Getting degree in the Polish language for the foreign student? Possible!

Have you ever been interested how the life of an international student looks like? More exciting or scary? How does it feel to live far away from home and get an education abroad? Getting the degree in the Polish language? Is it even possible?

To answer these questions, we interview the Digital Ambassadors of Poland about their life experiences connected with being a foreign student in Poland.

Today our guest is Laura. She came to Poland from Colombia. A long way, right? While interviewing Laura, she always smiles and has fire in her eyes when talking about her studies. Laura has been living in Poland for almost 3,5 years. She has finished her engineering studies in Columbia and then applied to the Lukaszewicz scholarship. And, yes, she received it! Laura has completed the Polish language course and started her Master`s degree in Heat Engineering and Air Conditioning at the Polish university.

Hi Laura! How does your life look like in Poland after graduating from the university? 

Hi! In December 2020 I have defended my Master`s thesis. Thus, I am no longer a student ☹ For the last 9 months, I have been working at the IT company.

At the university, you have been studying in the Polish language. Was it hard? 

I have been studying the Polish language for 1,5 years before starting my Master`s degree. The Polish language course for me was covered by the Ignacy Lukaszewicz Scholarship (now The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme). It was hard ? You know, the Polish language differs a lot from English and Spanish. There many letters and sounds that are not used in my native language. Sometimes I think that I say something, but it happens that I say a totally different word or maybe a word that does not even exist. However, learning a new language is always a challenge. Many efforts should be committed to learning any language. I would not state that is it the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

Please tell us more about your Polish language school. Did you like it?

Honestly, for me, the language course was so far one of the best experiences of my life. I have never gone out of my country before. When I came to Poland, I became surrounded by people from all around the world that introduced to me a myriad of cultures. These new friendships let you broaden your outlook and grow. The language school has also helped me to adapt to life in Poland faster when I come from a completely different part of the world.

The Polish language school that is a part of the Ignacy Lukaszewicz Scholarship Programme (now Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme) teaches you not only the Polish language but also motivates you to get acquainted with the Polish culture, traditions, and everyday life. 

What are the advantages of speaking Polish? 

I can imagine myself without speaking the Polish language. Most of the people I meet here speak English. However, it is not so easy to live not knowing what happens around you. We are in Poland, and it is normal that most of the talks and events are in the Polish language. English is enough, but if you would like to deeply dive into the social life here, I recommend you start learning the Polish language.  

One of the best advantages for me to speak Polish is better communication and relationship with friends and lecturers.

Did you write your Master’s thesis in Polish as well?

My professor gave me a choice whether I desire to write the thesis in Polish language or English. Without any doubts, I have chosen the second option. Even though I can speak the Polish language, it is still a challenge for me to write a thesis in this language. 

Thank you for reading the article! If you want to directly chat the foreign students in Poland use our tool that called Unibuddy.

Interested to study in Poland with a financial cover? Apply for the Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme.