Taida Chatikobo is young girl from Zimbabwe, a country where chances for young women are not something to be taken for granted. We are all the more pleased that she has the opportunity to achieve her ambitions at our university.

If you are interested in the prospect of social advancement and the pursuit of self-improvement against the circumstances, you may find this interview very interesting.

Welcome Centre: Hi Taida! Good to have you on board!

Taida: Hello! Thanks for the opportunity!

Welcome Centre: Can you briefly tell us how you found yourself on our campus? What should others know about you?

Student: Of course. My road to the campus started back in Zimbabwe, where I finished my school and started preparing to enter university. Now, I am an International Business student in my first year of undergraduate studies. In addition to studying at KUE, I enjoy listening to business and self-help podcasts, mainly the Harvard Business Review. I am interested in the topic of leadership. Now my extracurricular activities include being appointed to represent KUE as an international ambassador, this is one opportunity I am truly grateful for. I always want to achieve as much as possible. I am one of those who believe that the sky is the limit.

Welcome Centre: Why Krakow and why KUE?

Taida: The desire to be part of an international community motivated me to move abroad and enrol here at KUE. It may surprise you, but it was thanks to Kudzai, another ambassador from Zimbabwe, that I was able to recruit at KUE. I found his story on the internet and wrote to him with questions.

Welcome Centre: Great! In such moments, we feel that our work has a real impact.

Taida: I contacted him because studying abroad was the option I was looking for. The decision to study at KUE was based on the fact that this institution has a good reputation in my field of study. I also chose Krakow because I like to learn about new cultures, and Krakow is the heart of Polish culture. Here, I can experience the best education and enjoy something brand new to me – European culture.

Welcome Centre: What do you like most about the university and what should be changed in your opinion?

Taida: My favourite classes are the workshops, which in my opinion are very helpful for the future. An important thing for me is the job fair organised at this university, offering an opportunity to meet with recruiters from companies that could hire us. For me personally, it is also important that the university offers studies in English. The student environment on campus is friendly and helpful when needed, so I like this university because of its welcoming atmosphere.

Welcome Centre: I'm glad you like the ambiance of the university. But have you had any negative moments too?

Taida: I think the worst was in the beginning. Everything was new. Now I don't see many obstacles. Maybe the only thing I would change is for the university to offer more to people who don't speak Polish. I miss out on a lot of extracurricular activities because mostly Poles take part in them. More things for English speakers would be useful too.

Welcome Centre: We understand that perfectly. We hope that the visibility and importance of international students will grow.

Taida: On the other hand, it's also a lesson for me that sometimes I have to step out of my comfort zone and suggest changes myself.

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

Taida: I wish courage, patience and strong motivation to all those who decide to take such a step. It is worth trying. Self-improvement and happiness for attainable states, and striving for them should be everyone's responsibility. Doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams will only result in success.

Welcome Centre: So we are keeping our fingers crossed for you, because you have already taken a big step. And may more interesting projects happen for you at KUE!

Taida: Thank you!