University is a place where doors may open to unexpected opportunities – KUE students from Ukraine

Daniil, Illia and Anton – KUE students from Ukraine – came to Poland after Russia's full-scale invasion of their country started. They came with the hope of a safe life, new opportunities for development and a chance to obtain a high-quality education. Krakow became a city of great possibilities for young people evacuated from Dnipro, which is located 150 km away from the front line.

They have already integrated into the academic and social environment. That means they are focusing not only on studying, but also on organising cultural events and building bridges between Polish and Ukrainian youth.

Welcome Centre: Tell us something about yourselves.

Daniil Bilous: I am from Dnipro in Ukraine. In my spare time, I usually read, play the drums, do judo (it's already been 11 years) and volunteer at the “Zupa dla Ukrainy” project. Since coming to Poland, I've performed in a gig as a drummer, took third place at judo AMM, and managed to pass the first semester's exams at the first attempt.

My plans include acing economics and finance in order to obtain financial freedom and doing more of the things I love.

Illia Podorov: I am also from the city of Dnipro. My parents brought me up to be very active, so I like hiking in the mountains, riding a bike in the forest or the mountains, as well as skiing in the winter. I am active and charismatic. My values are courage and unity.

At the age of 13, I became a student at the school "POLET". This is a school that aims to educate the individual by gaining skills and knowledge through projects from various aspects of life. That was when I first experienced and enjoyed philosophy, culturology, theatre and political science, and also found myself in lessons about starting a business and about financial literacy.

When the full-scale war started in Ukraine, I moved to Poland with a group of 16 people and immediately took an active social position by participating and creating cultural projects.

I'm proud of the cartoon we created together with the animation studio DINKSY in Poland. From the idea to the screen. Together we created a film "Jesteśmy z Ukrainy. A wy?" that talks about the beauty of Ukraine.

Another project is the concert "Razem Dla Pokoju – instytucje kultury wobec wojny w Kościele pokoju w Świdnicy". The concert was a 24-hour event, bringing together Polish and Ukrainian artists who together created a breathtaking action for peace.

Currently, together with Anton, Danil and other friends, we are creating the “Future is In Our Hands” project in Krakow. The mission is to activate the thinking of young people in Poland, through unification and creation.

Anton Slesarenko: Hi. I'm Anton. Before the war started I lived in Dnipro – the city with the longest embankment in Europe.

I really enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies. I'm interested in finding out how other people see/saw our world. Many people before us have faced the same problems we have, so we can learn from their experiences.

Sport is a big part of my life. I practiced judo for eight years and I also like cycling, swimming and soccer.

Welcome Centre: Tell us something about your motivation to go and study abroad.

Daniil Bilous: My decision to go to Poland was quite spontaneous, I was offered the chance and I had around 12 hours to decide whether I wanted to stay in war-torn Ukraine, or to go for it and try to start a new life abroad from scratch.

When I arrived, every day was a new adventure, I had no idea what the next day would be like. However, in April 2022 I moved to Krakow and one day visited KUE with my friends to find out more about it. The university seemed utterly appealing to me, especially as I was excitingly discovering the world of cryptocurrency, which made my interest in the economy skyrocket. And so, I decided to apply to KUE.

Illia Podorov: I first thought about the idea of studying abroad at the age of 13, during a conversation with my father. I must say that I liked the idea, though it was a little scary.

We were considering Poland, as it is the door to Europe for us.

In 2022, the war in Ukraine accelerated my move to Poland, so already in the spring I was here and knew that I would enter a university of economics, in the faculty related to management.

Together with friends and family, I analysed universities all over Poland. As a result, by June I had decided I wanted to study at the Krakow University of Economics, specialising in project management.

The following factors influenced my decision:

- Teachers and friends from "POLET" school are in Krakow creating a multicultural centre – UNITY – and of course active in social and cultural projects. Teachers and friends became a new family for me.

- The history and Culture of Krakow, which amazed me. I like the fact that Krakow has managed to preserve and recreate the culture, history and national identity of Poland. This subject is interesting for me to study, through museums, personalities and other monuments. The Old Town, Wawel and the Czartoryski Museum are probably my favourite places in the city.

• KUE, which I found the most attractive of all the Polish universities in terms of education. And I was comparing it against Wroclaw and Katowice universities. The Open Doors Day gave me a special impression of the desirability of being a student at this university.

Anton Slesarenko: I decided to come to Poland because of the war in my country. Krakow is the heart of student life, which is not surprising, as it has good logistics and plenty of opportunities for the active student. I really enjoy life here. Krakow is a city where you feel free to follow your dreams.

After almost a year of living in Krakow, I can say that it is an amazing city that combines culture, history and many opportunities for young people.

When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to study economics. Since I had already been to Krakow, I decided to attend the Open Doors Day at KUE. I came away from my first visit with very positive impressions.

First of all, at the event the people were friendly and I was able to learn everything I wanted to about the admissions process and studying. I advise everyone to visit this event, it is useful.

Secondly, I liked the campus. The stunningly beautiful main building, the convenient location, the swimming pool, the large and comfortable library and the canteen. It all looked like a good place to be a student. Fortunately, I was not mistaken.

