Poland: Travel guide, visas and free housing · 2026

ASAdemi Seiilkhanovaademi.erbazina · Jan 7, 2023Read

The future is in the hands of the youth! This is why it is so important for young people to receive an education, gain experience, and serve their country. There are many programs for youth to study abroad and gain experience in the country, including Bolashak, WAT USA, and academic mobility programs, which I consider the best. Such programs have many benefits for young people: they broaden their knowledge, enhance their experience, allow them to study the culture and language of other nations, learn to apply modern technologies in life, implement them in our country, and also make friends from other countries and become advanced citizens. My name is Ademi, I was born in the city of Aktobe, and I am currently a 3rd-year student at Zhubanov University, a prestigious educational institution in the western region. I have many hobbies for all-around development; I love reading books, watching movies, especially Marvel, watching football, and learning languages is a special pleasure for me. Since childhood, I have dreamed of studying abroad and traveling a lot. But now I am studying in Kazakhstan, so I try to make the most of the opportunities provided for a high-quality and interesting student life. Currently, I am studying in the Republic of Poland for one academic semester on a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was my first trip abroad, and I am very grateful to Allah, my parents, and the university staff for being here at this time. It was a big step for a 19-year-old dreamy girl. Here, I am not only improving my English but also learning Polish, have found many friends, broadened my horizons, and seen the culture and lifestyle of other nations. I was also a volunteer at the university; in Poland, there are many competitions and sports events for different age categories, from small preschoolers to elderly people over 70. And this also gave me ideas about the development of sports in Kazakhstan. And since we are in the EU zone, traveling to other EU countries did not cause us any problems, and I traveled with friends to countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic. During this trip, I had many new ideas, sincere emotions, and, most importantly, the thought: 'I am not going to stop at what I have achieved.' Also, for the first time in my life, I traveled on a liner, sailing across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. In Sweden, I became interested in Scandinavian culture, and this trip brought many ideas that could be implemented after seeing clean, smooth roads. One of them is the production of asphalt from waste; it is known that the country has many problems with roads, and I think that to find a solution, it is necessary to take such latest technologies and innovations from developed states as a model. And the emotions I received from the trip, especially from being at the sea for the first time, gave me special sensations; the first impression on the Baltic Sea, I fell in love with the beauty of the sea on the beach in Barcelona, Spain, and a burning love for the water world appeared. I was also in Barcelona at the Camp Nou stadium, one of my childhood dreams. I will say that over the last 3 months abroad, there have been many useful and interesting moments for me. In a month, I will return to Kazakhstan; many events have happened in my life in Poland, there were many interesting moments in our trip to Europe, and I will always remember this period of my life. And now, if I talk about why I want to participate in the WAT USA program. This program is very useful for students; I believe it is better to have more such programs so that students can not only study but also spend 3 months of vacation having fun and being productive. I have known about the WAT USA program since the 10th grade when my teacher's daughter first visited the USA, and my teacher talked about it interestingly, showed photos of her daughter, and gave me motivation that we would al

DUDaria Udalovaudalova.darya · Dec 8, 2019Read

Where I worked: sold Italian Ice at Family Kingdom Amusement Park Where I lived: Peggy Ann Motel I flew from New York airport with Spirit Airlines to Myrtle Beach airport. The flight was delayed by 2 hours. I didn't really enjoy flying with this airline, so if possible, use another one. The city airport is small and quiet. Stepping outside, I realized that I had accounted for the hot climate, but not for the nearly 100% humidity. Subtropics! Frequent rains, hurricanes. So, if you are going to Myrtle Beach, buy a good raincoat and waterproof shoes. As for public transport, I only saw two buses: one tourist bus - free, and another one running on a circular route (I didn't use either). I got to the motel by Uber - it was convenient and fast. Upon arrival at the motel, I had to wait a while for the owner to get the key and sign the contract. Therefore, agree on your arrival time with your landlord in advance. Tired after many hours of flying, I still found the strength to read the contract carefully and ask questions, but I didn't ask for a copy, which is very important to do! The contract may contain terms and rules of residence, the violation of which may result in you or your neighbors not getting the deposit back or being evicted. For anyone who hasn't lived in a dormitory, it will be stressful to share a room, a refrigerator, use a public bathroom, and encounter cockroaches, regardless of whether it's a private house or a motel. I lived in a student dormitory for 3 years and was absolutely calm about everything except cleaning. Try to agree with your neighbors on a schedule for taking out the trash and washing dishes. It's not always possible to reach an agreement with everyone. "Cultural difference" - that's how I explained my neighbors' behavior to myself, but there was also a big plus in this. The mentality of everyone who arrived is different. And yet, I was very lucky to spend the summer among guys from all over the world: China, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Ukraine, Mexico, Colombia, Lithuania, Jamaica, Jordan, Turkey, Poland, and Russia, of course. If I didn't talk to some of them closely, I learned about their culture from others, heard their language while passing by, and could already distinguish it by ear. The international company helped me chat more often in English about everyday topics, overcome the language barrier, try local dishes, learn new foreign words and traditions, and discover new countries while communicating. That is why, thanks to "Cultural difference", my summer was so memorable. In the first few days, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and a bank card. I heard that the student center helps students with this, but I went everywhere myself. Walking from my hotel was long, about an hour, but I had time, and I didn't want to rent a bicycle because my workplace was very close to "home", and a taxi was expensive. Later, I borrowed a bicycle from friends. (When riding a bicycle in the urban environment of Myrtle Beach, you need to be careful - emergencies and falls are not uncommon. So, follow all safety measures). Since the Social Security Administration and the Bank of America office are nearby, you can do everything in one visit. Everything turned out to be simple; it was enough to ask the employees or visitors. To get a number, you had to get an electronic ticket, fill out a form that I asked the security guard for, and then give it and your passport to the employee at the window. At the bank, you had to queue up, telling the girl at the entrance the purpose of your visit, then one of the specialists invited me to the office and, following his instructions, I opened an account. After that, he went with me to the ATM, used my temporary card, and asked for a $25 deposit to put into the account. At the same time, they do not burn out, but are available, that is, opening a card is free. Why do you need a bank card? To cash your paychecks quickly and conveniently. In the States

