Justyna Kotlarczyk

I am a professional Russian linguist, but also have a wide variety of other interests. I love learning about new cultures, world views, and various ways of living. I believe in continuous learning and growing as a person. I gather memories, acquire experiences, and collect books - which all are at the same time my greatest strength and weakness. I follow my intuition and passion. I like Mondays.

Valentyna Kulinich

I came to Varia a few years ago as a Polish language student. I was preparing for the certification exam and learning Polish very intensively. I remember how much fun it was to meet my teacher and other Varia employees at school. It was a fantastic time that I often reminisce about.
When the opportunity to join the Varia team presented itself, I knew immediately, it was the right job for me. It all worked out! Now, I advise students which course to choose, motivate them to learn Polish, and have great conversations with them. I make sure that everyone, who comes to Varia, feels special here, just like I used to.

Magdalena DeVault

Since my family moved to Poland in 2018, we have started becoming a part of Varia. We have grown into it. We have gotten to know the people and the place.

My husband Ken and four children: Ela, Julia, Adam, and Daniel have started taking Polish language classes. I have begun getting to know the school, the students, and the teachers. Very informally, sometimes while having a cup of coffee, other times in a passing conversation. I liked this friendly, warm place. A few times I stayed late, and now I am working (although this is not the most suitable description, because mostly I enjoy being and give endlessly) at Varia. I implement the Varia mission - I create a place where everyone feels at home. Every day, I make our school the most friendly and comfortable place to learn and to teach. I take care of everyone and everything.

I relax while practicing yoga, discover myself by taking pictures of my surroundings, loose myself in good books. I constantly learn. I never say “no” to travelling or to a great cup of coffee. I indulge myself in shapes, colors, scents. I am learning to feel.

Justyna Szybińska

Agnieszka Zięba

At Varia I work as a director of study. I supervise the the entire teaching process and its implementation. I ensure the great quality of all lessons by helping our teachers conduct their classes in an effective but also inspiring way. In my free time, I like to travel, especially to Istanbul and the Balkans. I am passionate about cinema, fashion, Polish folklore as well as the forgotten stories and legends. My favourite place in Krakow is Planty - any time of day, any time of year.

Justyna Szybińska

I am always on my bicycle and fascinated by language and people. Every aspect of language captivates me. I love observing how language influences our perception of the world, how it shapes us, how it evolves with time, and how it co-creates our culture. For me, learning a language is like discovering a whole new world. It allows me to meet new people, develop my own personality, and … have fun. A bicycle trip to discover the local colour or a bonfire accompanied by long conversations with students about ourselves and our culture - that is what I love about my job.

Agata Miks-Lorenzoni

My name is Agata Miks-Lorenzoni, and I have a license to teach. Being a teacher is not only my occupation but also my passion. My experience comes from working in Poland and Italy. I believe people continue learning throughout their lives, and I find that beautiful. A recipe for a successful lesson? A large dose of clear communication and a pleasant atmosphere, a pinch of grammar, and a spoonful of vocabulary. During my lessons I like using creative materials. In my free time, I cook, read, and travel, especially in Tuscany. I am passionate about sociolinguistics and learning foreign languages. I appreciate my students’ even tiniest attempts to communicate, and I want to support their efforts.

Ania Stelmach

It is said that you can teach the workbook, the language, or the student. The last one is the most important to me, yet, the most difficult. It compels you to be attentive, constantly seek, and look for inspirations. I strive to conduct my classes in a pleasant and creative atmosphere, make them engaging, and avoid boredom. I hope my lessons are eagerly awaited by my students. After many years of teaching, I continuously enjoy my job. While during my work I give much of myself, I receive just as much.

Anna Winczura

I have been teaching Polish as a foreign language since 2005. My experience comes from teaching at universities in Poland, Czech Republic, France, and Germany. Currently, I teach online. I am passionate about foreign languages. Since I am continuously learning new languages, I can easily put myself in my students’ shoes and understand their needs. I am trying to design interesting and dynamic lessons filled with a variety of information about the Polish geography, culture, and society. In my lessons, I also use my personal interests and hobbies, including love for cooking, cinema, music, and board games.

Dorota Rybińska

I work as a tour guide in Krakow, and I love this city! In my line of work, every day I appreciate not only the beautiful monuments but also the people I cross paths with. I truly enjoy meeting new people, learning about their culture, and discovering their mentality. The same things are important and valuable to me when I teach Polish. I believe languages are a window into the world and I want to show my foreign students a little bit of the Polish world. I also like travelling and hope to visit South America. In my free time, I like bike riding, mountain hiking, hanging out with friends, and playing with my dog.

Iga Strzałka

Foreign languages are my specialty. I speak Russian and English fluently, but I have always been the most passionate about the Polish language. I graduated with a degree in Russian Philology. Upon earning the certification to teach Polish as a foreign language, I started teaching. I take great pleasure in sharing my knowledge with my students, especially the youngest ones. I love travelling. My dream is to hitchhike across the former Soviet Union and travel by the Trans-Siberian Railway all the way to China. When I am not physically travelling, I use my cooking skills to take me to the remote places in the world.

