Despite the distances between Kazakhstan and Poland, these two countries might not be all that different. Viktor, who has recently started his new adventure as a student, talks about his acclimatisation to the new place and living in an international environment.

His studies at the KUE were preceded by preparations in Kazakhstan, as well as a short stay in the United States.

Here is an interview with a true fan of people, their languages and good food.

Welcome Centre: Hello! Please introduce yourself.

Viktor: My name is Viktor Delegach, and I'm from Kazakhstan. I have just started studying International Business at the KUE. However, this is not my first time studying. Before that, I studied in Texas, in the United States.

Welcome Centre: Why did you decide to move to Poland, and why Krakow?

Viktor: It was an obvious choice. Because of my roots, I was able to apply for the Pole's Card and thus count on support in being admitted to studies in Poland. I was initially aiming for Wroclaw, but I chose Krakow for pragmatic reasons.

Welcome Centre: And how are you finding it?

Viktor: Well, I must say it is quite interesting. In Kazakhstan there are many different ethnic and cultural communities living close to one another, and the same is true of the United States, where the society is very diverse. Here in Krakow, I feel a similar atmosphere. I have many international friends from all over the world,which is very exciting.

Welcome Centre: Have you experienced any culture shock after coming to Europe?

Viktor: Not really. I must admit that I had never been to Europe before coming to Poland. I only knew Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the USA, but Polish people seem to be very similar to other Slavs.

Welcome Centre: You mean the linguistic and cultural correspondence?

Viktor: In a way, yes. But also the lifestyle and hospitality are very similar to what I know from Russians, for instance. Poles, however, are a little nicer and more polite and this is what I like about them.

Welcome Centre: I can hear that you are a proficient English speaker. How is your Polish now?

Viktor: I studied Polish for a year and a half. In Kazakhstan there are free courses organised for the local Polish minority. I know that many people apply for these lessons and then benefit from various scholarships, e.g. NAWA ones, which allow them to study abroad. However, I decided to study in English.

Welcome Centre: And has your Polish helped you to get involved in any student activity here?

Viktor: Well, I guess I haven’t been in Krakow long enough yet, which is why I haven’t really managed to get very involved in the KUE’s student life. So far, I have participated in the Country Meetings co-organised by the Welcome Centre, but I am sure that I will get involved more soon.

Welcome Centre: So, besides studying,what else are you doing in Krakow?

Viktor: I have done some work online as an English teacher and I try to spend time with my international friends as I enjoy learning new languages. I even started learning German for a while and went to a summer language camp, which was a great experience.

Welcome Centre: And now it's time for a little more philosophical question: what is your motivation in doing all these things?

Viktor: I would say my motivation is that I want to expand my network of friends, to get to know different backgrounds and so develop my career in interesting ways. I aim to get the best education possible, to participate in many projects, and be active in all areas of life. I always say that you never know what will come in handy for you, which is why I try to be active in various environments.

Welcome Centre: And do you find the KUE friendly to international students? Does the university allow you to spread your wings?

Victor: On the whole, yes. I appreciate that while in Poland I am so close to many other European countries and that I can visit so many interesting places. There are also times when I don't know something and can't find an answer to my questions. Then I have you to contact. I really like the idea of the Welcome Centre and that I can easily chat and exchange my doubts with you.

Welcome Centre: Good to hear that. But seeing as you started to complain a bit, is there anything you don’t like about Poland?

Viktor: Sometimes I don't like the weather in Krakow. Especially during the winter, it is too grey and depressive.

Welcome Centre: I think we are all waiting for summer already. But to end our conversation with something positive, let me pose a very (non)serious question. Polish cuisine or Kazakhstan cuisine, which is best?

Viktor: I like both, of course! Some of the Polish dishes really appeal to me, like żurek [ed. sour rye soup], for instance. Kazakh cuisine is quite simple, and I think that is its secret. Minimalism and simplicity usually guarantee a good taste, such as in beshbarmak – with some dough, meat and onions.I recommend you try it!

Welcome Centre: As soon as we are in Kazakhstan, we will definitely try it. So now it's time to give you the floor. Maybe there is something that you would like to say to applicants or to current students. How would you encourage them to study, or to be more active if they are still hesitating?

Viktor: First of all, I would tell them that it is not all that complicated. It's quite easy to enter the university, especially when you are motivated and you have a plan. So my advice is: just be active, be sure that you are informed, andenjoy your study time!

Welcome Centre: That sounds optimistic! Thank you very much for the interview!

Viktor: Thank you too and keep going! You are doing a good job!