YKYelyzaveta Komarovalizakom99 · Dec 16, 2018Read

I thought for a long time about how to start writing, because it's already mid-December, and the emotions still haven't faded. I want to tell you about my incredible and, perhaps, the brightest summer of my 19 years. So, my name is Liza and, as I already wrote, I am 19. The starting point of my story is how I decided to participate in the program. I believe in fate. And this story is my vivid example that somewhere, far away in the sky, everything is already predetermined. I decided to participate very quickly, as I wanted to go while still in my first year of university, but there was one "but" - the lack of company. And I was very afraid to go alone, because I thought it would be incredibly difficult. Later, I reconsidered this point of view and became convinced that it is not scary at all, and difficulties only make you stronger. So, I started looking for company and I found it. These were 2 of my classmates. Together we found out everything, together we attended orientations, together we prepared, dreamed, and worried. And then that long-awaited day at the embassy arrived. And here I was convinced once again of what fate means. I was the only one who got a visa, and what I was running away from (going to the States alone), I got. At the final orientation, I met the guys with whom we were supposed to spend the summer together, we exchanged contacts and looked forward to May 15th. It wasn't so scary anymore, however, the unknown was still frightening. The last days before the flight, I played scenarios in my head, worried insanely that everything would be bad, knowing that it wasn't so. After all, program participants are always happy! But, to be honest, the last night before the flight, a wild nervousness started and thoughts: "Why did I even apply?". After all, I was flying alone, I had to change 3 flights before ending up in America. But, after passing the check-in counter, confidence and a desire to fly across the ocean as soon as possible appeared. I arrived, met the girls, and we continued our journey, but I was no longer alone. I chose a place very, very far from what we called "civilization". But I could not even imagine how special and dear this city would become. So, North Carolina, the city of Avon. Arriving there, we were a little shocked. After all, the infrastructure is not developed, no car - no way to get to other cities and, essentially, to the mainland. There are no shops, and there are not many American youth either. We asked the guys who were coming to Avon for the second or third year with surprise: "Why?!". And at the beginning of June, everyone got the answer. At the beginning of the summer, students from all over the world arrived in Avon (Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Colombia, Poland, Romania, Macedonia, Russia, and many, many other nationalities and countries) and this small town was half composed of students. Parties began, gatherings at each other's houses, bonfires with marshmallows under the sound of ocean waves. I don't remember a single day being like the previous one. And the burning question: "When and how to travel?" solved itself. We asked for time off from work for the last 10 days and managed to see everything we wanted. If you are still tormented by uncertainty and the question: "Is it worth it"? Here is an example of my ordinary summer day in America. I described it as soon as I returned home. I will note one point in advance: we lived in houses by country. Therefore, in our house, which had 2 rooms, a kitchen leading into a living room, and a terrace, lived 5 girls from Ukraine and one from Russia. … "11 days since I've been home. Emotions are slowly being drowned out by the hustle and bustle of Kyiv weekdays. How much this summer has changed me, how much it has shown, proven, and taught me. Avon. A place where in the first days I didn't want to be, as much as I didn't want to leave it. How many times have I said "for the first time" here. Perhaps more th

ККсенияTrix33311 · Aug 14, 2012Read

The Olympics are over. Let me tell you a little bit about how we watched them here. I enjoyed watching our girl gymnasts perform the most. As you know, our girls took gold. I told everyone right away that the Russians would win. The German guy couldn't understand for a long time why I was also rooting for Belarus and Ukraine. When they showed boxing and the Ukrainian fighter won, the Polish girl and I were cheering for his victory. The German guy was in total shock. How come?! It wasn't Russia or Poland that won, but Ukraine! Why were we so happy?) We tried to explain to him about brotherly nations and all that... but a German is a German, he just doesn't get it)) When the medal ceremony took place and our country's anthem played, there was no one around me. So I enjoyed the triumph in solitude. If you don't count all my compatriots on the other side of the world) We also organized a mini pool tournament at the hostel. I represented my country! And I took second place, friends)) You can be proud of me) The German guy came in first. It was just luck, I'm telling you for sure.