Joanna Michalczyk

Ludwig Wittgenstein said, “the limits of language . . . mean the limits of my world.” As a Polish language teacher, I have been helping people from all over the world expand these limits. I enjoy teaching grammar because that is where the logic of a language lies. I sometimes work as a translator. I like photography, cats, knitted toys, and reading late into the night. I hope one day to learn Finnish, Japanese, and Icelandic.

Magda Król

I work at Varia because I like people and here you can meet the entire world. I like enthusiasts because if it were not for them, who else would learn Polish? :) I like irrational variety, even absurdity - there is always something interesting, but unexpected similarities may hit close to home. My motto is: “Having fun with Polish” - this can be accomplished while teaching grammar as well as having conversations. Welcome to my lessons!

Magda Mielimonka

I have a weakness for chocolate and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. I also love the scent of freshly mowed grass, people with a good sense of humor, and red wine. What do my students say about me? “The terrorist.” :) That’s required when you are teaching Polish grammar. And what do I say about my students? “The perfect material for hostages.” ;-) My students are disciplined and obedient. Our classes are always very interesting and filled with joy and laughter. All the adventurous daredevils are welcome to my class.

Małgorzata Vailleau-Wołczyk

Learning foreign languages has always been my great passion! Now, I am discovering the same passion in teaching Polish, and I very much would like to infect my students with it. The opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world is one of the biggest advantages of my work. Personally, I love cats, traveling, and good cinema. I spend my free time on culinary experiments and catching up on watching movies.

Monika Barańska

I strive to teach in such a way to create the feelings of fulfilment and success in my students. I derive great pleasure from inspiring conversations and encounters with people. I also enjoy spending time with nature and admiring all its wonders, reading and winter sports (especially skiing.)

Natalia Wójcik

My favourite writer, Marcel Proust, used to say: "The true journey of the discoverer is not about finding new landscapes, but about finding new eyes." These words has become my motto in a private and a professional life.
I love travelling and during each trip I really try to "see" other cultures. My work and passion is to teach those who set out on a trip to Poland and settle down there for a while - I help them to find "new eyes" in Polish reality. I cannot get bored, I like riding a bike, practicing yoga, buying cool clothes and talking to people! On my lessons you can have fun and a lot of homework :), because the success gained by hard work brings real joy!

Paulina Stawarz

I’m trying to teach in such a way so that my students can have a feeling of „fullfilment” and success 😊. I take great joy from joint meetings and inspiring conversations with my (fantastic!😊) students. In addition to teaching, I also enjoy having contact with nature, admiring the wonders of nature on all continents, reading interesting books and winter sports (especially skiing).

Nicola Agier

I became a teacher because working with people motivates me. I like learning about new cultures, especially about their scents and flavours. My students surprise me with their language discoveries and their fresh look at any cultural differences. I love Krakow, its romantic, narrow streets, and crowded cafes. I also like walking in the rain. I am interested in modern literature - you can often see me sitting on my balcony with an interesting book and a cup of coffee. My favourite writers are Italo Calvino and Matei Visniec, while ma favourite word is “flanowanie”, which means a spontaneous wandering around town and sightseeing without a map or a guide but focused on getting to know the residents.

Klaudia Mucha - Iwaniczko

I love travelling and teaching Polish as a foreign language. From my students I learn a lot about the cultures, flavours, and colours of the world. What I like most about my job is getting to know the other person by teaching him the language. I teach children and adults. I also conduct studies on the inherited language in the Polish youth living in The British Islands. In my free time, I like reading contemporary literature, watching TV series and movies, and developing my culinary skills.

Anna Łuć

My Polish language teaching adventure started in 2013, when I was working at a language camp with Belarusian and Lithuanian students. Then, I have graduated the Slavic Philology at the Catholic University in Lublin and completed my internship at the Catholic Peter Pazmany University in Budapest. I have started to accompany many people from all over the world in their Polish language journey while working at various language schools. In my free time, I read books, listen to podcasts, play the ukulele, practice yoga, take pictures, and learn foreign languages.

Beata Zaręba

My adventure with the Polish language has started a long time ago, and it still continues. It is a never-ending journey through various parts of the world, cultures, traditions, and customs. I enjoy getting to know new people, their countries, personalities, and life stories. I am glad when I can offer my students the tools necessary to discover the whole new world – the world of the Polish language.
During my lessons I create nice and friendly atmosphere. There is plenty of laughter and fun. I want my students to feel comfortable and not be afraid to speak Polish.
I am inviting all explorers - desiring new adventures – to embark on the train called the Polish language and to start a new inspiring journey. Who knows? Maybe a life-long journey?

Ewelina Sasin

I love infecting people with my love for the Polish language. My students inspire and motivate me. I am a Polish language teacher, a musician, and a cultural expert - I use all this knowledge during my lessons.
The biggest advantage of my job is meeting people from all over the world, which in turn creates my desire to travel. I have been fascinated with the Middle East region, especially its customs, religion, music, and languages. I am an avid walker – I like to travel the world on foot while listening to music or audiobooks. I am addicted to books, chocolate, coffee, and Turkish tea.

