On 4 July 2013, the Inauguration of the 45th Summer School of Polish Language and Culture took place in Collegium Novum. This year, several hundred students from over 40 countries of the world are participating in this programme. Prof. Andrzej Mania, JU Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, and Prof. Anna Łebkowska, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Polish Studies, greeted the visitors on behalf of the University authorities. Many distinguished guests participated in the opening ceremony, including Roel Respecia, Regional Security Officer of the US Consulate-General in Kraków, Andrzej Tombiński, Honorary Consul of Austria in Poland, John Micgiel, President of the Kosciusko Foundation, Prof. Choi Sung-Eun, Head of the Faculty of Polish Studies of the Hankuk University in Seoul, and Prof. Kim Yong Deog, a historian at the same university who specialises in the history of Poland. Prof. Choi Sung-Eun delivered the opening lecture, entitled A journey through the world of translators – with the future Polish literature translators in mind.

Before the inauguration, Prof. Andrzej Mania presented Anastasia Streltsova with a diploma for winning the Cultural, intellectual and economic ties between Odessa and Poland in 19th and 20th century contest. The main prize in the contest was an invitation to a 4-week course at the Summer School, with all expenses paid by the University and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Poland in Odessa.

The School of Polish Language and Culture is the oldest and largest institution of this kind in Poland. It was created in 1969, but its beginnings go back as far as 1930s. So far, thousands of students and professors from all over the world have participated in its courses. Opening lectures feature distinguished scholars, cultural activists and politicians, such as Czesław Miłosz, Norman Davies, Andrzej Olechowski, Leszek Balcerowicz, Krzysztof Zanussi, Andrzej Wajda, Adam Zagajewski, Ryszard Kapuściński, and Anders Bodegård.

The programme of the School concentrates on Polish language courses, lectures on Polish history, culture and social issues as well as extra-academic activities, such as dance lessons, culinary courses, and getting to know Polish customs and traditions. The students also have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of Kraków and its surroundings through trips to Zakopane and Wieliczka Salt Mine, rafting on Dunajec River, and visits in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

In 2000, the Polish minister of foreign affairs has awarded the School for its merits in promoting Poland abroad. The School was also presented with the prestigious European Label diploma in the years 2002, 2005 and 2008.