WWladekmariaalicenicols · Apr 13, 2010Read

I was hoping to get to Habiniwski (you've already guessed why), and I was already approaching his window, WHEN SUDDENLY THE SECOND-TO-LAST WINDOW OPENS AND THEY POINT AT ME – OVER THERE, DEAR, OVER THERE… - Me: Hellllo! I’m here! Smile from ear to ear, hand raised (a psychological trick, you subconsciously let them know you don't have a weapon in your hands, this came to us from ancient times, people used to show their hands so the other person would know you are friendly). - Me: How are you doing? With an expression like I’d come to see an old friend I hadn't seen in 20 years. The vice-consul beamed with a smile from ear to ear. - HE: Hello, I’m feeling good and you? - Me: Well, I’m fine, for sure (Said it a bit too confidently, but not arrogantly) - HE: Is your name Uladzislau? - Me: Yup! You are right! This is my name - HE: Where do you study? - Me: I am a student at * ** ** named after *. (the name of a famous Russian poet, and I said it in such a way that I almost believed myself that he was the greatest poet in the world, although maybe he is) - HE: It seems to be very interesting place - Me: Definitely! (He stared at the computer, and I kept up a slight smirk) - HE: Ok, I see you studied at another university? - Me: Yes, but I transferred to my University, by reason of better education and… (I wanted to say cuz it’s closer to my home and I’ll get better job opportunities, but it wasn't meant to be L) - HE: So, what is your course of study? - Me: I’m a fourth year student and my major is Economic(al) Law? (blurted it out, it happens, I was nervous, you know) - HE: Sorry? - Me: Ooops, Economic Law (He starts looking at the passport, the page with my visas – there’s a Schengen and a Polish National one) HE: I see you have several visits to EU? (And there are about 10 stamps there, good thing I renewed my passport in time, otherwise he would have seen there wasn't a clean page left for a visa, he wouldn't have opened it). He says to himself: “To Poland”. Me: Yes, I travel much, (here I think I’ll raise my value) there is a good shopping, I buy different stuff there and when the last time I was there… I have bought a car. (here I either misheard or he said “Yes, I know”) HE: And where are you planning to go? Me: I’m planning to visit *. It is a historical city HE: I know (here the connection starts to get lost) HE: What duties are you going to do there? Me: Well, I will do some cleaning job, like brushing, swiping, some storage work like preparing cleaning stuff, brooms etc., moving, removing furniture… (he interrupted me again… I’m talking too much, smiling too much and speaking in what seemed to me a familiar tone, trying to correct myself…) But it was not to be!!! - (He quietly) Your visa is approved - Thank you, (I don't want to leave) Have a nice day! - No, you have an exciting summer! (And a smile like at the beginning J))))) Conclusion: He’s a good guy after all, Douglas Johnston, Dzieki bardzo [Thanks a lot J] *By the way, I misheard two questions, he repeated them for me himself. I’m definitely not planning to stay in the States, Belarus needs to be reformed, there’s still a lot of work here, so we’ll work… I walked out, as expected, turned off my brain, but turned on the audacity. Asked a passerby for a cigarette, lit up and relaxed. The poor woman was so scared that at first she didn't understand what was going on. And I find it funny J. Oh, and the lighter I buried in the ground in the flowerbed, I never found it…

WWladekmariaalicenicols · Apr 28, 2010Read

Finally, the passport is in my hands... So happy. Now I have 2 visas in my passport: an American one and a Polish national one, which became a full Schengen visa 2 weeks ago. Happy again... The American one gives me strength (a kind of fetishism), you open it and get energized when needed, you open the Schengen one - you get charged up even more... You think to yourself: "Now all of continental Europe is mine, plus the USA, I should go somewhere." You sit there and think: "Where should I go?" Poland - Oh! My home country, but I've traveled it up and down (only haven't been to Krakow), it's kind of boring... Germany - fascists!, and I lived there for 2 years in my distant childhood. Austria - mini-fascists! Czech Republic - Germans! France - not a fan of sparkling wines and unconventional relationships + it's far. Spain - boring and uninteresting + very far. Italy - forget it, I've been there, walked along the coast, the mafia even kills off unwanted dolphins, and I deal with Italians every month (guide them to the right place, feed them, give them drinks, take them around), I'm tired of them. Netherlands - not a fan. Belgium - dirt. Slovakia - children of the mountains (no offense). Serbia - A good country, but there's not much entertainment. Baltic countries - I don't know a word of their language. Switzerland - I don't need to go to a bank or buy watches yet. Where to go???... Yeah, when there's no opportunity to go somewhere, you want to, and when there is, you don't want to... Strange... I go to classes, write various essays, do some work, continue to improve my Polish and English... I want to go to Australia... But there are crocodiles, it's scary, and I don't have much money (actually almost none :) ). And soon is "Day X" - taking early exams, etc. I decided it's time to go to Ukraine, and then to Poland (at least I'll buy some tasty food)... In general, I think I have nothing to do beyond Poland and Serbia. I have a good attitude towards citizens of the Russian Federation, but I won't set foot there again... it's scary, too much, the roads are bad. What else? Oh yes, the person I wanted to fly to the States with probably isn't going with me. Work, I need to keep working... I deeply hope that everyone who read my blog got their visas... CIAO!!!

