Stella comes from central Italy but moved to the south of Poland.
She admits that she is very curious about the world and people, hence her greatest passion is travelling.
Let us introduce you to her Italian perspective in this interview.
Welcome Centre: Hello Stella! The first question is very simple. Tell us something about yourself.
Stella: My name is Stella Styczeń, I am a nineteen-year-old student from Italy. In October I started my first year of International Business at the Krakow University of Economics. I grew up in a mixed family – my father is Polish and my mum is Italian, but finally we all moved to Poland.
Welcome Centre: And what made you decide to study in Poland? You just followed your parents?
Moving to Krakow was a new opportunity for me
Stella: In fact, I wanted to change my environment. I come from a very small Italian town – Rieti, and felt that I couldn't spread my wings there. Moving to Poland gave me a new perspective and a chance to broaden my horizons. Krakow is definitely a city of many opportunities.
Welcome Centre: What do you mean?
Stella: In Krakow I feel more anonymous and I can meet many new people. I have a place to spend time with them and to chill. I also like the city for being so well connected. I love to travel, so I use it as a good base for other trips.
Welcome Centre: How about your studies here?
Stella: I think they are okay. I was surprised that students in Poland have a rather loose schedule. As far as I know, university classes in Italy are held from early morning to the afternoon and you don't really have much influence on your study time.
Welcome Centre: So that’s the first difference between these two countries.
I like the combination of learning and recreation
Stella: There are more for sure. I also like the fact that there are sports classes at the university. It's good to keep a mental and physical balance.
Welcome Centre: And speaking of differences, don't you miss the Italian siesta?
Stella: Of course, I do. My impression of Poles is that they are in a constant rush. I think if they had a moment to rest during the day, it would certainly have a positive impact on them.
Welcome Centre: Interesting theory. What else have you noticed about the local people?
Stella: That they could relax a little. It is often the case that it is difficult for them to open up to new people and they prefer to work among themselves. Fortunately, I was able to break the ice with my fellow students. After a short time, we all got to know each other and have regular contact.
Welcome Centre: Good to hear that, but have you encountered any other obstacles, e.g. at the university?
Stella: I don't want to complain, but sometimes communication problems do happen. Due to the fact that I have lived in Italy all my life, I do not speak Polish well. And this can be a challenge when in contact with various units at the university. There will not always be a person ready to speak with you in English, although I am not the only international student at the KUE.
Welcome Centre: But Italians are masters of non-verbal communication. You have so many different gestures that you can understand each other without words.
If you are lacking in words, use your body language
Stella: That's true, it is our national distinctive feature. I often use this skill when talking to my babcia [ed. grandmother]. Sometimes we can't express ourselves with words, but we still have body language!
Welcome Centre: That’s funny! And despite the fact that you are a fresh student, have you managed to get involved in any student organisations or research clubs?
Stella: I hope to get more involved soon, but so far I'm just taking part in ESN [ed. Erasmus Student Network] events. They are very cool.
Welcome Centre: What else do you like to do in your spare time then?
Stella: Oh, I am totally into sport and travelling. I love spending time in nature, climbing, walking or relaxing by the lake. I also cook and bake often, because as much as I like Polish cuisine, I come back to the flavours of Italy.
Welcome Centre: Fortunately, you can do all of this in Krakow.
Stella: That's true. But as I mentioned, I'm built to travel. I often grab my suitcase and go on tour. I am already planning my next trip.
Welcome Centre: Lucky you! But before you go, can you tell us whether you would recommend our university to other students?
KUE is a perfect place to study
Stella: I can recommend it with all my heart! My teachers are very motivating and stimulating. If I were to study in another country outside of Italy, I would still like to come to Poland and get my education here. This is a perfect place to study!
Welcome Centre: It's great to hear that! We hope that each day you stay in Krakow will only get better.
Stella: For sure!
Welcome Centre: Thank you for the interview and good luck. Ciao!
Stella: Ciao ragazzi!
Welcome Centre UEK
Welcome Centre UEK – a multilingual unit at Krakow University of Economics (KUE), providing professional service and help to foreign students and applicants, as well as guests and doctoral students.
Did you like the interview? Would you like to become one of KUE's International Ambassadors? Join us!
The Project is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Welcome to Poland Programme.
