Khulan came to Poland from distant Mongolia. Her move led to many changes and stories, some of them very funny.

She has proven to be a very ambitious and determined person. As a foreigner, she took studies in Polish to make her dreams come true.

How is she finding living and studying here? Read all about it in the interview.

Welcome Centre: Hello, nice to see you. Let’s get the basic questions out of the way first. Please tell us who are you and where are you from.

Khulan: Hello. My name is Khulan Khashbaatar. I am 19-years-old and a KUE student from Mongolia. I have been here for three years, since 2019, and I have started my full-time programme in International Relations.

Welcome Centre: And tell us why you decided to apply to study in Poland?

Khulan: There were three reasons why. First of all, the scholarship, of course. Thanks to that, I don't have to worry about tuition fees. Secondly, every year I receive financial support from NAWA. This allows me to be independent from my parents and live on my own in Krakow. And last but definitely not least, I like Poland. I like its architecture and history, and the fact that being here allows me to easily explore the rest of Europe.

Welcome Centre: How about your beginnings? Was it easy to settle into the new place?

Khulan: I was very lucky to find myself in Krakow. It is a city rich in tourism, and everyone here speaks English. Although I did feel homesick at the beginning, I quickly noticed many similarities between Mongolia and Poland and overcame my blues.

Welcome Centre: I see. And what was your story before you came to Poland? Where did you learn to speak English so well?

Khulan: I was lucky enough to do a student exchange in the USA, which is probably where I learned English well. But also in Mongolia, I studied at one of the Cambridge schools, which gave me access to study business, geography, or maths in English. There are many things that contribute to it. And on top of that I am still learning English now!

Welcome Centre: That's impressive. How about your studies in Poland? What would you say about the KUE?

Khulan: It’s my second year here and I must admit that I like it a lot; in particular the approach of the administration and teachers towards me. Sometimes it happens that we encounter language barriers or misunderstandings, but there are always some other students willing to help me.

Welcome Centre: Sounds wonderful! How did you choose your area of study? What was your motivation?

Khulan: I chose International Relations because I am passionate about diplomacy and the world of politics. I also like to learn new languages, which is why I applied for studies in Polish. Of course, I could have studied in English, but I think that would be like a missed opportunity. I wanted to challenge myself and get closer to Polish people and their country.

Welcome Centre: Speaking of which, what has been your biggest surprise when coming to Poland? You mentioned that you were also in the United States, what do you find to be different in Krakow?

Khulan: The new language was certainly a big shock. I was surprised that all Poles speak one language and just how difficult it is. Another thing was the local culture. Poland is a Christian country, with churches and religious symbols everywhere. In Mongolia, we also have Christians, but Buddhism is the dominant religion.

Welcome Centre: What about people? Do they differ from those you remember from Mongolia?

Khulan: Oh, they are so different. Mongolian nature and climate make people feel freer. They trust each other, are more hospitable and open. In Poland, I noticed that there are differences in people even between cities. Being in Warsaw, everyone ignored me and paid no attention. It was similar in Wroclaw. Nobody cared about me there either. In Krakow, on the other hand, people seem to be more welcoming and willing to help. But these are just my observations.

Welcome Centre: You have a very interesting view on that. What about your student activity? During these three years, have you been involved in any science clubs, student associations or any other activity?

Khulan: Not really. But as a long-time student, I try to help my younger colleagues from Mongolia who come here and are just off the boat. I already have experience in filling out various applications and papers, so I am experienced enough to advise. I feel responsible for the new ones, because I also received such help after I arrived.

Welcome Centre: This is important. Keep it up! And switching gears, do you have any stories related to your stay in Poland, something you will never forget?

Khulan: Well, there is a funny one. In Mongolia, when we want to call somebody over – “Hey, come here!”, we say “Хүүе” (huuy), which is completely neutral. And then when I came here and called my friend this way, every Polish person was looking at me in surprise. It was only then that I realised it is a curse word in Polish.

Welcome Centre: Hilarious!

Khulan: Yes, I can laugh at it now, but it was an unforgettable lesson.

Welcome Centre: So you can say that you like Poland so far?

Khulan: I like it so much. And I can whole-heartedly recommend studying in Poland to others. Even if you hesitate or are not sure, try it. I don't regret it at all. I feel that I am developing myself and that I will be able to take the acquired knowledge with me to Mongolia one day, to work for the state and diplomacy there.

Welcome Centre: So you are planning a professional career in Mongolia?

Khulan: For the moment I want to stay in Europe, but in about fifteen years I would like to go back to my homeland and work there for the benefit of Mongolian society.

Welcome Centre: And will you miss anything from Poland in Mongolia? For example, Polish cuisine?

Khulan: Fortunately, despite the great distances, Polish and Mongolian cuisines are not that different. In both countries I find, for example, dumplings and similar salads, but something that will stay with me from Poland is żurek (ed. sour rye soup). The first time I tried it was here, so I have a reason to come back.

Welcome Centre: Okay, I think I’m getting hungry. So, thank you for your interest in our project and good luck!

Khulan:Thank you too! It was a pleasure to meet you!