6 7

6 First economic university History The Warsaw School of Economics is the oldest economic university in Poland. It started its activity in 1906 with the foundation of August Zieliński s Private Courses of Commerce for Men at a time when Poland was being divided by Russia, Prussia and Austria. The founder of the School, August Zieliński, managed to obtain the permission of the Russian authorities for opening courses, which, in fact, provided academic lectures in the Polish language. During World War I, with the consent of the occupying German authorities, the courses were acknowledged as Handelshochschule, i.e. the Higher School of Commerce (HSC). However, it was not until Poland regained independence in 1918 that it became possible to give the School a more academic look. One year later, the authorities approved the statute of the HSC by giving it full rights of a university. During World War II the school operated in conspiracy. After the end of the war in 1945, classes were resumed in the library building, which was kept intact. In June 1949, communist authorities nationalised the university and transformed it into the Central School of Planning and Statistics. The socialist shape imposed on the university by communists was aimed at creating an institution for educating official personnel, which was adjusted to the needs of a centrally planned and managed economy. Despite numerous limitations and obligations, the so-called science schools managed to develop, such as those of Aleksy Wakar and Michał Kalecki, which at that time were an avant-garde of economic thought. By the end of the period of the Polish People s Republic, the need for a thorough reform of the school became discernible. The conditions to conduct them appeared in 1990 in the wake of the general transformation of the state. On 5 April 1991, the university returned to its previous name of the Warsaw School of Economics Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie which literally translates from Polish as the Main School of Commerce. New authorities commenced the transformation of the School. The teaching process was computerised and modernised and contacts were established with the best economic schools in Europe and around the world. Students were given the opportunity to choose lecturers and shape their own programme of studies. 9

7 Campus Few people know that the large campus of the Warsaw School of Economics, located between Batorego and Rakowiecka Streets and the Niepodległości Avenue, is a historical facility an example of the original Polish architectural concept of the interwar period. The building complex at Niepodległości Av. was constructed for the purposes of the school, and, as a result of constant improvements, it has always been a perfect centre of academic life. There is no doubt that the shape of the library, the building A and the main edifice with the so called parachute lecture theatre have a positive influence on the character of studies and work at SGH. Students, lecturers and guests of the school appreciate its convenient location next to an underground station and a tram interchange, by one of the main arteries of the city and therefore close to the very centre of Warsaw, and, at the same time, at the edge of the Pole Mokotowskie park. The SGH campus at the forefront of the interwar architecture The main element of the campus, based on the classic, symmetrical axis system, is composed of three unique buildings, consistently designed by Jan Koszczyc Witkiewicz in the art déco style, although raised in different periods. The experimental building located at 24 Rakowiecka St. (currently building A), constructed in years , has been located by Koszczyc Witkiewicz around the central lecture theatre, with a monumental space topped with a unique, semicircular roof lantern. The building of the library erected in is an example of the most advanced, innovative functional solutions used at that time in Europe, as well as spatial solutions with a fascinating use of natural light, falling into the reading room covered with domes of three cylindrical roof lanterns, naturally lighting the room from five sides. The main building, raised in according to the Koszczyc Witkiewicz design from 1924, modified by Stefan Putowski, is arranged around the central courtyard covered with a step pyramid, giving it the form of an internal agora surrounded by galleries and topped with a glazed "parachute", currently called a "parachute lecture theatre". The buildings are characterized by their openness to natural light and their exceptionally simple and transparent structures and plans. Their quiet, simple elevations are distinguished by attics with ceramic details and characteristic semi-gables on corners

8 Education Over students study at SGH. This number includes about full-time students and about part-time students. Moreover, students participate in postgraduate courses and students study for doctoral degree. Since the School was established in 1906, it has educated over graduates (of both graduate and postgraduate studies). A significant number of the SGH academics are also its graduates. The school has awarded over Doctor of Economics degrees and about 500 postdoctoral habilitation degrees. According to the Bologna system SGH offers three levels of studies. Besides it offers a variety of postgraduate courses: Bachelor studies (I degree) six-semester full-time or extramural studies providing participants with theoretical and specialist knowledge and methodological skills in the selected field of study, both in Polish and English. Master studies (II degree) for graduates with at least a bachelor degree, full-time or extramural, four-semester studies integrating knowledge from various fields, to a large extent developing management competences, e.g. planning, decision-making, team management and negotiations. The studies finish with the defense of the master thesis. Master studies at SGH can also be done in the English language. Education Doctoral studies full-time or extramural; 10 syllabi allowing students to obtain a doctoral degree of economic sciences in economics or management and marketing. SGH offers doctoral studies in English and joint programme in French. Postgraduate courses over 120 programmes in the Polish language, Canadian Executive MBA programme and studies realised at the request of or in cooperation with companies and institutions. 13