Gabriela Kwaśniewska

I love languages and because of them I can achieve my dreams and life goals. I can travel (mostly hitchhike;) and meet new people, learn their stories and different life perspectives. I also become familiar with the cultural heritage of their countries. I am a Polish and French philologist. I love speaking French (mostly about food), but the only language I love reading in is Polish. My passion for languages has two faces and I don't know which one of them I prefer - to learn languages or to teach them :) In both cases it's a great adventure!

Magdalena Mendrok

Małgorzata Migoń

Patrycja Pałka PhD

I am a linguist. Teaching the Polish language has been my hobby for many years, and I like to share this passion with my students. I teach not only the foreigners at the Varia school but also the Polish language students at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. I am interested in many aspects of the Polish language – persuasion and manipulation techniques, the regional Polish language, and of course the Polish grammar. In my free time, I like to travel, meet up with friends, go to the movies, and practice yoga.

Anita Ławrynowicz

After many years of working as a teacher and therapist, I am very proud that I can use the best of my experience in teaching Polish as a foreign language.
I know that the only effective way to support children in their learning is a combination of many educational and therapeutic approaches.
I rely on the direct method. It is a way of learning a language based primarily on speaking and listening only in the foreign language. Instructions are given by the teacher in a foreign language, and the child learns the foreign language similarly to a child learning his or her first language. The listener first hears the words, then utters them imitating the pronunciation of the teacher, and only then learns the spelling: he reads and writes. I am certain that it is possible to teach a language starting from conversation, and not from complicated grammar content.
It is very important for me to get to know well the language level of the course participants. The lesson materials must be well suited to the abilities of the students.

Iga Figiel

I am interested in people, I am fascinated by how individuals are different from each other, and how many ways there are to reach people. I discover other people's worlds through conversations, books, art, and travel. In my free time, I am learning to recognize wild edible plants and I also practice Slavic gymnastics. My way of relaxing is walking, coffee and books.

Małgorzata Drąg

Learning foreign languages is a quite the pleasure for me, so I share it with others. During classes, I try to smuggle knowledge about Polish culture, history, customs, people - then the language comes to life, it ceases to be just a set of rules and words. And let's be honest, learning Polish always comes with a lot of laughter and fun, in no other language there are so many surprises and revelations:)
I spend my free time in the water; I swim, row, dive. Sometimes I like backpacking. I cordially greet all potential and future students!

Marianna Szumal

I have a ton of ideas per minute. I love teaching, cooking, serving food, and accompanying others. The Polish language ignites my neural networks until they are red. I burst with energy and vigor as well as surprise with great composure. I carefully balance between chaos and order. Smile and sense of humor are my other names. I celebrate meeting people. Teaching language, culture, and literature allows me to use each of my faces
Privately - I am a wife and mother of two boys who are showing me the sounds and meanings of the Polish language from a completely different perspective.

Paulina Zięba

I am a Ukrainian philologist by education and passion, with my heart torn between Krakow and Kiev – while being in one city, I always miss the other one.
I started teaching Polish in cooperation with Polish organizations in Ukraine, helping to prepare candidates for the interviews to obtain the Pole's Card. Over time, I began to specialize in teaching people from the East Slavic language area: knowing Ukrainian and Russian, I understand well what problems my students may have. The best part about the work of a teacher, apart from the satisfaction from passing on the knowledge, is that I constantly have new opportunities to meet interesting people and dialogue with them, exchange thoughts, ideas, and energy.

Justyna Krawczyk -Ulatowska

I started teaching at Varia because I like working with people. At this school, I meet only wonderful, interesting people who radiate positive energy. I am happy when I can help my students achieve their goals. I try to make everyone feel accomplished while acquiring new skills during my lessons and not feel stressed when they meet a "chrząszcz brzmi w trzcinie" or another malicious language-bug, for which Polish is famous. Meeting newcomers from other countries during lessons at Varia is a great substitute for traveling around the world, and traveling gives me the greatest joy.

Anna Socha-Michalik PhD

I am a doctor of humanities, a linguist by passion and education. In addition to working on fascinating morphosyntactic issues, I like hiking in the mountains and reading about geopolitics. I treat my lessons as an opportunity to meet new people and their worlds, about which I teach my students to talk in Polish. Deep in my heart, I believe that the Polish language will become the new "lingua franca" of the modern world.

Marta Dąbrowska

My name is Marta and I am in love with the Polish language! I teach children with whom you can never be bored! Together we discover the rich world of language and exchange cultural experiences. The most important is that we learn from each other, and at the same time - we have a great time! I spend my free time reading and listening to books, baking cakes, and conversing with friends. I also love traveling, good movies, and flower.

Beata Romaniuk

When I am not at work, where I explain the secrets of the Polish language and promote my native culture, I fulfill myself as a Russian language translator. I am interested in contrastive grammar, teaching methodology, and cultural determinants of communication. Outside of work, you can meet me at a museum, on a bike path, and in a bookstore.