ReyVarstígur

ReyVarstígur is a multi-stage project that includes: 

1. Online lectures (September 15 – October 1, 2025) with experts from the University of Warsaw on Polish history and culture and the achievements of the Enlightenment in Poland. 
2. A two-week study visit to Warsaw (October 5 – 17, 2025) : 
   1. an intensive Polish language course focusing on communication skills, 
   2. immersive language activities and workshops dedicated to preparing for project tasks,
   3. a rich cultural program: sightseeing in Warsaw, guided tours, visits to museums and different cultural institutions, participation in cultural events, and an excursion to an Enlightenment-related site outside the capital. 
3. A symposium in Reykjavik (November 22, 2025): lectures by Prof. Agnieszka Lajus and Prof. Sveinn Yngvi Egilsson, presentation of the project results and an exhibition featuring participants' work.  

ReyVarstígur offers participants the opportunity to: 

• participate in an interesting educational project, 
• gain new experiences and meet with other students and experts in Polish language and culture, 
• enhance their understanding of the history and culture of the Enlightenment through insights from leading experts in the field, 
• improve their Polish language skills, 
• explore Warsaw and its rich cultural heritage. 

To apply for the project, prepare a video recording in English no longer than 5 minutes (mp4) in which you: 

• introduce yourself and describe your interest in the project, 
• answer the following questions: 
  • Why do you want to participate in the project? 
  • What do you hope to learn and experience? 
  • Will participation in the project enrich your studies, research or career? If so, in what ways?  

The recording, along with your CV^*, should be sent to: mariola@hi.is. 

Application opens: 17 March 2025.  
Application deadline: 16 May 2025.  
Selection results announcement: 30 May 2025. 

^{* Please note that due to the necessity of personal data protection in EU countries, the following clause must be included in the CV:
“I agree to the processing of personal data provided in this document and my personal image presented in the video by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, the University of Warsaw, and the University of Iceland for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process for the ReyVarstígur – from Reykjavik to Warsaw in the Footsteps of the Polish Enlightenment project.”} 

Participants are required to actively engage in all stages of the project: 

• attendance at online lectures (September 15 – October 1, 2025), 
• attendance at language courses and workshops in Warsaw (October 5 – 17, 2025), 
• participation in cultural events during the study visit (October 5 – 17, 2025), 
• participation in the symposium in Reykjavik (November 22, 2025) by delivering a short presentation showcasing the results of the project task. 
   

Students who fulfill these requirements will get 5 ECTS for this project. 

The following costs are covered by the project: 

• round-trip airfare between Reykjavik and Warsaw, 
• accommodation in Warsaw, 
• admission tickets to museums, cultural institutions and events included in the program, 
• language classes and workshops, including learning materials, 
• access to online lectures. 

Participants must cover: 

• the costs of their meals during their stay in Warsaw, 
• any personal expenses.  

Please note that project participants must also provide their health insurance, such as the European Health Insurance Card (E111).  

The University of Iceland Language Centre offers a 60 ECTS undergraduate program in Polish studies.