9 How our students study? Graduates of secondary schools who start their academic adventure by undertaking studies at SGH must first obtain their bachelor degree. During the first year of education, they acquire basic knowledge about the economy and related fields, but this is also when they have to decide on the direction of their studies and future professional steps. By the end of the first year, they choose their major. During these studies, participants follow the programme of one of the fields of study available at SGH: Economics, European Studies, Finance and Accounting, Spatial Economics, Quantitative Methods in Economics and IT Systems (in Polish and English), Social Policy, International Relations, Management (in Polish and English), International Economics (in Polish and English). For students with at least a bachelor s degree, SGH offers two-year master studies in the following subjects: Administration, Economics, European Studies, Finance and Accounting (in Polish and English), Spatial Economics, Quantitative Methods in Economics and IT Systems, Social Policy, International Relations, Management, International Economics, Law and Economics, Tourism and Recreation, International Business (in English). Besides their selected major, students at SGH may also decide to specialise in a certain area thereof within the framework of a specialisation or to pursue one of the few dozens interdisciplinary programmes, aimed at deepening their knowledge and broadening their skills in the scope of areas in which students are interested. For many years the course of studies at SGH has been individualised, and now students can choose subjects from out of over offered. Education 14

10 Science & Research Along with education research is the most important objective of the SGH. Research topics are selected to support the teaching process and enhance educational standards of the academic staff. Research activities are conducted in institutes and departments within Collegia and cover a wide range of current issues of a significant impact on theory and practice. Research areas Collegium of Economic Analysis mathematical economics, mathematics of finance and insurance, econometrics and decision-making theory, statistics and demography, operational research, economic informatics, micro- and Collegium of Socio-Economic Policy history of economic thought, economic history, public finance and banking, environmental economics, urban economics, social economics, employment, social insurance, sociology, philosophy, political science, public administration, international relations, economic integration, security. Collegium of World Economy international economics, foreign trade, European integration, globalization, tourism, international law, economic transition, international marketing, business communication. Collegium of Business Administration enterprise, enterpreneurship, competitiveness, strategic management, human resources management, finance of enterprises, small business, managerial accounting, business application of marketing and logistics. Collegium of Management and Finance theory of economics, theory of management, finance and banking, economic policy, marketing, economic law, accountancy, management in national economy, logistics and transport, quality management, economics of consumption. Professor Leszek Balcerowicz Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, former President of the National Bank of Poland. An SGH graduate and lecturer. I have been connected with SGH for years. I graduated from the Foreign Trade Faculty. As a student I became interested in the main problem of economy, i.e. why some countries develop quickly, others slowly, and others do not develop at all. I also devoted many years to international economic relations. macroeconomics, economic policy. The Copernicus Science Centre was opened in Warsaw, on the bank of the Vistula River, as one of the first institutions of its type in Poland. It includes an interactive exhibits where children, young people and adults can carry out experiments demonstrating how the world around us works. The priority is on understanding the essence of phenomena, rather than on telling the I pursued my interests from my studies in my further research and teaching work at SGH and since 1989 also in public life. As I was interested in the problem of development, I directed my attention to the crucial role of political systems and their reforms in the development of the country. My interest in international economic relations highlighted the role of opening the country to the external world and the necessity to be familiar with the world s economy in order to understand the local economy. I am proud of being an SGH professor. I attach a great deal of importance to my work with students, the best of whom become my co-workers. story of scientific progress

