Erasmus Experience in Krakow, Poland by Ophélie

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

I didn't really know which country or city to choose at first. I didn't have a lot of choice for English (Austria, Poland or Romania). So I simply put the two countries I preferred on my application and my teachers gave me the place there was left in Krakow. Finally, I am here and very pleased with the choice they made for me. :)

Source

How long is your trip for? How much aid do you receive?

I'm staying in Krakow for the entire academic year (starting in October, ending in June).

How is student life in Krakow?

For the most part, the atmosphere is good. There really are a lot of foreigners here but they aren't just students. Many of them come to work in Krakow. After, I have to warn you that a lot of students don't mix, unfortunately. You have to take the first step and some remain cold even so and don't always respond. Be careful. It's most important not to stay in a clan but to open up to others because in my opinion, if you don't do this, the experience isn't as beautiful and it's difficult to learn the things we came for (foreign languages, the country's culture or the culture of other represented countries). We risk regretting it at the end of our stay and thinking that the atmosphere isn't good when it's totally not true.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Krakow to other students?

Without a doubt, I 100% recommend the city of Krakow. On the other hand, there isn't just one university in Krakow. If (like me) your teachers tell you that only two places (or perhaps more) are available at the university of Krakow, don't hesitate in asking them which one. They will at least see that you've done your own research on the country and it could add a positive point for you.

How is the country's food?

You will easily find French food and sometimes Spanish, Italian, Chinese, etc. There are plenty of restaurants that aren't Polish. However, it's much more important to eat Polish food than Japanese. As with the other restaurants, there are a great number of Polish restaurants. I find the traditional dishes very nice. Most of all, you can't pass out on the pierogis, the żurek (traditional soup) and the famous zapiekanka (a Polish tartine which is available with all the sauces). The restaurants are often very cheap in Krakow, provided you avoid the restaurants of the Rynek Główny square (the main square) as much as possible.

The pierogis

Source

The żurek

Source

Did you have any difficulties in finding accommodation in Krakow?

To find good accommodation, it's best to get one early. A piece of advice: Look in to 'private deals' as much as possible. They can cost you a lot of money and be catastrophic for your spirits. I'm speaking from experience.

Attention: if you're finding it hard to find accommodation, I'm not saying they're to be completely dismissed. Be wary of them or ask for help from someone who has experience in the area or who already knows the country's mentality well. My problem was in no way because of a Polish person but because of a foreigner who came to live in Poland and wanted to make as much money as possible. Think of looking at Polish market prices (even if they are slightly incorrect because you're Erasmus students because YES, the prices will be more expensive for you in Erasmus accommodation than for standard accommodation that the Polish and Ukrainians find through what they know or their origins).

How are living costs in Krakow?

The rents are quite high for Erasmus students. Everything that is clothes, beauty products, etc. is more or less the same price. On the other hand, food is often less expensive but the prices also depend on the shop (some are cheaper than others) and it's sometimes possible to do your main shop (for in between 1 and 3 weeks according to what you consume) for €15. Whatever you would have for double the price in France.

How is the learning of the language? Did you go to any language courses organised by the university?

I go to Polish classes organised by my university. Be careful. They aren't free at all the universities. You can also find meetings with foreigners of all nationalities by properly searching on the Facebook Erasmus groups. I also benefit from English lessons on the Erasmus website.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a very good level of English, you are going to have to work harder than the others because the first few months will be very difficult, especially during your classes in English. Don't hesitate in asking your teachers for classes. Some give them voluntarily, depending on how much difficulty you have. For other subjects, find friends who can give them to you.

What is the most economical way of getting to Krakow from your city?

I took the plane personally but you have to book the plane tickets in advance (difficult when you don't know when you can come back to France). Think about travelling with a layover because sometimes they make the tickets cheaper. It's also possible to get a plane ticket from where you are to Warszawa (Warsaw), for example (or another city) and then take the bus to Krakow.

Which places would you recommend to go out and party in Krakow?

It's difficult to answer this question. There are a large amount of nightclubs and bars. It all depends on personal preference.

And to eat in Krakow? What are your favourite places?

Personally, I try as many different restaurants as I can in order to get a better idea of the country and traditional dishes.

And what cultural visits do you advise?

Rynek Główny (the main square), which is a very pretty square with different monuments including St Mary's Basilica and the Wawel Royal Castle.

St Mary's Basilica

Source

The Wawel Royal Castle

Source

Any advice to give to future students in Krakow?

Make Polish friends who've lived in Krakow for a long time. They will have the best advice for restaurants, nightclubs, places to visit and will sometimes give you additional information on a building and its history, on Polish culture and Polish traditions. They will maybe teach you a few Polish words. Your experience and impression you get from the landscapes, the culture and customs will depend on this.

Prepare to experience a unique experience; a new life at 100 miles away and a good trip to Krakow. :)