Education in Belarus and Poland are two very different stories. They differ in system and approach, but also in the opportunities for students. While in Poland everyone can travel and choose to apply for scholarships abroad, this is still not the norm in Belarus. That's why I'm even more excited and proud of the opportunity to study abroad.

Welcome Centre: Hi! Can you tell us something about yourself.

Ulyana: My name is Ulyana. If you are curious about someone who comes from Belarus, feel free to contact me. I am 18 years old and from the heart of Belarus, from Minsk. My main hobby and passion in life is equestrian sports. For seven years I never left the saddle and my best friends were horses.

Growing up, I developed an interest in the world and different cultures. Travelling is good, but I still feel better at home. I really appreciate the culture of my country and am proud to be Belarusian. At home, I enjoy, cooking, hiking and travelling to small and historical towns in Belarus. When I am in silence and alone with nature, I feel real and free. In such moments I like to dream and make plans for the future.... and this is how the dream, or rather the goal – to study abroad – came about. I would like everyone to know the power of desires and goals.

Welcome Centre: It's great that you are open to so many things, but also people. Your offer to be contacted will probably be very useful for many people. We all know how good it is to have someone who is ready to offer some words of advice.

Ulyana: The decision to study, especially to study abroad, is not an easy one. I needed support myself and it would be great if I could give that to someone as well.

Welcome Centre: Tell us something about your motivation to go to Poland. Why the Krakow University of Economics?

Ulyana: Why Poland and Krakow? I think the answer is obvious. Poland borders Belarus, so it's not too far to go home. Krakow is a very mysterious, cosy, comfortable and certainly beautiful city in Poland. I am a quiet person myself, loving people, but at the same time focused on my goals and thoughts. For me, Krakow is an ideal city in this regard, not too big for me.

Welcome Centre: In studies, comfort is also important – it's good that you don't feel overwhelmed by the city.

Ulyana: It is the same with KUE – it is also an ideal university in terms of size. However, when I entered the Krakow University of Economics, I didn't even know what or how things were arranged here. I didn't really know what the university looked like. And I was blown away! On the first day of school, I walked like a little kid at Disneyland. It was interesting for me to look at everything, especially the main building of the university. It was fascinating to watch all the processes of the professors' work. I was pleasantly surprised, and from this my desire to gain knowledge grew every day.

Welcome Centre: We really like your comparison of the university to Disneyland – original, we must admit!

Ulyana: I really like our university main building. During breaks between classes, I sometimes go out and sit on a bench opposite it and just admire its beauty.

Welcome Centre: And going a bit off topic, what was the most challenging for you in the new country and university? Did you experience any culture shock?

Ulyana: Can closed shops on a Sunday be considered culture shock? In my country, I can go shopping every day of the week.

Welcome Centre: Sometimes we miss this opportunity too. And is there anything else?

Ulyana: I came to Poland with no knowledge of Polish, which sometimes causes difficulties. While a few everyday phrases are easy to remember, they don't always help in various situations. I also feel cultural proximity, because Poles are also Slavs and there are a lot of mental similarities. In any case, I can cope with various daily problems and respect the culture of Poles.

Welcome Centre: You've talked a lot about the advantages of our university, what would you improve?

Ulyana: I haven’t yet mentioned the good location of our university. You can go to the centre of Krakow after classes and it doesn’t take long. I also like the library. You can work in it in silence and spend time comfortably. But what would I change? I would like more information for international students in English. More events for foreigners so that everyone can find an English-speaking friend. I would love to see people from different parts of the world exchange experiences and contacts among themselves.

Welcome Centre: Do you think your Polish experience will be helpful to you in future?

Ulyana: I think my Polish education and time spent in Poland will be evaluated by employers as an excellent experience, and one that will assist my career. I don't regret getting a Polish education, because there are many Polish companies and successful people here. Here I can improve my English, find new friendships and gain knowledge and experience. Of course, I don't intend to end my education here. I want to go to other European countries for graduate studies and gain even more international experience, but I will always remember Poland.

Welcome Centre: Yes! Go and try new places too! There is never too much exposure to other cultures.

Ulyana: I share this view. However, each new place means changes again. Sometimes not easy ones.

Welcome Centre: So, from your experience, what advice would you give to other students who are looking for new challenges?

Ulyana: I will give the advice that helped me during my thoughts about admission: while we are afraid, others succeed. I think in any case you need to try yourself in different life situations. Until you try it, you'll never know if you can handle it. There were also many doubts in my experience, I woke up every night with thoughts of moving and leaving my family, but I realised that this was my dream. I advise you to study abroad, this is a good experience for your future life and you will find out who you really are.

Welcome Centre: We can see that you are not short of motivation and thoughts. So is there anything we forgot to ask or anything you would like to add?

Ulyana: I want to give a little hint for future students. Write down all the important dates concerning the university in a big calendar and keep an eye on all deadlines, prepare all documents and check them twice. Don't be afraid to send the university an email asking about any matter that is important to you, don't doubt your abilities, you are great!

Welcome Centre: We are delighted to meet such a positive person. Thank you Ulyana.

Ulyana: Thank you too!