WWladekmariaalicenicols · Apr 13, 2010Read

Moscow is an amazing place, but just as dirty. You can feel the imperial ambitions of its architects and inhabitants, which is understandable, as Russia is, strictly speaking, an Empire (with a capital letter, and, so to speak, the cradle of the East), and Moscow is the center of this largest and richest country in the world. The large number of high-rise buildings, cigarette butts, and the small number of trash cans are striking. But the buildings are a separate topic; they hang over you like domes, like stone blocks grown from underground, making you feel small (it seems you are tiny compared to this world)—that is the most amazing thing! I am often in Warsaw and love that city, but in Warsaw, you feel cozy and comfortable, while in Moscow... ah, in Moscow you don't feel like a cog or a screw in the system, but rather a speck of dust in a big city. Yes, that's it... An unforgettable feeling!!! I was surprised that cigarette prices are roughly comparable to the price of a single metro ride!!! This is truly incomprehensible, since in Warsaw the cheapest cigarettes cost 9 zlotych (the very, very cheapest), which is about $3, while a metro ride costs about $1—that is, the metro prices are roughly equal, but the difference in cigarette prices is quite noticeable. I won't talk about Belarus, since the metro in Minsk costs approx. $0.3, and cigarettes are about the same as in Moscow, but the quality of cigarettes is much higher in Moscow than in Belarus, so I smoked to my heart's content. I was so happy I smoked two packs. There are many Poles in Moscow; they are good, nice people. I even talked to one Polish woman: - Pszepraszam, czy ma pani zapalniczke? [Excuse me, do you have a lighter?] - Tak, prosze :))) [Yes, please] - Dzienki [Thanks] - Jakie masz pochodzenie? [What is your origin?] - Jestem Bialorusinem [I am Belarusian] (and here such pride and a smile from ear to ear :D), mieszkam w Brzesciu, to jest bardzo ladne miasto. A Pani? [I am Belarusian, I live in Brest, Brest is a very beautiful city. And you?] - haha, wiem to miasto, jestem z Gdanska, ale dobrze mówiesz po polsku (here I am convinced once again that Poles are good diplomats, which is why they make such arguments, although my Polish is very bad) [I know that city, I am from Gdansk, but you speak Polish well] - O, dziekuje bardzo, no tak troche znam tego jezyka, bardzo czesto bywam w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, oprócz tego chetnie zwiedzam ten kraj. [Oh, thank you very much, well yes, I know this language a little, I am very often in the Republic of Poland, besides that, I gladly visit this country] Here a kind of brotherhood occurred, we talked about topics like “Powazam Palaków, Powazam Bialorusinów”, but I had to urgently run to look for the Konsulat, brrr... J)) US Consulate: - Milo mi bylo pania poznac, ale trzeba isc do Ambassady Stanów Zjednoczonych. Do widzenia Pani! [It was nice to meet you, but I need to go to the US Embassy. Goodbye!] - Do widzenia Panu [Goodbye] Well, it was good to practice Polish at the same time... I go out onto a long street, as I understood it was part of the Garden Ring, interesting!!! Where to go? I asked a passing girl (not a local, you can see it immediately), it turned out she was looking for it herself... It became even more interesting... I saw a couple, a guy and a girl, and immediately a reflex – Belarusians, brothers!!! These definitely know: - Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to... - Oh, we are not locals... - ... (I continue) the US Embassy? - Oh, you need to go there, along that street, you will see the building there. - Oh, how did you know that we knew where the US Embassy was here? (with such surprised eyes 8)) Oooh??? - It's written on your faces that you are from Belarus (And I think to myself: “Yes, we are like that – responsive, bright, and generally nice people in all respects J))) I walked there and again didn't understand where to go... (I start turning on my brain... “beep”... turned on) I asked a guy