how many people really know english in Poland?

I am considering studying abroad at University of Wroclaw, I do not know the polish language. I would take classes mostly in english..how many people really know english in Poland?? I want to learn polish and study abroad but I am afraid I will not be able to communicate with others. I know learning the language is essential but it will also take a lot of time!..( There are no classes in Polish at my home university)I dont want to go if I'm out on a limb by myself!!

I don't know the percentage, but people do speak English in Poland. There are always courses offered and it is taught in grade schools. I would say about 50%. The older people most likely don't know it. But English is very popular in Poland and many people want to learn it. Some are more advanced than others.
You can learn some Polish online.www.byki.com offers some free downloads. it might be a good start.
Look at plg here in this forum. He is learning Polish and always asks questions why this and why that. That's one guy who is dedicated on learning the Polish language.

Polish people generally are not that fluent in English like lets say Swedes or Dutch people but you shouldn't have any problems communicating with them, as a lot of Poles know at least the basics of English.

Oh, and just like krysia said, prepare that people in their 40's and above are very likely not to speak English at all, as it started to be taught in schools after the fall of the communism.

You shouldn't have much od a problem in a city like Wrocław.

I've got a friend who did exchange in Kraków. He said it was fun. The universities provide a course that's called "Survival Polish". It's a way to quickly learn the essetnial stuff to be able to painlessly survive.

Wrocław is a westernised city, I think you'll be fine there.

Matyjasz's remark about people above 40 is very true. You can count on students though.