Oro-oluwa is passionate about languages and communication. She speaks four languages and even knows sign language.

She turned her interest in social media and marketing into a business by starting her own company.

She fell in love with Polish cuisine, especially kluski śląskie and pączki.

Welcome centre: Hello! Thank you for joining our project.

Oro-oluwa: Thank you too. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Welcome centre: Can you tell us something about yourself?

Oro-oluwa: I am an adventurer. I love engaging in challenges and I enjoy the thrill of it. I speak English and Yoruba fluently as well as Chinese and sign language - ASL in B1 level. I’ve just stated learning Polish and Spanish so they are still on the beginner’s level.In addition, I have a TESOL credential, which I obtained after two years of teaching English in Poland - a position that reinforced my capacity to adapt and excel in professional situations.

Welcome centre:That’s an impressive multilingual proficiency!What are your passions beyond learning languages? How do you like to spend your free time?

Oro-oluwa:One of my other main interest is social media management and marketing. I decided to start my own company in this field, which turned out to be an incredible learning experience. Running the business helped me develop key skills such as pitching to potential clients, managing time by scheduling posts, and solving problems by creating compelling content.

Welcome centre:It’s great that you’ve been able to turn your passion into a business while gaining such practical experience. Moving to your academic life, what made you decided to take the leap and pursue studies abroad?

Oro-oluwa:I moved to Poland for a fresh start and to dive into new cultural and academic adventures. Its complex history and central location in Europe made it the perfect choice. I chose UEK because of its multicultural atmosphere and practical approach to education - it felt like the perfect place to grow, connect, and prepare for an exciting future in business.

Welcome centre: What were your first impressions after coming to Poland?

Oro-oluwa: One of the biggest surprises when I first arrived in Poland was how reserved people seemed on the streets and even on campus. At first glance, they didn’t appear very approachable, but I quickly discovered that once I initiated a conversation, they were some of the friendliest and most helpful people I’d ever met!

Welcome centre:It’s always surprising how people’s behaviour can shift once you break the ice. What are some of the biggest differences you’ve noticed between life in Poland and Nigeria? What was something that surprised or confused you?

Oro-oluwa: Honestly, I think Nigeria and Poland are very different, and that’s what makes living here so interesting. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is in beauty standards - here, they seem a bit more extreme than in Nigeria. It’s something I found surprising at first.

Welcome centre: That’s interesting observation.

Oro-oluwa: Other thing that really surprised me was how shy many people are about their English skills even though they actually speak it really well!There was a time I needed help, so I walked up to the nearest person, a man probably in his 30s, and asked, “Przepraszam, czy mówi pan po angielsku?” He replied, “A little” and then proceeded to have a full conversation with me in English that I understood perfectly. It was such a sweet and funny moment. I’ve had many experiences like that here, and they’ve made my time in Poland really special.

Welcome centre: That’s such a lovely moment. It’s funny how often “a little” actually means “totally fluent”. Did you have any other heartwarming experiences like that?

Oro-oluwa: Yes! It surprised me how often people hold doors open for others - even for complete strangers. It’s such a simple but thoughtful gesture that left a strong impression on me. Now I try to do the same whenever I can. These small yet meaningful experiences have shown me that, while Polish people may appear serious at first, they’re incredibly kind and courteous - an irony I’ve come to cherish.

Welcome centre: It’s often said that Poles can seem a bit reserved or hard to approach at first – I guess the joke about “Polish smile” must come from somewhere, right? It’s a bit rare to see one at first, but it’s just a cultural difference. Is there anything you really miss from home while living in Poland?

Oro-oluwa: One thing I really miss from home is the strong sense of community – it’s something you feel every day in Nigeria. And definitely the food! Back home, ready-made meals are everywhere super and accessible. We have food vendors walking around with delicious, home – cooked dishes balanced on their heads, calling out signature phrases so you know they’re nearby. It’s such a comforting sound – a part of the rhythm of daily life. There’s something really beautiful about how food brings people together in Nigeria, and I truly miss that vibe here.

Welcome centre: That sense of everyday community sounds really special - it really shows how much more there is to ‘home’ than just a place. But let’s focus on the good things, what do you like the most about the University?

Oro-oluwa: What I enjoy most about UEK is its vibrant international community and practical approach to education. The ability to work with people from different backgrounds and apply academic knowledge to real-world situations has been quite beneficial. The lecturers and staff are personable and encouraging, making my transition to university life easier.

Welcome centre: Do you think your experience in Poland will be helpful to you in future?

Oro-oluwa: Most definitely. Living and studying in Poland has taught me adaptability, cultural awareness and how to navigate new environments – skills that are essential in today’s globalized world. It has also given me the confidence to approach people from diverse backgrounds, even if initial interactions seem reserved, which will be helpful in both personal and professional relationships.

Welcome centre: And last but definitely not least, do you have a favorite Polish meal that you could eat every day? Are there any dishes you have even tried to cook yourself?

Oro-oluwa: I genuinely enjoy a lot of Polish dishes - pierogi, of course, it’s a classic - but my all-time favorites have to be kluski śląskie and pączki. You really can’t go wrong with either! I first tried kluski śląskie at a traditional restaurant in the mountains, and it was love at first bite. After that, I was hooked - I kept buying them from the store until a close friend I met in college, Zosia, told me I could actually make them myself. Now I always keep potatoes and potato starch at home, because I eat it every week. So not only did I discover a favorite comfort food, but I also picked up a new recipe - thanks to Zosia!

Welcome centre: That's awesome! It’s always great when you discover a dish that becomes a new favourite. What would be your advice to other international students or applicants who are still hesitating or feeling uncertain about going abroad?

Oro-oluwa: My advice is simple: go for it! It is natural to feel uncertain, yet moving outside of your comfort zone is where true growth occurs. Don't stress about having everything planned out in advance, you'll learn and adapt as you go. And remember, you're not alone -there are always people, both locals and students, willing to assist and encourage you. So, embrace the adventure - you won't regret it!

Welcome centre: We think so too! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

Oro-oluwa: It was a pleasure! Thank you too!