11 Szkoła Główna Handlowa Warsaw School of Economics Support services books from the field of economics, history of economic thought, econometrics, economic policy, economic history and geography of particular countries, economic law, statistics, demography, accounting, finance and banking, labour and social policy, enterprise, industry, commerce, transport, services, management and Agnieszka Accordi-Krawiec Director of an audit department, PwC marketing, environment protection as well as information technology and cybernetics. It has the largest collection of books concerning broadly understood socio-economic policy in Poland, including, among others, many of the first issues of classical works in economics. The library also has a computer laboratory. I appreciate the possibilities related to individual selection of courses offered by SGH. Due to individual selection of courses, everyone can choose their own educational path and standards. The system teaches responsibility for one s educa- The library houses the Centre of European Documentation constituting a part of Europe Direct an all-european information network and performing the role of a depositary of publications of European Communities. It collects and makes available materials issued by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities in Luxembourg, publications of particu- tion and development. It is a very important skill, which pays off in the future, as making decisions on one s career path is essential. Moreover, SGH allows its students to select courses that they find most interesting and areas they would like to explore. As a result, students are able to gain knowledge and achieve a status of a specialist in an area that is crucial for their professional career. Individual programmes increase the possibilities of going to exchange visits, internship or earlier start of one's professional career. lar European institutions and Polish governmental and non-gov- Experience gained in the course of studies open one s eyes to practical know- The library of SGH is the largest economic library in Poland, gathering over 1 million volumes. The library offers thousands Polish and foreign titles of current periodicals. Another tens of thousands titles of foreign periodicals are available in computer bases. The main book collection of the library of SGH is the largest specialist selection of this type in Poland. It gathers ernmental organisations. Except for classic IT solutions, SGH offers an e-learning platform called e-sgh, which makes it possible to publish supplementary materials for lectures and classes, to conduct full-time classes online as well as to organise and conduct courses and training sessions. ledge; it offers a chance to find an area in which a given person would like to work in the future and verifies one s plans related to the field of study. These invaluable possibilities enable students to make their long-term decisions at an early stage. Thanks to the system of studies offered by SGH, I managed to complete traineeship in accounting before graduation. I was also able to finish my studies earlier and take up a job at PwC

12 International relations The international co-operation is an important element in enhancing research and developement of educational methods. The School has been traditionally open to exchange of knowledge, educational and research experience with abroad. The international character of the School is increasing as various organisational units of SGH and its employees now maintain international contacts and co-operate with more than 250 foreign universities. The School s faculty participate in international academic conferences. The School takes part in almost a hundred research projects conducted in co-operation with foreign centres. Foreign co-operation enhances the international character of studies as the curriculum and educational methods are adjusted to international standards. The co-operation also enriches educational offer with interesting new specialist programmes delivered in foreign languages by Polish and international lecturers. SGH also takes part in a wide range of international student exchange programmes. This way students may attend courses at renowned foreign universities whose students in turn take part in non-degree courses at SGH. International relations 20

13 International relations CEMS SGH is intensively developing international cooperation based on multilateral agreements and traditional bilateral contacts with foreign universities and educational institutions. The main partners of SGH are universities from the EU countries as well as from the USA and Canada. Similarly, the range and significance of cooperation of SGH with universities from Eastern Europe and Asian countries, in particular Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and China, are also growing. I decided to study at SGH not only to enhance my career prospects, but also because I wanted to test myself. As a holder of BA degree, I had enough knowledge and courage to check the offer of the best economic school in Poland. I was also eager to see if the level of foreign language courses is as high as I heard from my friends and if it is true that employers fall over themselves to hire SGH students. I wanted to study in English and learn practical skills from companies. My expectations were really high. I was not disappointed. The school offers development to those who want it and follow their aims. In two years, I completed six courses in English, three of which were run by international business Przemysław Komar leaders. In my opinion, the most important advantages of SGH include: high level of foreign language courses, the possibility to study in English, contact with international companies, academic Route Development Manager, teachers open to students needs and opportunities to travel abroad.. DB Schenker Logistics CEMS (the Global Alliance in Management Education) is an alliance of 26 leading business schools around the World and over 50 multinational companies. Objective of CEMS is simple: to provide a management education programme that will develop tomorrow s thought and business leaders. More than graduates from 35 countries and innumerable industry sectors are currently studying through CEMS. Together they represent a unique forum for the multicultural exchange of management ideas - and the future of European business. The one-year CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) degree programme, which is exclusive to students studying at CEMS member universities, creates multicultural and multilingual managers with the skills to thrive in tomorrow s business environment. It is a natural choice of degree if you have an excellent academic track record, and the potential to take on a senior international management role. Devised by both academic and business leaders, the CEMS MIM programme bridges university education and practical management, offering keen insights into leadership best practice. The programme encourages international mobility, cross-cultural aptitudes and is ultimately a fast track to success in the international arena

