About studying
More and more young Poles decide to study abroad. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to visit a foreign country, live there, learn the language and get a diploma recognized all over the world.
First step
The first step may seem to be difficult. “I always wanted to study in Germany”, says Marta, who graduated with Slav philology from Warsaw University, “but I was afraid that I couldn’t afford it. Germany is far more expensive than Poland”. While studying in Poland she learned about the Erasmus Programme and she started her third semester in Leipzig. “With special programmes offered to students in Poland, you can count on a scholarship”, Tomek studies at the University of London. “I got a three-month financial support from the school. It wasn’t too much but there was no problem with finding a part-time job.” Tomek continues his studies in London.
Being a student abroad
“I met many fantastic people and I improved my German” says Marta “but I had to study much more than the others because of a language barrier”. So did Tomek and Dominika, who studies Polish philology in Barcelona. Tomek: “The English I learned in Poland was completely different. In London I had to cope with a number of accents and extremely difficult vocabulary.” He studies psychology. Dominika spoke Spanish very well when she started studies at Barcelona University. “I love this language so after two years of working in bars and learning the language I decided to try…” She didn’t escape the language barrier – all lectors at the University are in Catalan, the first language in Barcelona.
Staying there or coming home
Young people have contact with the culture and people of the country they are in. “I study and work in the same time and it can be really difficult.” admits Tomek “But I know that it’s possible to live here and to be honest, I like it here more than in Poland. With my degree I have an opportunity to find a well-paid job, and in Poland even with a diploma from a foreign university it’s not so easy.”
Making a decision about living far from home and family may be very hard. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do in the future” says Dominika “I still have two years of studying left. I like Spain but I miss my country as well. It’s really hard to say.”
Marta doesn’t find the decision difficult at all: “No way! I wouldn’t stay in Germany. I missed my parents and friends too much and German people are not as welcoming as I thought they’d be. I don’t think that living abroad is worth missing your beloved people.”
Dear students! Whatever your decision will be – Good Luck!
Improve your vocabulary!
recognized – rozpoznawany, uznawany
to be graduated from – być absolwentem
a scholarship – stypendium
financial support – wsparcie finansowe
a part-time job – praca na pół etatu
to improve – polepszyć; poprawić
language barrier – bariera językowa
to cope with… – radzić sobie z…
a number of – duża ilość
degree – stopień, wykształcenie
making a decision – podejmowanie decyzji