Our next ambassador moved from the Emerald Isle to historic Krakow.

Natalia was brought up in an Irish-Polish home, so knowing both cultures meant she was perfectly prepared to go and study abroad.

Curious about her perspectives and the differences between Ireland and Poland, we invited Natalia to participate in the project.

Welcome Centre: Hello Natalia! It's good to have you on board!

Natalia: Hi guys! I’m happy about it too.

Welcome Centre: The floor is yours. Tell us about yourself.

Natalia: My name is Natalia, I am 20 and I am Polish-Irish. I moved to Poland in September 2021 to seek new opportunities and I found International Business at the Krakow University of Economics. I grew up in a little tourist town in the southwest of Ireland, but as soon as I realised I want to travel the world, I decided to study abroad. Somewhere familiar but far away from home.

Welcome Centre: Did your Polish roots bring you to Krakow?

Natalia: To be honest, my decision was also partially conditioned by the pandemic situation in Ireland, where the coronavirus restrictions were quite strict. Therefore I applied to many universities abroad, including the universities of Amsterdam and Barcelona, and of course KUE, in order to get out of the country and not lose my time as a student in lockdown conditions. However, my Polish roots definitely had something to do with the final decision.

Welcome Centre: After all, studying is not only about lectures and sitting tests, but also time for networking and having fun.

Natalia: Exactly, especially for me, as I am an extrovert. Already at school I was involved in many activities – the student council, art and sport clubs. Now, during my studies, I continue this, looking for various opportunities, such as KUE's International Ambassadors. I have also signed up for Koło Naukowe Rozwoju Biznesu [ed. a scientific circle focusing on development in entrepreneurship] and I am culturally involved in Krakow, because it is also an important part of me.

Welcome Centre: Tell us more about that.

Natalia: I am a big fan of culture,architecture and art. I must admit that, even before applying for KUE, I thought about the Academy of Fine Arts, but again the pandemic and numerous travel restrictions limited this idea.

Welcome Centre: Do you plan to develop in this direction after graduation?

Natalia: Oh definitely! I don't want to sit and die as a manager or some other corporate rat. It's not for me. I treat the current studies more in terms of a backup, they will give me the essential knowledge I need to develop my own business one day.

Welcome Centre: Everything has already been thought out.

Natalia: These are just plans for now. But I think it would give me a lot of satisfaction. I already have some experience as an entrepreneur. I own a seasonal Christmas company specialising in traditional Polish and Irish Christmas decorations, both real and artificial. Hopefully the dream lives on and more companies develop under my wing.

Welcome Centre: We love your attitude and have our fingers crossed for you to succeed. Now, however, taking advantage of the fact that you have been surrounded by Irish and Polish cultures since childhood, we have a short quiz for you. Tell us about the pros and cons of both of these societies.

Natalia: Maybe I'll start with Ireland first. The weather there is a big disadvantage for sure. We have autumn practically all year round, with a short break for a few summer days. For the locals this is normal, but for newcomers it can be a bit depressing. Fortunately, the people fully compensate for this.

Welcome Centre: How are they?

Natalia: Irish people are some of the most lovable and friendly people on this planet. Very welcoming and warm. We Irish don’t need much, just a pint of Guinness and a pub to have somecraic of course. This makes us very easy going.

Welcome Centre: And what about Poles?

Natalia: Well, I wish they were more open sometimes. I know many wonderful people in Poland, including my grandmother and the rest of my family of course! My grandma gets a special shout-out here because of all the dinners she spoils me with every time I see her. Polish people are very proud people, it’s quite inspiring. They’d do anything for their country and for their own. I’ve only had great experiences. But the difference in the tolerance of Poles and Irish people came as a big shock to me.

Welcome Centre: This certainly needs to be improved. Our project is a step in that direction.

Natalia: I consider myself lucky because I speak Polish and do not differ in any particular way from the rest, and then again, I do massively. But I hope that someday everyone will be able to feel at ease here,regardless of what culture, religion or sexual orientation they are.

Welcome Centre: It is probably a matter of time and our efforts to change it. And do you see any pluses about Poland?

Natalia: Poland has an amazingly rich culture. And the language of course. Beautiful but difficult. On the topic of culture, in my spare time I visit museums. I am not sure if I will be able to visit all the museums in Krakow by the end of my studies – there are so many of them! I have found a favourite one here in Krakow, The Princes Czartoryski Museum. You can often find me there admiring the art and architecture.

Welcome Centre: Oh wow! Does this cultural richness of Poland also include food?

Natalia: I completely forgot about that! Of course, Polish flavours are amazing. My homeland cuisine is not that interesting. Irish people are also picky eaters, so I amexploitingthe opportunity while I am here to try all the food I encounter…

Welcome Centre: And what tips would you give to other, less experienced students to make their life and education in Krakow easier?

Natalia: I think good motivation is essential. Something that will stimulate you to your further development. At the beginning, when everything is new, it can all be a bit overwhelming, but it quickly becomes familiar and like a new home.

Welcome Centre: Did you feel like this after you moved?

Natalia: Not quite. Part of my family lives in Poland and I could count on their support after my move. But it's worth remembering that it doesn't always have to be family. I think that if you meet at least one person on the spot, it is less terrifying even then.

Welcome Centre: That’s true. Would you like to add anything else in the end?

Natalia: Every decision in our life is associated with change and challenges. It is similar with the choice of studies. But if you are interested in the world and want to learn new things, I would encourage everybody to change their surroundings and enter a new environment. A new place means new people, new culture, new language and new tastes. You can learn so much. I also guarantee that it will be a great adventure and a lot of fun – I can vouch for that personally!

Welcome Centre: We absolutely agree with you! And at the same time want to thank you for promoting such an attitude and for being our ambassador.

Natalia: That’s another interesting experience for me! Thanks for the interview.

Welcome Centre: Good luck!