14 International relations PIM International programmes SGH is also a member of PIM (Partnership in International Management) the largest international organisation gathering 58 leading business schools offering full-time MBA studies. PIM, Partnership in International Management, is an international consortium of business schools that was founded in Each member institution represents the highest degree of excellence in the fields of business administration and management, demonstrates leadership in their geographic region and delivers an MBA or graduate-equivalent degree in management. PIM facilitates the international exchange of MBA or masters degree-equivalent students among its member institutions, encourages the development of joint ventures and cooperation among faculty members and researchers. CEMS Master in International Management a one-year global degree programme offered by 28 schools and over 70 corporate and social partners belonging to CEMS - The Global Alliance in Management Education.. LLP Erasmus the most popular European programme for developing the exchange of students and teachers and internships abroad. Erasmus Mundus European Master in Law and Economics one-year master degree programme offered by a consortium of leading European institutions together with non-eu partners. Other Erasmus Mundus programmes: One Moe Step (with Asia), Welcome (Egypt Lebanon), SCEE (Siberia, Russia), MID (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) Master double degree programme with University of Cologne in International Business and Management. Master double degree programme with Universidade NOVA de Lisboa in Management. and Management. Master double degree programme in Finance and Accounting with Mercator School of Management, University of Duisburg-Essen Economic and Social Sciences Programme run under the Polish-German Academic Forum and Master double degree programme in Management and Finance and Accounting with Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. Master in International Business Relations a two-year Master s programme delivered in English directed to both Polish and international students. Polish-French European Doctoral Studies (extramural) run jointly with the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science of Warsaw University and University of Cergy Pontoise in Paris. Polish-American Innovation Management Postgraduate Programme in cooperation with the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. SGH and Ernst&Young Executive Study in Finance. Canadian Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) a programme realised in cooperation with the Canadian Université du Québec à Montréal. Jean Monnet Programme, within the framework of which two departments operate at SGH. Council on International Educational Exchange a one-term programme in economics, political and social sciences and history, prepared at SGH and directed to American students. The Polish-Israeli Dialogue Forum a series of seminars organised interchangeably at SGH and at the University of Tel Aviv. Each year, students of both schools take part in study trips and discussions held in both countries. Summer University Warsaw a summer school organised by SGH each July. SGH Sommerschule Summer University in German supported by DAAD on Polish-German Economic Relations. Master double degree programme with Viadrina European Postgraduate study created for the purposes of management edu- University in Finance and Accounting, International Business cation in finance

15 Students Students Student organisations In SGH there are tens of student organisations whose activity makes the university teem with life and activities almost incessantly. The most active ones are student associations and interuniversity or international associations such as AIESEC or the European Students Forum AEGEE. tion: young organisers gain practical experience in planning, competing for recipients, advertising projects and fundraising. On the other hand, talented units and natural-born leaders stand out in this environment, and recruitment departments of companies who are patrons of student-organised events quickly contact them. Other student matters... SGH provides its students with two dormitories: Sabinki and Grosik, where over 700 students live in singles, doubles, triples and quads. Beside lectures and classes, students cooperate in realising projects concerning all spheres of social life: science, culture, professional work, sports, entertainment or religion. In the school corridors, in Parachute Hall, which is the heart of the school, one can always see students hurrying for meetings with people of business, politics and culture organised by students. Student associations, cooperating with departments and other units of the university, enrich scientific conferences with their innovative ideas. Besides being a pleasant way of spending free time, the exceptionally intense activity of student organisations at SGH is also a form of development complementing a typically academic educa- Student Union A particularly important role in the life of the university is played by the Student Union, which organises numerous undertakings and has a right to decide about student matters. The Union helps to distribute resources allocated for financial aid to students, and also sets the criteria for granting academic and sports scholarships, cooperates with student dormitories with respect to the distribution of places and the level of fees, and its representatives are members of the school senate and its commissions. Members of the School Union organise the largest annual event the Freshmen Party. Between classes the students frequently meet at the student club located under the main building of the university. You can also find them at the Park, which is another SGH-operated club and is one of the most popular ones in Warsaw, where people from outside SGH can also enjoy their time. SGH students are provided with medical care this role to a basic and specialist degree is performed by two medical centres and sports infrustructure. On campus there are a swimming pool, sauna, gym and even a climbing wall. Parachute Hall the centre of the School teeming with life, where students eagerly spend their time while waiting for classes, and organisations and companies present their projects. In 2005 the Student Parliament of the Republic of Poland awarded SGH with the title of the most student-friendly Polish university

