Orest came to Kraków from Ukraine but studying in KUE wasn’t his first international experience.

Before that, he had spent a year in the U.S., going to an American high school. He shares what surprised him most during his first days there.

Orest also talks about homesickness and the importance of listening to your inner voice when deciding to study abroad.

Welcome centre: Hi! Nice to have you join the project!

Orest: Hello! I'm glad to have joined too.

Welcome centre: To start with, why don't you share your story. How did it happen that you started your studies in Poland?

Orest: Because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, initially I decided that I want to study abroad, in English, but still close to my home country. So I started looking into European universities – and Krakow definitely was my first choice in terms of cities. I visited Krakow for the first time when I had to make my American visa, and during the time of my visit, I fell in love with this city.

Welcome centre: So, with Kraków, it was love at first sight. Since you applied for U.S. visa, does that mean you already have experience studying abroad there?

Orest: Yes, that's right! I spent the last academic year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in the United States, studying at a high school.

Welcome centre: That’s really interesting. How do you look back on that experience? How do you think it prepared you for studying abroad again?

Orest: I truly enjoyed studying in the U.S. First of all, the education system there is much easier and less stressful than in Ukraine, and possibly than in most of Europe. Students, especially in high school, are given a lot of freedom. Apart from English and Math, they can choose nearly all of their classes from a range of options, allowing them to focus on subjects they actually enjoy. For example, I took a Social Media Management class and an Art in Film course, where I learned the basics of marketing and movie production. I really loved studying both classes.

Welcome centre: Sounds like you had some really inspiring and practical classes!

Orest: Yeah! Another great thing about American schools is that studying comes with much less pressure. Most of the time, there was no homework, as teachers provided time to complete assignments during class. That allowed us to either work part-time or take part in sports after school. Speaking of sports, I loved how united the school communities were. There are many sports teams that students can join, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, popular sports like American football were especially celebrated – with lots of support from fellow students, parents, cheerleaders and even a school orchestra. It all created an amazing atmosphere.

Welcome centre: What were your first days in the U.S. like? Do you remember what you felt when you first arrived?

Orest: My first days in the U.S. were incredibly exciting. I still remember my first day after arriving, it felt like I had traveled 50 years into the future. The technology was mind-blowing: gas stations with screens, motion-activated trash cans and kitchen taps and big-brand products I had never heard of. It was a real culture shock. As for high school, I found the education very useful – not only did I improve my English-speaking skills, but also I gained knowledge in fields I truly enjoyed.

Welcome centre: For sure, it must have been a surreal experience! But coming back to you, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Orest: I’m passionate about photography, football, and IT. I also completed a 3-year STEP IT Academy course and a half-year programming course at Ekreative, an IT company in my hometown. Although I realized that programming isn’t for me, I hope to pursue a career in another area of IT, such as project management or something similar.

Welcome centre: What about your academic life? Are you involved in any student organizations or volunteering activities?

Orest: Yes! Currently, I participate in two scientific clubs at our university – EcoLAB and the Green Deal Challenges Science Club – as well as the Rotaract Club Wawel, which is not directly related to our university.

Welcome centre: It’s clear you have a wide range of interests.What made you decide to study at our university?

Orest: When it came to choosing a university, I was mainly considering two fields that I could see myself working in: project management and UI/UX design. For project management, the choice was quite clear – among all the universities in the city, Krakow University of Economics offered the best management program in English. And concerning the second option – either the requirements were too high, or there simply weren’t any programs available in that field. Although my current major isn’t exactly called “Project Management” (I study Modern Business Management), it’s closely related to the field.

Welcome centre: That sounds like a well-thought-out decision! It’s great that you were able to find a program that aligns with your goals. Is there anything you think could be improved at our university?

Orest: One thing that bothers me, though, is the schedule. Sometimes, there are long gaps (4-5 hours) between classes, which can be inconvenient. I would prefer to have classes one by one so I could have the rest of the day free.

Welcome centre: We can understand how this could be frustrating, and we think many students would likely agree with you. What was the most challenging for you in the new country and University?

Orest: I think it was, and still is, homesickness. It is quite hard to live on my own, and although I have friends here, at times I often miss my hometown and my family very much. A large number of students at our university are Ukrainians, and this is a common challenge for many of us. Due to the situation in our country, we have to study abroad. However, the quality of education at Krakow University of Economics is high, and I am very grateful to all Polish people for hospitality.

Welcome centre: It’s understandable to feel that way, especially with such a big transition. Despite these obstacles, do you think your experience studying in Poland will be beneficial for you in the future?

Orest: Yes, definitely! I see Poland as a country to live in after I finish my studies, so learning Polish and getting familiar with local culture will be very helpful for me in the future. Even if I don't stay here, I’ve made many great friends and experienced so many amazing stories I’ll always remember.

Welcome centre: It’s great to hear that you’ve found value in your time here. What would be your advice to other international students or applicants who are still hesitating or feeling uncertain about going abroad?

Orest: I would say is totry to understand what you truly want - stay in your comfort zone or to step out of it. Studying in another country is definitely a life-changing experience that helps you grow and become more independent. But at the same time, it’s not always easy. You may feel homesick, miss your family, or experience loneliness – these are real challenges. Another thing to think about is how familiar you are with the local language. Since I’m Ukrainian, it’s easy for me to understand Polish, but it’s not the case for students from many countries. So my advice is: just listen to your inner voice and be honest with yourself about what you’re ready for.

Welcome centre: You’ve made some important points for studying abroad. Thank you very much for the conversation and good luck with your studies and everything ahead!

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