Welcome Centre: Hi! Nice to have you on the project.

Ines: I'm happy about that too!

Welcome Centre: Tell us something about yourself.

Ines: My name is Inés Samaniego Mika. I come from Mallorca, Spain, where I was born and raised. However, my home has always been multicultural, as my mum is Polish and my dad Spanish. This has influenced me a lot. I love travelling and being exposed to new cultures. I have already visited 15 countries and I want to expand this list! I'm currently planning to visit the United States for my next holiday and I can't wait already!

Welcome Centre: So one of those multinational stops was Poland.

Ines: At the age of 15, I decided that I wanted to study in Krakow. I chose International Relations, and now also Project Management. But in order to do that, I needed to brush up my Polish, so I went to high school in Poland. My parents supported this idea. They motivated me and allowed me to follow my dream. They are still are my biggest help.

Welcome Centre: It must have been a big change for you.

Ines: I am a person who likes new challenges. A monotonous life and staying in one place all the time is absolutely not my cup of tea. Going abroad alone at such a young age was an adventure, but I wanted it to prove to myself that nothing is impossible.

Welcome Centre: You changed school, and you changed your whole environment. What was the biggest difference you noticed at the beginning?

Ines: In Spain, people are definitely more open, warm and smiling. Here, I encountered the complete opposite. It is not easy to break the barrier of first contact, but once you get to know someone better, this problem disappears and you can make good friends.

Welcome Centre: Perhaps it is the weather, which sometimes does not favour the Polish mood.

Ines: Certainly. The climate in Poland and Spain are two different things. The bad weather also compounds the loneliness. Going so far from home, I have left behind my parents, siblings and those closest to me. Even though I know they are supporting me in what I do, nevertheless I miss them in this new place.

Welcome Centre: However, you have managed to overcome it. You are very visible at the university and there seems to be no shortage of activities for you.

Ines: That’s true. I quickly soaked up the structure of the university and I am involved in many projects. “The KUE’s International Ambassadors” is another one.

Welcome Centre: You were active in the student parliament.

Ines: You’ve done your research! I was working in the HR section. I was also involved in the organisation of the Juwenalia (Student’s Holiday) at KUE. I was in charge of PR there.

Welcome Centre: It must have been a cool experience.

Ines: I wholeheartedly recommend becoming active in student organisations. I spent over four years there being active in parliament. But I know that there are a whole host of other organisations and study circles that students can choose from. It gives you a chance to get your first professional experience, but also to meet lots of people. This is how I built up my network at university.

Welcome Centre: You are an example of someone gaining not only knowledge, but also experience from your time here.

Ines: Exactly! Studying taught me to be independent and gave me the courage to overcome more barriers. Thanks to this adventure, I know it's not the end and I'm already thinking about further goals!

Welcome Centre: So what is your advice to those who lack a bit of courage?

Ines: Take the opportunity to start your studies! You only live once! I guarantee that the people you'll meet, the places you'll see and the memories you'll gain will stay with you forever. These are the kinds of moments you'd like to experience again!

Welcome Centre: It is hard to disagree with you. We are keeping our fingers crossed for your continued success and will see you in the future!

Ines: Thanks for the opportunity and for the beautiful photos!