Below please find logistical instructions and FAQs for Master of Public Safety students traveling to the International March of the Living in Krakow, Poland, as a part of the MPS elective, PSPS 5500: Policing in Nazi Germany: Leadership, Genocide, and Contemporary Applications (dubbed "Operationalizing Never Again").
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- TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
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Flights: MPS students are responsible for arriving at the designated airport (Kraków John Paul II International Airport [Code KRK]) and may fly from whatever airport and routing they choose.
- Arrive by no later than 1pm local time on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
- Flights may not depart earlier than 6pm local time on Friday, April 25, 2025. You are encouraged to depart on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates.
- The cost of airfare is at your expense and any refunds are strictly per the terms of carriage you accept with the airline at time of booking. UVA is not responsible for cancelled or delayed flights.
Arrival in Poland: You will receive an individualized itinerary which will include instructions on group transportation to the hotel or instructions to take a taxi or Uber from the airport, upon arrival in Krakow, to the hotel.
- ACCOMMODATIONS
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Hotel: MPS students will stay in a centrally located hotel in Krakow. We are working to finalize the hotel now and you will be in a four or five-star accommodation and three nights of accommodations are provided. MPS students will have the option to extend their stay (before/after 4/23-4/26) at their own cost of approximately $250 per night directly with the hotel.
Amenities: Breakfast and Wi-Fi will be included. Please ensure any dietary restrictions or special requirements have been communicated to Program Manager William Paige, qug5wg@virginia.edu, in advance.
- PACKING GUIDELINES
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Clothing: Pack layers suitable for the variable spring weather in Poland (raincoat, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing for outdoor activities). Generally temperatures fluctuate between 50°F to 62°F. We request that all uniformed members plan to bring and wear their “Class A” formal uniform attire for the March itself on April 24th and for any ceremonies. Additionally, members should bring business attire for the Ceremonial Dinner the night before.
Documentation: Carry a photocopy of your passport. It is also advisable to have an electronic copy saved on your phone.
Personal Items: Bring toiletries, medications, and any necessary electronics (note: Poland uses Type E plugs; bring an adapter).
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- MEALS AND DIETARY NEEDS
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Most meals will be provided as part of the program. MPS students should communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance to Program Manager William Paige, qug5wg@virginia.edu, to ensure accommodations are made.
Snacks and water will be available during long excursions, but MPS students may wish to bring additional items.
- PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
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4/23/25 - Educational Tours: Guided visits to historical sites in Krakow, including the Krakow Ghetto. Participation is mandatory at 3pm and will go through a dinner program in the evening.
4/24/25 - March of the Living: MPS students will participate in a commemorative march from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We request that all uniformed members plan to bring and wear their “Class A” formal uniform attire for the March itself.
4/25/25 – Course Session: MPS students will join for an eight-hour classroom-based course on 4/25, consistent with the course syllabus.
Reflection Sessions: Daily group discussions led by UVA faculty and guides to reflect on experiences.
- COMMUNICATION WHILE ABROAD
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Contact Information: Program leaders (Ben Haiman and Steven Levine) will provide a list of emergency contacts, including their cell phones, local guides, and the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw along with Diplomatic Security Contacts.
Cell Phones: Verify that your phone plan supports international roaming. Alternatively, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Poland. If you are a customer that uses AT&T FirstNet, contact your provider to enable a “Daily Travel Pass”. This pass generally costs $10 per day and allows existing service to work without interruption.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY
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Insurance: Travel insurance is required as a part of the UVA delegation. UVA will secure insurance as a part of your course registration. You may consider supplemental/private insurance as well.
Health Precautions: Students should consult their physician regarding vaccinations or medications. Bring any necessary prescriptions in original packaging. Please see CDC guidance on vaccination recommendations: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/poland
Emergency Procedures: Upon arrival, a safety and security briefing will be provided and you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the emergency meeting points provided by program leaders.
Safety: As this is a law enforcement contingent, we will have an assigned security detail to provide added safety for our delegation. Krakow is generally quite safe. For further information, please see the Department of State’s information about the destination: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/poland-travel-advisory.html
- CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS
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Behavior: Respect local customs and sensitivities, especially at Holocaust memorial sites. Silence and solemnity are expected during visits to concentration camps as these are sites of mass suffering.
Language: While English is widely spoken, learning basic Polish phrases can be helpful. https://krakow.wiki/polish-language-learn-polish-phrases/
- PROGRAM COST
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Tuition and Program Fees: The program (lab) fee of $2,550 covers all costs of programming and most meals while on site in Poland during the program. This includes hotel accommodations, meals, entrance fees, security, local transportation, and guided tours. The lab fee is in addition to standard MPS tuition of $629 per credit hour and off-Grounds fees of $10 per credit hour.
Spending Money: MPS students may choose to budget for souvenirs, additional snacks, and personal expenses. Currency exchange to Polish Zloty (PLN) can be done at the airport or local banks, but major credit cards (e.g., Visa/Mastercard) are accepted widely.
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION
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Mandatory Meeting: A pre-departure orientation session will be held on April 8th at 7pm Eastern time (virtual) to review the itinerary, cultural expectations, and travel safety tips. Attendance is mandatory and this coincides with a live session of the course.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
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All questions regarding program logistics and the course should be directed to Ben Haiman, vcb9dn@virginia.edu, or Steven Levine, sll7f@virginia.edu.
Questions regarding registration, including drops/withdrawals or holds, should be directed to scpsregistration@virginia.edu or or 1.800.346.3882.
- POST-TRIP DEBRIEF
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Upon return, MPS students are required to complete the remaining coursework to share reflections and discuss how the experience can inform their studies and community engagement.