This week my old school friend, Leanne has answered my questions to let us know a little about her experience moving abroad.
Tell
us a little bit about yourself.
I’m
Leanne, I’m 27 and I come from Yorkshire. I graduated from the
University of Leeds in 2007 with a degree in Political Studies. I
currently live in Gliwice, which is a city in the South West of
Poland. I have been teaching English since my arrival in January
2011.
Which
countries did you move from and to and why?
I
moved from England to Poland in January 2011. After years of wanting
to experience living abroad, I finally applied for a job in Poland. I
had never considered Poland as an option prior to applying, but it
seemed like a good opportunity to try both teaching and living in a
foreign country. Three weeks later, I arrived at a very cold Krakow
airport (thinking ‘Why did I decide this would be a good idea?!’)
What
kind of expectations did you have before you moved?
My
knowledge of Poland was limited before I moved here, so I wasn’t
sure what to expect in terms of the country. Although I was
apprehensive at first, my initial contract was only for 5 months, so
I was aware that if I hated it, at least it would be over quickly!
Despite
these early worries, I was very excited to try something new. I
expected to learn a lot about Polish people and culture. I also hoped
I would be able to learn a little of the language, and meet some
interesting people.
Did
your new country live up to these expectations?
Yes.
And much more. After arriving and having a two-week orientation in
Krakow, I moved to Gliwice. From the first day, I felt at home. The
people were very welcoming and friendly. The city is fantastic. The
students were lovely, and were keen to teach me about Poland.
What
was the best thing about moving?
The
people I have met and the things I have done. Moving here opened up a
lot of new things to me and I have tried to get involved with as many
as possible.
What
was the worst thing?
It
can be frustrating living in a country and not having a good grasp of
the language, although I have never had any real problems with
communication. Small things can also be irritating – such as Post
Office etiquette! However, I wouldn’t say there are any really bad
things about moving. My experience has been extremely positive
overall.
What
has been your favourite experience since you moved?
My
current location means it is easy and cheap to travel. So far, I have
visited Ukraine, Germany, Slovakia, Austria and Czech Republic. I’d
say my favourite experience was going to lunch one day with a friend
and just deciding to go to Prague on a whim. An hour later we were
packed and on the bus to the border.
What
steps have you taken to accustom yourself to your new country?
I
have started Polish lessons and am trying to study at home. It is a
very difficult language to learn, but after a year of being
completely baffled by the grammar, I am slowly starting to
understand! Polish people are proud of their country and customs, and
a lot of students and friends have taken me to visit the mountains,
museums, lakes, castles and even a salt mine. They are very keen on
sharing traditions, too (many of which revolve around food and
alcohol). This has made it incredibly easy to settle in.
What
tips would you give someone else thinking of moving abroad / to your
country?
Do
it! In my experience it has been the best thing I’ve ever done, and
has given me a lot more confidence to just go out there and try
different things. I have seen people move and decide that it wasn’t
for them, but I think they all took something positive away from
their experience. I also think that you get out what you put in. If
you’re willing to make an effort to get to know the locals and the
country, you will be rewarded. Talking more specifically about
Poland, I would say that whatever preconceptions people have, they
should leave them on the plane. It is a beautiful, interesting and
very safe country. The people are some of the most welcoming and
friendly I have ever met.
Thank
you for taking the time to answer these questions!
