Despite the geographical proximity of Poland and Ukraine, our interviewee had to make a long and demanding journey – a journey through his own life choices.
Andrii is convinced that he made the best decision about his studies, and that the programme he chose will guarantee him success in the future.
If you are interested in the exciting story of an expat and you are curious who makes better dumplings–Poles or Ukrainians, read what Andrii has to say.
Welcome Centre: Hello Andrii! Good to see you! Please tell us something more about yourself.
Andrii: My name is Andrii Zaitsev, I come from Kyiv, Ukraine. I have just started my bachelor studies in International Logistics at KUE.
Welcome Centre: And how are you finding things?
Andrii: So far so good! I like it, and I have a feeling it will only get better.
Welcome Centre: I wanted to ask you about how you ended up in Poland, but you seem to be very comfortable here. How long have you been living outside Ukraine already?
Andrii: Well, I can say I've been here for a while. My time in Poland dates back to high school. When I was still a teenager, I said goodbye to my parents and went to Połczyn-Zdrój [ed. West Pomeranian Voivodeship] and took my matriculation exam there.
Welcome Centre: You must have been very motivated to do this.
“My family has always been my biggest support”
Andrii: I owe it to my family, especially my mother. She really wanted me to develop and discover the world.
Welcome Centre: And wasn't it difficult at such a young age to give up everything and move to a new country?
Andrii: It was terribly difficult! Along with me, other young people also left Ukraine, and I know that some of them returned home after a short time because they couldn’t cope with the separation. We lived in a dormitory and were initially scared of everything.
Welcome Centre: What about the communication barrier? Did you learn the language before coming to Poland?
“Everyday contacts with peers and teachers helped me quickly start speaking Polish”
Andrii: I only learned the language on the spot. I still remember when my friends and I would go to the shops in groups, to somehow get along with the cashier. However, everyday contacts with Polish peers and the teachers helped me quickly start speaking and writing in a new language.
Welcome Centre: You had to start all over again in Poland. However, you mentioned that you graduated from high school in Połczyn-Zdrój. So why did you move to study in Krakow, the other end of the country?
Andrii: My path to KUE wasn’t a straight-forward one. I went to film class in high school. I initially thought that I would be studying something in humanities. But, I had several successes in literary and film competitions, so I thought I would try something in this direction.
Welcome Centre: And what happened to make you change your mind?
“I asked myself what I want to do in my life and chose KUE”
Andrii: I guess then I started to ask myself what I am really good at and what I want to do in my life. I realised that I love to travel, to explore the world and that’s why I chose International Logistics. Before that decision, I was also thinking about the naval academy. My stepfather is a sailor and I thought maybe I could follow in his path. However, I quickly abandoned the idea as I know I couldn't stand to be that long at sea.
Welcome Centre: So you chose to live on land – in Krakow.
Andrii: After my first visit to campus, I knew I wanted to stay here longer. I was entranced by the beautiful historic buildings, as well as the more modern part of the university. Additionally, I can now say, from a logistical point of view, that the location and functioning of the university are outstanding. I have everything in one place, in the city centre, with very good access and all in beautiful historic surroundings. This significantly enhances my comfort of studying.
Welcome Centre: So you feel good in the new place? Have you managed to get involved at KUE?
Andrii: Yes. My new friends welcomed me very well. Even though I am in the minority (there are only four foreigners in my study group), I was appointed as the student leader of my course.
Welcome Centre: This is an important role. Do you feel responsible for the group?
“Remember you can achieve a lot, no matter where you are from”
Andrii: In a way, of course. But what I want to underline by this is that you can achieve a lot, no matter where you are from.
Welcome Centre: The boundaries are only in our minds, aren't they?
Andrii: Exactly. With my attitude, I would like to break the fixed stereotype of a Ukrainian. We are commonly perceived as We are commonly perceived as economic migrants, cheap manual labourers and big drinkers. Through my actions, I hope to change this image, to show people that we are also an intelligent nation, with ambitions and dreams.
Welcome Centre: This is a very important message and also a reason why we created our project. Just like your goal, to break down barriers and fight stereotypes.
Andrii: That's why I decided to take part in it. People may say I'm an incurable dreamer, but I think that's the way to achieve success. After graduating, I plan to start a professional career in Europe, and then perhaps return to Ukraine and find myself in the management of the largest local logistics company–"Ukrzaliznytsia" [ed. Ukrainian Railways]. I might even look for a position in the Ministry of Infrastructure or perhaps even run for president. And although it may sound naive now, I believe that with hard work, I can achieve my goals.
Welcome Centre: And what would you say to your peers who, perhaps because of such stereotypes, are afraid to leave their comfort zone and decide not to risk studying abroad?
“Think about yourself and don't care about others' opinions”
Andrii: I would say I understand them, because I know how strong such misconceptions can be. But at the same time, I would encourage them to take a step towards their development. I would advise them to think about themselves, and not care about what other people have in their minds.
Welcome Centre: That is very mature of you.
Andrii: What is also very important is to have support. Anyone who will motivate you. For me, it is my mother, who never lets me give up. But I have a similar relationship with my friends. I look at them and their successes and I want to be just as good. They infect me with good energy and a desire to act.
Welcome Centre: We hope that never changes. And staying in this positive mood, the last question: who makes the tastiest dumplings: Poland or Ukraine?
Andrii: I like both cuisines, but my childhood flavours will probably always win. So, I have to say that Ukraine makes the best.
Welcome Centre: All right! Thank you for sharing so many valuable thoughts with us.
Andrii: It was a pleasure! Thank you too!
Welcome Centre UEK
Welcome Centre UEK – a multilingual unit at Krakow University of Economics (KUE), providing professional service and help to foreign students and applicants, as well as guests and doctoral students.
Did you like the interview? Would you like to become one of KUE's International Ambassadors? Join us!
The Project is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Welcome to Poland Programme.
