The Polish experience
When I told my relatives and friends that I was moving to Poland, everyone's immediate reaction was that it was far away and cold. They also wondered if Poland would be a safe place to live in. But, of course, they were going to think that way, if their images about Poland were those from Discovery Channel documentaries about Poland's traumatic experience during World War II.
Different from the images shown in the documentaries of the Discovery Channel, Poland is a country that offers a little of everything for every taste. There is modern architecture and exciting nightlife. Additionally, one can find beautiful historic buildings and sites. There are mountains, lakes, and seaside. Winters are cold but magical, while summers are lively and hot.
On my arrival to Poland, I had a sensation of excitement and disorientation at the same time. The fact that my Polish husband and his relatives helped with the process of adapting to my new surroundings was a big relief. Right after complying with all the legal formalities of my stay, I started looking for a job, which I must admit was not an easy task because at that time my knowledge of Polish was quite limited. After months of searching, I found a job as a language trainer (which is a typical career start for most foreigners in Poland) and sometime later I changed to a job in line with my educational path.
If one wants to find a job in Poland, it is imperative that you speak at least some basic Polish (that way you will at least have an idea of what is going on around you). At the time though, most Poles I met were able to speak at least one foreign language at a communicative level. The problem is that from time to time one might find someone that feels intimidated in the presence of a foreigner (or other Poles) or is ashamed of making mistakes while speaking in a foreign language. In such cases, one could say a few words in Polish (that is always a compliment for Poles and is highly appreciated!). If the trick works, hopefully the person will feel more comfortable and will perhaps agree to use their foreign language a bit. However, this situation is rather the exception because, as I said before, most Poles I have met are able to communicate in at least one language.
My first encounters with Polish were disastrous. I saw texts written in Polish and I didn't even know where to start reading. After a few weeks, I was able to pronounce the basic formulas of salutation. Shortly after, when I learned the sounds of the Polish alphabet, I was able to read words even if I was not sure about their meaning. Now, one and a half years later, I can speak Polish at an intermediate level. Contrary to my first impression, it is possible to learn Polish. There is nothing to be afraid of and after getting the sense of the language, everything becomes easier and clearer.
Poland is a very exciting place to live in, especially now as it is going through a period of transition and change in all aspects. The transformation the country is undergoing can be appreciated everywhere one goes. Ranging from laws to working culture, architecture and lifestyle, the winds of change can be sensed at all stages. Don't get me wrong! In spite of all these changes, Poles remain faithful to their cultural heritage and traditions. This is one of the things that make Poland so special: the capacity of Poles to find some sort of middle point between 'Western' values and those of their own.
Poles are very kind and always try to help. However, one thing that still amuses me is the problem Poles have with admitting when they cannot help you or do not understand the request (for whatever reason). It will be up to you to figure it out when you realize there has been a delay in your query! This might be occasionally uncomfortable for a foreigner because the Polish incapacity to say NO can frequently be the cause of misunderstandings. Understanding the Polish way of thinking (especially among older generations) may at times be somewhat complex. Notwithstanding, it is important to put ourselves in the shoes of others and understand that certain conduct is are just a product of Polish history.
Nowadays, a lot is said on the news with respect to the fear Poles have of losing their sense of nationhood and heritage. For me, those fears are unjustified because Poles have already shown they are capable of preserving a balance between the 'new' and the 'old.' They have learned and taken the best from the 'West' and rejected those things that they consider unnecessary in accordance with their lifestyle.
Poland's accession to the EU is a great opportunity for Poles to demonstrate to the rest of the world and themselves that their human resources as well as their products can compete with those of their Western counterparts. Also, whatever happened in the past has been left behind, and that now, more than ever during the last 15 years, Poland is ready to accept the challenge and turn itself into a leading, competitive economy.
For Poland, the accession is also a chance to open itself to the world and show to others all its potential and what it has to offer. Unfortunately, as with other Central and Eastern European countries, Poland is a hidden treasure to most Europeans. There is really something about Poland that gets into oneself, and even if at first one might feel odd and out of place, later on everything starts to make sense.
Even if I am not Polish, I really feel part of the changes that are taking place in the country, and I hope that with these lines I have been able to give you a taste of what the Polish experience is all about.