I'm happy with my decision to study Modern Business Management at KUE. I'm very glad that I have an opportunity to learn what I'm interested in.

Welcome Centre: What was the most challenging for you in the new country and University?

Daniil Bilous: In terms of culture shock, there wasn't anything astonishing, although some Ukrainian and Polish words with almost similar pronunciation can have drastically different meanings, e.g. "carpet" and "sofa". I was surprised by the importance of pedestrians and the fact that 95/100 drivers yield to people, which is 90 more than in Ukraine.

Illia Podorov: I think the challenges I encountered in Poland were small and temporary. I am grateful that Poles and the whole of Poland welcomed with open hearts those Ukrainians who were forced to leave their home because of the war. Thanks to their openness, kindness and goodwill, I think my adaptation in the new country was quick and easy.

I like that the culture of Poland and Ukraine have similarities, and I am trying to build a strong bridge of quality relations between us.

Anton Slesarenko: The first weeks in the new country are the most difficult. I'm very glad I came to Krakow with friends, it made it a lot easier to adapt.

With my move to Poland, I had to do lots of paperwork. It's not the most pleasant thing to do, but it's something everyone has to deal with. The main conclusions I drew were:

1. You have to be patient, attentive and follow the instructions.

2. Don't postpone it; just try to solve the issue as quickly as possible.

3. There is no need to exaggerate the problem. Everything can be solved.

If anyone from Ukraine intends to move alone, don't worry, there are many Ukrainian organisations in Krakow now where you can find good, friendly people. You are not alone with your problems. There are always people willing to help you.

Welcome Centre: What do you like most at the university and what do you think should be changed?

Daniil Bilous: For me, one of the best things about the university is its architecture. Having that said, it wouldn't hurt to change a few things inside: some of the classrooms have broken furniture, and even when it is in good condition, it is hard to maintain good posture during classes. The university also lacks a judo section, and I think it would be great to reorganise PE in a way that there would be a university gym for those who are not into any of the offered PE groups, or have a long gap between lectures. By the way, when it comes to music, there could be something more than just a choir.

Illia Podorov: I like that the university has a great variety of scientific circles, where students can learn and develop in a particular area in a practical way. The teachers I studied with were all experts in their businesses. I especially like it when there is an opportunity to learn from a person who is putting their knowledge into practice, for example running their own business.

I also appreciate the openness and willingness of the university to create projects with initiative from students. I like the way the university supports students and is ready to share its resources: knowledge, space, name and contacts.

Anton Slesarenko: KUE has become a place where I can pursue my ideas and desires. Most of my expectations from studying have been met. I like having the opportunity to interact with students from other countries, it's very interesting to get to know other nationalities.

I like the quality of education in English. From my personal experience, I can say that student life at KUE is really comfortable. I like studying on my own in the library. I feel free studying at KUE. From personal experience, I can say that, in most cases, the university will help you solve your problem.

It would be great if there were more events where foreigners could participate. I would like more communication at the university.

Welcome Centre: Do you think your Polish experience will be helpful to you in future?

Daniil Bilous: I believe that my Polish experience will be a great base for my further development. Throughout the time I've been here, I have grown a lot as a person. There is still some way to go, but since coming to Poland I have travelled a significant distance along my path to a bright future. I have also acquired several skills, such as assembling and disassembling syphons, door locks etc., being responsible for my life while also trying to care of others.

Illia Podorov: My studies and life in Poland are part of the plan. Every day I face things that can change my personality for better or for worse.

Discipline, responsibility, social and cultural activities, friendship, study, honesty are all things I am living with now. And I am happy about it.

For me, Poland is the door to a bigger world and this experience is important for me now for sure. It will have its consequences and rewards in the future.

Anton Slesarenko: I am grateful that I have the opportunity to study abroad. It's a good chance to become more independent and responsible. If I need to do paperwork, I will know how to behave properly. I will be able to prepare my own meals. Thanks to studying abroad, my communication skills are much better.

It will be easier for me to handle crisis situations in the future. I am sure that the experience that I am getting will help me in the future.

Welcome Centre: What would be your advice to other international students or applicants who are still hesitating or feeling uncertain about going abroad?

Daniil Bilous: They should assess whether there is a real significant risk of things going bad abroad, or whether it is just their unreasonable fear of stepping out of their comfort zone. Then they should remember that you only live once, and you may not have a second opportunity like that. Anyway, youth forgives a lot of mistakes, and if you end up failing, then the Earth won't stop spinning. In addition, it is much better to try, than regret not trying for the rest of your life.

Illia Podorov: The point of growth is where it's difficult. It will probably be more difficult for you to learn and start building your life in another country, but it is in that new place that doors may open to unexpected opportunities.

It's worth trying new, scary and incomprehensible things, but be sure to make your decision with wisdom, or follow the advice of your parents or teachers.

Anton Slesarenko: Studying abroad may well make your life more difficult. At the same time, I believe that overcoming such difficulties makes us happier and stronger. I wish applicants the strength of spirit in their independent life.