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- Polish-Americans: second, third or even fourth generation of Polish emigrants who are interested in researching their past and reconnecting with their roots.
- Mixed couples: Polish –American relationships and marriages; spouses are motivated to learn the language and culture of the country of their partner in order to be able better understand their background.
- Business/Government Professionals/Academics traveling to Poland for international conferences or exchange programs.
- English language teachers traveling for teaching assignments to Poland.
- Investors/Entrepreneurs: Poland’s entry into the European Union has increased the country’s attractiveness as a target for investment. The economic, political, and cultural relationship between the United States and Poland is one of the best in Europe and is constantly improving.
- I am so glad I decided to take the class. I wanted to get in direct contact with the culture, and this class was perfect for that. I can't believe it's only been three months - I feel like I know so much. Basia, thank you so much for your obvious gift for teaching, for the preparation and dedication you put into every class, and most of all for the forgiving, encouraging way you have with us after listening what must have been some of the most atrocious Polish coming out of us, at least early on. I will definitely make plans to attend the next one in the fall.
-Patrick Swann, Beginners I, Spring 2009
- I got an awful lot out of Polish class. At first I was pretty nervous, since unlike a lot of my classmates, I don't have any Polish background/family, and therefore I didn't know any Polish. But, happily, I really enjoyed the class, and I learned an awful lot. To be honest, I never would have guessed at the start of the semester that I would have learned so much and that I would want to continue studying Polish. Prof. Bernhardt is also incredibly nice and approachable - she never made me feel uncomfortable when I spoke in class and/or made mistakes. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I highly recommend it!
-Susan Henderson
- I was so glad to finally study the language of my grandparents and ancestors. And not only did we learn about the structure of the Polish language, but we listened to contemporary music and watched movies, so we could get a better understanding of what this interesting country is like now that it is no longer under Communist rule. This class will definitely be one of the highlights of my college academic life.
-Alyssa (Ala) Misner
- This class was more than I expected. In addition to getting a basic grip on the language, we learned about Polish culture and tradition, even sampling Polish cuisine. Class was very interesting and challenging, and well worth the time and effort.
-Hayden Alfan
- For me, learning Polish has been an exploration. Those smooth flowing sounds have awakened something below this American exterior and oozed out a proud awareness of my Polish heritage. This has been hard to find living in a Western oriented society. Learning Polish has introduced me to other students of Polish descent and to a variety of individuals who care about and share my interest in Polish culture. The classroom experience has been a fun and unifying process more so than any other class I have taken in my college career. Along with our professor, my classmates and I supported and encouraged each other in our quest to understand this strange and beautiful Slavic language. It has been an amusing process as well with lots of laughs at mispronounced words, discussions of “ piwo”(beer) and trying to figure out how one word could contain twenty letters (which goes back to the question of how does one pronounce such a word?!). In all, learning Polish has given me many happy memories and the courage to tackle other seemingly difficult tasks that life may have to offer.
-Marissa Prybys
- Barbara Bernhardt is an extraordinarily gifted language teacher. She always approaches the material and the students with a marvelous inventiveness that makes classes both very interesting and productive. Each session is approached with an enthusiasm that communicates to students and sparks a similar enthusiastic response in them.”
-Raymond Studzinski, Associate Professor, Catholic University, Washington, DC. (Int-I, Fall 2008)
- These classes have helped so much with my Polish. I learn something new of grammar, culture, or vocabulary every time the class meets. I really like how Pani Basia keeps the class lively and fun with a variety of materials. Along with the textbook, she includes other readings, music, and her own experiences and impressions.
-Anna Kusmierz (Int-I, Fall 2008)
- Ms. Bernhardt is an extraordinary teacher who actually makes studying seven declensions seem like fun. She brings a lot of energy into the classroom along with a wonderful sense of humor. Not only do we receive excellent instruction in studying the Polish language, we also benefit from her vast knowledge of Polish culture, music, literature and art.
-Monica Rohner (Beg-I, Fall 2008)
- I have just completed a beginner’s Polish class with Basia Bernhardt and cannot recommend her highly enough. The classroom environment was relaxed and the students responded eagerly to Basia’s teaching style. The introduction of cultural materials into the curriculum made learning the language all the more exciting. Polish is not an easy language to learn, but Basia makes it fun and I looked forward to each class session.
-Gary Jankowski (Beg-I, Fall 2008)
- Dear Basia, I wanted to express my appreciation and thanks for the wonderful experience I have had taking your First Level Polish class. I am of Polish descent and had a renewed interest in the language and culture which was stimulated by a recent visit to Poland. As you know, I had no prior language experience. I was concerned the course may not be within my capabilities, with my prior lack of language experience. I found your approach to presenting the course material, very clear and easy to comprehend. Additionally I very much enjoyed the excitement that you generated among the other students. The class was a great deal of fun and has stimulated my interest in moving on to the next level. Many thanks again. Best and kindest regards.
-Michael Schaeffer (Beg-I, Fall 2008)
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