In the 21st century, study abroad programs are the norm. It wasn't the case 30 years ago—except at the cutting-edge University of Detroit School of Architecture. Since its inception in 1980, more than 300 architecture students have participated in UDM's academic exchange program with the Technical University of Warsaw in Poland.

According to Professor of Architecture and the exchange program's former director Anthony Martinico, "The program is a staggered exchange. In the winter, the UDM group, usually consisting of about 10 students, goes to Warsaw, while the Polish students arrive the following September." Originally, the exchange was simultaneous, but that quickly changed. "We determined that the split permitted a stronger sense of continuity, since the same students could be both visitors and hosts," Martinico says.

Over the past 30 years, this program has endured economic crises, the demise of communism, and the birth of a unified Europe. Through it all, its mission to educate and enlighten has not faltered. This fall, there are 11 students in the program.

Recounting the program's history, Martinico says, "It was started in 1980 by Jerzy Staniszkis, an alumnus of the University in Warsaw and a UDM professor who passed away this spring. I became director of the program in 1981 and remained so until 2005. I saw the program through its difficult days in the eighties, the transitional period of the early nineties, through its maturity today. Additionally, I was awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach at the school in Warsaw in 2007-08." Today, there is no dedicated director; rather, each host university works as a group to coordinate the visit.

For both sides, the immersion is intense, according to Martinico. "The Polish students and professor are housed in the dorms at UDM and get their meals through the meal plan," he says. "The American students are housed in a dorm in Warsaw, and the professor stays in a guest room at the school."

When the program began, Poland was still communist. "There was a tremendous disparity between the systems—economic, political as well as educational. Poles were not permitted to export their currency," Martinico says of the exchange's beginnings. "Consequently, the exchange was based on the exchange of services. We provided course work, room, board and a modest living stipend to the Poles; the Americans received the equivalent services in Warsaw."

Despite the educational differences, the program has been remarkably successful. "Fortunately, there were enough similarities in the schools to make the exchange viable, " he says.

While the program operates strictly within the structure of each school, there are certainly some consistent aspects. "The students take five courses, all of which apply to their matriculation requirements," he says. "The courses were chosen to best take advantage of the academic strengths of each school." For example, the Polish school emphasizes drawing, painting and somewhat socialist urban design, and UDM offers more extensive computer training, technology and theory.

Katarzyna Zawadazka, an undergraduate, is visiting for the first time from Warsaw. She agrees that there are differences that can't be described on paper. "Yes, the method of teaching architecture differs a lot," she says. "In the U.S., students of architecture are artists and philosophers; they talk a lot about feelings." The specific courses vary, too. "In Poland, there is a course in a computer lab on the first year but it's very short and superficial," she says. "We're not taught how to use programs, make 3d models, render, or make boards. We have to do it on our own."

Back in Warsaw, the classroom focus is more on construction, she says. "From the first year we're taught about construction; we have math and physics. The projects have to be, first of all, logical and functional. Appearance is secondary."

Gregor Rytel, a first-time visitor to the United States, is the most recent addition to the program's faculty. A Warsaw native, Rytel earned a Doctor of Philosophy in 2008. He also holds a postgraduate degree in architecture, as well as a Master's in Architecture and Urban Planning, all from the Technical University of Warsaw. In Poland, Rytel's busy life as an architecture and urban planning professor at the Warsaw university precluded an American sabbatical, until his dean suggested that he join UDM's exchange. Like the students who came with him, Rytel is adept in English, a program requirement. After just eight weeks, Rytel has a new perspective on the U.S. and a strong appreciation for UDM. "My impressions after my first two months in the United States—August for journeys and September at University—are far from my former attitude, " he says. "Now I see everything in a much personal, deeper, varied way."

After 30 years, both schools have certainly evolved. Is there a secret to its success? Martinico says simply, "Today, the program still seeks to build on the schools' separate strengths and differences."