Mina, after realizing her previous university path in Turkey wasn’t what she wanted, took a bold step and moved to Kraków.

In our conversation, she opens up about the emotional side of studying abroad, especially the challenge of missing her family, and how stepping out of her comfort zone helped her grow.

She also talks about the value of finding connection in a diverse student community and why she encourages others to take the same leap.

Welcome centre: Hi Mina! Thank you for joining our project.

Mina: Thank you too. I’m very happy to be a part of it.

Welcome centre: So maybe to start with, could you tell us something about yourself?

Mina: Of course!I’m a 19-year-old student and I come from Istanbul, Turkey. I speak both Turkish and English. Last year I was studying marketing at university in my home country, but I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. During my second semester, I started looking for a better option for myself and decided to study here. I knew the country would be Poland because I had been considering it since I graduated high school. Then I instantly fell in love with Kraków, even without having seen it in person.

Welcome centre: That’s really inspiring. It’s not easy to change direction once you’ve already started studying, so it’s great to see you had the courage to follow your dreams and choose what truly felt right for you. Do you find any major differences between studying in Poland and studying in Turkey?

Mina: My time studying in Turkey wasn’t that long, but I noticed some differences. I know it can vary from one university to another, but at my university everything was mostly about midterms, finals and projects – and we didn’t even really need to talk to some professors during the semester. Here in Poland, things are more hands-on and interactive.

Welcome centre: Sounds like quite a change. So you’ve always wanted to study abroad?

Mina: Yes! Ever since I was younger, I’ve been curious about experiencing life in a different country. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting people from different backgrounds and fully embracing a new culture was something that excited me a lot.

Welcome centre: And why did you choose Poland in particular?

Mina: Poland stood out to me because of its affordable living, diverse student community and the international environment, which made it an ideal place for this journey. Also Kraków, with its rich history, vibrant atmosphere and student-friendly culture felt like the perfect place to learn, grow, and create new experiences.

Welcome centre: It sounds like you really find your place in Kraków. And why did you decide to study at KUE?

Mina: When I first saw KUE, I knew it was the place for me. I worked really hard during the summer admission session because it was my one and only option. I didn’t even consider applying anywhere else. I’ve made many sacrifices to be here, and the biggest one was being away from my family.

Welcome centre: That kind of determination is impressive but it must have come with some challenges. Have you faced any difficulties in the new country or at the university?

Mina: Yeah, there were some challenges. One of the first things that took me by surprise was the weather. Coming from Istanbul, I wasn’t prepared for how long and dark the winters could be. And there are small things, like the fact that shops are closed on Sundays.

Welcome centre: We think many students can relate to that, they also mentioned how challenging the weather can be at first. But you also shared earlier how tough it’s been being away from your family.

Mina: It’s the hardest part of studying here. I’ve been missing my family and friends more than I ever expected. I knew I would miss them, but I didn’t realize how much I would feel their absence, especially during the quiet moments – like when I have a good news and I wish I could share it with them in person or when I need them after a tough day. Some days, the distance feels heavier than others, and that’s been the toughest emotional challenge. Still, I remind myself that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones, and even though it’s not always easy, I know this experience is shaping me in ways I never imagined.

Welcome centre: That’s seems really challenging but it’s great to see you turning these tough moments into valuable experiences and growing from them. How did your family react when you told them you were thinking about studying abroad?

Mina: Studying abroad was always something I talked about but I never actually took a step until now. When I told my family, I also asked them to explore the idea too. They’ve always been super supportive. Of course, no parent wants to be far from their child, just like I don’t enjoy being away from them either. But in the end, they accepted it and trusted me and that meant a lot.

Welcome centre: Having that kind of trust and encouragement from your loved ones can make a big difference, especially when talking such a big step like studying abroad.Now, shifting to the university side of things, what do you like most about studying here? Is there anything you think could be improved?

Mina: Honestly, at first, I struggled a lot to adapt because the education system here is so different from what I was used to in Turkey. There were moments when I found it hard to understand how things worked and I questioned a lot of it. It felt overwhelming at times and I wasn’t sure I could actually adjust.

Welcome centre: It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first, especially with such a big change. But with time, were you able to adjust and get more comfortable with the system?

Mina: Of course. Over time, as I got used to it, things started to click. The professors here are incredibly supportive and understanding, and that made a huge difference for me. Not all professors are the same, of course, (and I don’t expect all of them to be) but the ones who recognized our struggles and genuinely wanted to help makes a huge difference. Especially when you’re in a completely new country and educational system. That kind of support means a lot to us as international students, and I really appreciate it.

Welcome centre: It’s important to have that kind of support. We’re glad that you come across professors who truly care.

Mina: Also, the international environment at KUE is amazing! Meeting people from all over the world with different backgrounds, exchanging experiences, and learning from each other has been one of the best parts of studying here. It makes my university experience so much richer and more exciting.

Welcome centre: It’s great to see you’re so excited about the international community at KUE. And what made you want to be a part of KUE’s International Ambassadors project?

Mina: I want to show other candidates that there are more international students here than they might think. When I was applying, I was worried there wouldn’t be many students from abroad. It stressed me out. I was scared of being alone. But when I arrived, I quickly realized that it’s not like that at all. I want to tell other international students that it’s okay to feel uncertain or scared but they will have the best years here. I want more international students from all over the world to see the opportunities here in Poland and, especially, in Kraków. Being surrounded by so many different cultures is amazing and I would love to tell everyone that.

Welcome centre: So, what would be your advice to other international students or applicants who are still hesitating or feeling uncertain about going abroad?

Mina: Just go for it! It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or scared before studying abroad, but trust me, the experience will change your life. You’ll grow so much, meet incredible people and learn things about yourself that you never would have back home. Of course, it won’t always be easy - there will be challenges, moments of doubt, and times when you miss home more than anything. But that’s all part of the journey! Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow. And remember, you’re not alone. There are so many other international students going through the same thing, and you’ll find along the way. So if you’re hesitating, take the leap, you won’t regret it!

Welcome centre: Thank you, Mina, for sharing your journey with us. Your story is a reminder that pursuing your dreams, no matter the challenger, is always worth it. Take care and see you around the campus!

Mina: Thank you so much! I really appreciate the opportunity to share my story! See you!