I always thought that studying in some other country would be endless partying, struggling to survive, or turning into a bookworm to pass the exams. Well, the student exchange program in which I enrolled for a year proved that my theory was completely wrong. It was a marvelous experience in academic, but mostly in cultural terms!
From friends and colleagues I had heard a lot about the Erasmus Program before taking part in it. Despite inconveniences, such as not speaking Polish and the subject equivalence between academic systems, that could have lured me to stay in my country, Spain; the pros of the Erasmus exchange program exceed such cons. I am very fortunate to have embarked in such a cool adventure!
Warsaw, Warszawa in Polish, is the capital of Poland, and its largest city. Finding accommodation was not that difficult, for the university and the Erasmus network, composed by students like me and friends –some locals, some doing volunteering jobs, some others… just friendly by nature– provided some information and lots of support! I could choose between the student accommodation facilities of the university and private accommodation. In addition, compared to the Euro zone the prices of groceries and services are very, very cheap and full with a charm of old European cities eastwards from Germany
Here, as in Spain, it is not unusual that several students share a flat providing an excellent opportunity to make new acquaintances and friends, I mean, real lasting friendships. Flat- and classmates are the just the top of the iceberg. Here in Warsaw there is an impressive cultural offer: from all kinds of bars and restaurants, street artists, museums in the two historic districts –the Old and the New Miastos– of the city, where you can meet persons sharing your interests.
Polish people are really, really friendly. I achieved not less than a hundred smiles and help from local Polish people at the market, the post, kiosks and when I tried to buy a ticket for the bus, among many other situations!! Particularly, when I tried my little Polish: scesc, dzinkuje and prosce…
The studies were at a very high level, at the same level that at my university and in English. Specially useful was the Polish course, although the cases of the Polish language… well I still need to practice them. But I have made a huge improvement since my first “scesc” to my most recent “do zobaczenia”!
In summary, I managed to study, make friends, and enjoy another culture –a very nice one, I must confess– THE POLISH CULTURE!
Tags: erasmus, erasmus network, student exchange
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