Alma Jenkins-Konarski, a foreign Attorney-at-Law working at Marek Zdanowicz & Partners in Warsaw
Different from the images shown in the documentaries of the Discovery Channel, Poland is a country that offers a little of everything for every taste. There is modern architecture and exciting nightlife. Additionally, one can find beautiful historic buildings and sites. There are mountains, lakes, and seaside. Winters are cold but magical, while summers are lively and hot.
On my arrival to Poland, I had a sensation of excitement and disorientation at the same time. The fact that my Polish husband and his relatives helped with the process of adapting to my new surroundings was a big relief. Right after complying with all the legal formalities of my stay, I started looking for a job, which I must admit was not an easy task because at that time my knowledge of Polish was quite limited. After months of searching, I found a job as a language trainer (which is a typical career start for most foreigners in Poland) and sometime later I changed to a job in line with my educational path.
If one wants to find a job in Poland, it is imperative that you speak at least some basic Polish (that way you will at least have an idea of what is going on around you). At the time though, most Poles I met were able to speak at least one foreign language at a communicative level. The problem is that from time to time one might find someone that feels intimidated in the presence of a foreigner (or other Poles) or is ashamed of making mistakes while speaking in a foreign language. In such cases, one could say a few words in Polish (that is always a compliment for Poles and is highly appreciated!). If the trick works, hopefully the person will feel more comfortable and will perhaps agree to use their foreign language a bit. However, this situation is rather the exception because, as I said before, most Poles I have met are able to communicate in at least one language.
My first encounters with Polish were disastrous. I saw texts written in Polish and I didn't even know where to start reading. After a few weeks, I was able to pronounce the basic formulas of salutation. Shortly after, when I learned the sounds of the Polish alphabet, I was able to read words even if I was not sure about their meaning. Now, one and a half years later, I can speak Polish at an intermediate level. Contrary to my first impression, it is possible to learn Polish. There is nothing to be afraid of and after getting the sense of the language, everything becomes easier and clearer.
Poland is a very exciting place to live in, especially now as it is going through a period of transition and change in all aspects. The transformation the country is undergoing can be appreciated everywhere one goes. Ranging from laws to working culture, architecture and lifestyle, the winds of change can be sensed at all stages. Don't get me wrong! In spite of all these changes, Poles remain faithful to their cultural heritage and traditions. This is one of the things that make Poland so special: the capacity of Poles to find some sort of middle point between 'Western' values and those of their own.
Poles are very kind and always try to help. However, one thing that still amuses me is the problem Poles have with admitting when they cannot help you or do not understand the request (for whatever reason). It will be up to you to figure it out when you realize there has been a delay in your query! This might be occasionally uncomfortable for a foreigner because the Polish incapacity to say NO can frequently be the cause of misunderstandings. Understanding the Polish way of thinking (especially among older generations) may at times be somewhat complex. Notwithstanding, it is important to put ourselves in the shoes of others and understand that certain conduct is are just a product of Polish history.
Nowadays, a lot is said on the news with respect to the fear Poles have of losing their sense of nationhood and heritage. For me, those fears are unjustified because Poles have already shown they are capable of preserving a balance between the 'new' and the 'old.' They have learned and taken the best from the 'West' and rejected those things that they consider unnecessary in accordance with their lifestyle.
Poland's accession to the EU is a great opportunity for Poles to demonstrate to the rest of the world and themselves that their human resources as well as their products can compete with those of their Western counterparts. Also, whatever happened in the past has been left behind, and that now, more than ever during the last 15 years, Poland is ready to accept the challenge and turn itself into a leading, competitive economy.
For Poland, the accession is also a chance to open itself to the world and show to others all its potential and what it has to offer. Unfortunately, as with other Central and Eastern European countries, Poland is a hidden treasure to most Europeans. There is really something about Poland that gets into oneself, and even if at first one might feel odd and out of place, later on everything starts to make sense.
Even if I am not Polish, I really feel part of the changes that are taking place in the country, and I hope that with these lines I have been able to give you a taste of what the Polish experience is all about.
Alma Jenkins-Konarski, a foreign Attorney-at-Law working at Marek Zdanowicz & Partners in Warsaw
