🇵🇱 Poland

Poznań

One of Poland's oldest and most vibrant cities — historic Old Market Square (Stary Rynek), Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), and a lively student atmosphere. A major cultural and academic center in central Poland. Welcome to II Liceum Ogólnokształcące.

The school

Poznań

Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland

~550,000
Inhabitants
~940 AD
Founded
Polish
Language
52°N
Coordinates
The host school

II Liceum Ogólnokształcące

Your home base for the Poznań leg of the exchange.

About the school

II LO im. Zamoyskiej — Founded 19th century, ~550 students

II Liceum Ogólnokształcące is one of Poznań's most prestigious high schools, founded over 100 years ago. This is a rigorous, academic school preparing students for the Polish Matura exam—the gateway to Polish and international universities. Strong tradition in humanities and sciences.

School culture is more formal than Dutch schools: teachers are authority figures (addressed as Pan/Pani), students are expected to be disciplined, and the workload is substantial. However, the school offers excellent international programs including IB (International Baccalaureate) and values student exchanges. Expect a structured, demanding, but highly respected educational experience.

Quick facts
  • 📍Matejki 8/10, Poznań (city center)
  • 👥~550 students, ~60 teachers
  • 📚Liceum (academic) — Matura + IB programs
  • 🌐lo2.poznan.pl
  • Classes: ~45 min; ~08:00–14:00 typical day
  • 🎯Formal, high academic standards

Useful Polish phrases

Cześć Hi / Hello
Dziękuję Thank you
Proszę Please / Here you go
Przepraszam Excuse me / Sorry
Nie rozumiem I don't understand
Not to miss

Poznań highlights

One of Poland's most beautiful and historically significant cities.

🏛️ Stary Rynek

Poznań's magnificent Old Market Square — colourful Renaissance townhouses and the iconic Town Hall with daily mechanical goats.

⛪ Ostrów Tumski

Cathedral Island — the spiritual birthplace of Poland, home to Poznań Cathedral where the first Polish rulers are buried.

🥐 Rogale świętomarcinskie

Poznań's famous St. Martin's croissants — a protected regional speciality filled with white poppy seed paste.

🏰 Poznań Citadel

A vast park on the site of a 19th-century Prussian fortress, now a peaceful green space with military museums.

🚆 Warsaw (2.5h away)

Poland's capital — the restored Old Town, Warsaw Rising Museum, and the energy of a modern European metropolis.

🎓 Student city

Poznań has five universities and a young, vibrant atmosphere — great food, cafés, and a lively Old Town evening scene.

Host families & daily life

Dutch students stay with Polish host families for the full week—experiencing authentic Polish culture, traditions, and warmth. You'll notice differences: Polish people are more formal, direct, and family-focused. School is taken seriously, and work comes before play. But you'll also experience genuine hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and loyal friendships. Families are arranged and vetted by II LO's exchange coordinator.