Mexico City is more than 10,000 km away from Krakow, but this distance wasn’t a problem for our interviewee.

Alma came to Poland over a year ago under the Erasmus+ programme and instantly fell in love with the new place. She soon decided to stay here longer and to apply for studies at the KUE.

We asked Alma to tell us about her background and the cultural differences between Mexico and Poland, as well as her plans for the future.

Welcome Centre: Hello Alma! Thank you very much for joining our project.

Alma: Thank you too. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Welcome Centre: So maybe to start with, you can tell us something more about yourself.

Alma: All right. My name is Alma Karen Macias-López and I am a first-year student of Modern Business Management at Krakow University of Economics. I originally come from the capital of Mexico, which is one of the largest cities in Latin America. Before I moved to Poland, I studied there at the National Institute of Fine Arts and at National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Welcome Centre: So, what actually brought you to Poland?

Alma: While still studying in Mexico, I went to Europe on an exchange programme. During my studies I came here as an Erasmus student and I fell in love with Krakow. The city is so different from my homeplace. It is safe, pretty and very student friendly. After the exchange I decided that I want to stay for a little longer. So here I am!

Welcome Centre: Did you settle down quickly in the new place?

Alma: Well, it was tough at the start. I missed my friends and family so much. It was difficult to settle in a new place without anyone to help.

Welcome Centre: But after some time, do you feel already here at home?

Alma: Yes, it is better now, but I wouldn't say I feel fully at home. I haven’t been here long enough and my heart is still in Mexico, but I am trying to get to know new people and Poland better, to be part of local society. The funny thing is that I have only just started learning Polish, as I thought I wouldn’t stay here for long. I even told my mum: “Polish is for people who want to stay here and live. I don't need to learn it.” Well, six months later, I'm still here.

Welcome Centre: Do you learn Polish by yourself or at the university? Do you think it is important to know the local language?

Alma: There was an option to learn language at the university, so I am doing that. Before the course, I was learning with a mobile app, but it only taught me the basics. I think it is beneficial to know the local culture and the language, especially in terms of Poland. Language is a major obstacle if you want to get to know new people here.

Welcome Centre: So, how do you find people in Krakow? Do they differ from those you know from Mexico?

Alma: Oh yes, they do! My first impressions of Polish people were that they are kind of cold and keep their distance. If you don’t know them well, they won't smile at you or ask how you are. But now, one of my best friends is Polish, so I learned that as soon as you get to know somebody, they will open themselves for you.

Welcome Centre: So, it is about breaking the ice?

Alma: I think so. Once you establish contact, it's a lot easier. I have never had a situation where I asked someone for help and didn't get it.

Welcome Centre: Despite the interpersonal differences, have you managed to get involved in any additional activities in Krakow? Are you a member of any student association or scientific club?

Alma: Yes, I am. I applied for a scientific club, and I am enjoying that. Besides that, I am seeking some artistic opportunities too. So far, I have not found a place where I could develop in this direction, but I believe that everything happens in its own time and that I will be able to make my dreams come true someday.

Welcome Centre: Good to hear that. But I am curious whether you found anything exotic about our country.

Alma: Well, a lot of things. But the strangest, and at the same time the most exciting, was snow! I saw it for the first time in Poland and it was a remarkable experience. I am also surprised with how good the public transport is here. I feel a huge upgrade being able to plan and arrange everything on time, compared to Mexico where things happen rather spontaneously.

Welcome Centre: The cold, winter days must have been a shock to you.

Alma: They were! But also the food! It is impossible not to mention this difference. Polish tastes are so far away from Mexican standards. This might be an unpopular thing to say, but I have never got into pierogi that much. I am a loyal fan of Mexican cuisine!

Welcome Centre: At the start you mentioned that you graduated from universities in Mexico. What about studying at the KUE then, have you noticed any differences in this area?

Alma: I have. The infrastructure of the universities differs. I don’t want to show my Mexican universities in a bad light, but even though they are one of the largest and the most important in the country, they are not as well technologically developed as the KUE, where each room has its projectors and a computer, for instance.

Welcome Centre: You are a very observant person.

Alma: These are the little things that make your life much easier, just like the well-functioning public transport I mentioned earlier. Thanks to these things, you can work and make plans without too much difficulty.

Welcome Centre: Speaking of plans, what are your goals in life now?

Alma: Well, there are three goals I want to achieve. Although in Mexico we tend to say: “Si quieres ver a Dios reír, cuéntale de tus planes” (if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans), I think that people need to have dreams and plans in our lives. In my case, it is all about people. My biggest dream is to go back to Mexico one day, with all the knowledge and experience I have gained here, to create a professional comedy group and then travel across the country bringing people joy and fun. Another idea is to make people more aware of social issues, like violence against women, so that we can start fighting to counter them.

Welcome Centre: What about the third goal?

Alma: That concerns my professional development. Like all capitalistic girls, I want to climb the career ladder, but supporting the people around me. I have managed to take the first steps in this direction and will soon be starting an internship in a Human Resources department, which makes me very proud and happy.

Welcome Centre: That sounds very impressive. Tell us about your motivation in doing all these things.

Alma: I am sure my biggest motivation is my family, especially my mum. Sheis always with me, even now when she is so far away, on a different continent. She is there for better or for worse, when I feel bad or when I am successful.

Welcome Centre: Such support must be irreplaceable.

Alma: Definitely!

Welcome Centre: Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to other foreign students or applicants who are maybe still hesitating or unsure about things?

Alma: I would say – don’t think too much. Just dare to do something crazy in your life. If you want to try studying in another country, anything is possible! And don't worry about difficult beginnings. You can't prepare for everything in advance. Some things may surprise or disappoint you, but that’s perfectly normal.

Welcome Centre: So, it seems we have reached a perfect conclusion.

Alma: I am happy to hear that, but indeed, everything happens for a reason.

Welcome Centre: Just like our meeting today. We learned a lot from you. Thank you very much for the conversation.

Alma: Thank you too. And good luck for the future!