16 Alumni The SGH alumni do not lose contact with the school when they leave its premises with diplomas in their hands. They come back to the school not only due to a sentimental attachment, but also for more practical reasons. Appreciating the value of good education, they come to SGH for additional knowledge usually as part of postgraduate studies or training courses for companies; sometimes they decide to start doctoral studies. Our alumni often visit the school as representatives of companies to look for trainees and future employees as well as professional partners and associates. Alumni Office The SGH Alumni Office supports students and alumni in their career path development and effective functioning on the labour market. By means of the Career Portal kariera.sgh.waw.pl, students and alumni may search for traineeship and job offers. They have access to information on recruitment, contests organised by companies, scholarships, training courses and workshops. The Warsaw School of Economics offers consultation with a career development professional, preceded by a psychological test to check predisposition to a given profession. SGH Alumni Club The graduation and diplomas award ceremony for alumni of BA and MA studies. The event is organized to thank and reward the alumni for their efforts, but it is also an occasion to have a good time. Having received a BA, MA, PhD or post-graduate studies diploma, each alumnus may apply for membership in the SGH Alumni Club and receive the Alumni Card which entitles to discounts as part of a discount programme and events organised by the Club

17 Corporate partners SGH cooperates with top enterprises and institutions that are ready to support the school with their expertise and funds. Strengthening the school s status as a leading business and economic school in Poland is a joint practical aim of our academic teachers, partner companies and students. The cooperation provides a link between science, education and business, allowing for better use of resources offered by all parties. As a result of these aims and their consistent implementation, in 2010 SGH was awarded the Employer Friendly University title, taking the second place in the ranking related to cooperation between universities and employer-companies. SGH Partners Club SGH Partners Club was established in It is a joint initiative of Polish and international enterprises cooperating with SGH. Business partners expand our educational offer: students participate in seminars, workshops, educational programmes and lectures, jointly organised by enterprises and lecturers. The educational offer of our school includes courses held in cooperation with Partners Club companies. Participating in the Study Practically project, students have an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience directly from global enterprises. Students are presented with concepts, future challenges, methods and tools used in contemporary business. The best students can start their professional career in the partner companies even before graduation. Moreover, the Study Practically project encompasses MA studies in English organised in cooperation with Ernst&Young Finance and Accounting which facilitate application for the ACCA certificate and the SGH & CIMA interdisciplinary major programmes, offered as part of MA studies. As regards R&D cooperation between the school and the business sector, the Rector of SGH is provided with an opinionmaking support of the Consultation Board of Corporate Partners (Rada Konsultacyjna Partnerów Korporacyjnych). The board is composed of representatives of Ernst&Young Polska, Deloitte, PWC Polska, KPMG, DB Schenker, Procter and Gamble, AXA Polska, LitPol Link, MasterCard Europe SPRL Representative Office in Poland, L'Oreal Polska, American Chamber of Commerce in Poland and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cologne. The Consultation Board initiated a survey on university graduates competencies and qualifications required by employers. As a result of the survey, a profile of a perfect university graduate from the point of view of an employer was established

18 Warsaw Warsaw is the biggest academic centre in Poland almost 300 thousand young people from Poland and abroad study in the capital. Warsaw is also a place that offers a wide variety of leisure activities to its inhabitants and tourists. The city has 67 theatres, a few dozen museums and more than 170 galleries; its numerous clubs are widely attended by students. Seats of the most important Polish institutions the government and most of the large enterprises operating on the Polish market are located in the capital, which makes Warsaw the most attractive and the most dynamically developing labour market in Poland. 33

19 Warszawa Warsaw is an unusual city, located in the centre of Europe, at the crossing of traffic routes running from the west to the east and from the north to the southern part of the continent. It astonishes with its history and atmosphere as well as merging influence of western and eastern Europe. Visitors find its specific character very interesting. We invite you to visit a city full of contrasts, where historical buildings are mixed with modern architecture; where historical palaces, churches, edifices and architectural complexes have been faithfully reconstructed; where urban architecture borders on open spaces of squares, parks and gardens. Warsaw is a unique, vibrant capital with an irresistible charm. Warsaw is a place where world famous events and festivals are held. Its residents have access to the widest cultural and entertainment offer in Poland. Visitors can choose from a great variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs and galleries everyone can find something for themselves

20 WarsaW school of Economics (sgh) Pr office fourth edition 2012