Krakow - Psychology & Sociology School Trip

Day 1 - Arrival, Krakow Old Town

Upon arrival in Krakow, transfer to your hotel by coach.

Meet your local guide and begin your Psychology & Sociology school trip to Krakow. The Old Town offers students of psychology and sociology the opportunity to explore how religious and historical landmarks contribute to the collective identity and social fabric of the city. Start by visiting St. Mary's Basilica, where students can analyse the psychological impact of Gothic architecture and religious iconography on worshippers, and how such elements reinforce social cohesion within religious communities.

Continue to Wawel Hill, home to the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral. Here, students can explore the role of religion in shaping national identity, particularly how the cathedral served as a symbol of power and unity in Poland. Discussions can also focus on the influence of religious institutions on societal norms and values over centuries.

Next, visit the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in Europe, to learn about the development of psychological and sociological thought. The university's long history of religious scholarship offers insights into how religious and philosophical ideas have shaped human behaviour, ethics, and societal structures throughout history.

Day 2 - Kazimierz, Schindler's Factory, Galicia Jewish Museum

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Kazimierz, Krakow's historic Jewish quarter. This area is rich with examples of how religion and culture shape community identity and resilience. Students can explore the social dynamics of Jewish life in pre-war Poland, analysing how religion acted as both a unifying force and a marker of difference in a diverse society.

Visit the Remuh Synagogue and its 16th-century cemetery. Discussions can touch on the psychological impact of collective memory and the preservation of religious practices in the face of external pressures.

Cross the Vistula River to visit the Ghetto area and Schindler's Factory Museum, where students can delve into the psychological and sociological implications of life under extreme conditions, such as those faced by Jews during the Nazi occupation. The museum offers insights into the moral dilemmas and survival strategies employed during this period, providing a rich context for discussions on human behaviour under duress.

Later, explore the Galicia Jewish Museum, which not only commemorates Holocaust victims but also celebrates the resilience of Jewish culture. This visit can serve as a case study in the sociology of trauma, recovery, and the role of cultural institutions in preserving group identity.

End the day with a fun evening of bowling.

Day 3 - Reflection and Remembrance at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Today, travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau for a guided tour of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. This visit provides an exploration of the psychology of genocide, the mechanisms of dehumanisation, and the sociological processes that allow such atrocities to occur. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on how societal structures, group dynamics, and individual psychology can converge to produce extreme forms of violence and discrimination.

The tour also offers a space to discuss the role of collective memory and the importance of sites like Auschwitz in educating future generations about the dangers of unchecked prejudice and the social responsibilities of remembrance.

Return to Krakow for dinner at your hotel, where students can share their reflections on the day's emotionally and intellectually challenging experiences.

Day 4 - Wieliczka Salt Mines

After checking out of your hotel, conclude your educational trip with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The salt mines provide a unique case study in the sociology of work, exploring how labour shapes social relations and community life. Students can discuss the historical significance of the mines, how they contributed to the local economy, and the social hierarchies that developed around this essential industry.

Explore the famous St. Kinga's Chapel within the mines, where students can examine the interplay between work, religion, and culture. The chapel's intricate decorations carved from salt offer an example of how cultural and religious practices are integrated into the daily lives of workers, reflecting the importance of spiritual life in maintaining social cohesion and personal well-being.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight home, enriched by the psychological and sociological insights gained throughout your journey in Krakow.