Name: Patricia Balachi
Country of Origin: Brazil
Profession: Student
Connection to Poland: Lived in Poland from January 2012 – March 2012
Purpose of the stay in Poland: Social Work – AIESEC Exchange Program
What surprised you most whilst visiting Poland?
What surprised me most was the rich history that the country has. I visited many of the places that I only previously had heard of in books, and this touched me personally. One example was my visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
What seemed strange particularly to you in Poland?
The Polish language! This language is very different from my own and all of the other languages that I’ve ever come across. However other customs such as food and religion are very similar to that of Brazil.
What had you heard about Polish people?
In your experience, was it true or just a stereotype? I had always heard that the Polish people were cold. I realised that older people are somewhat serious, but the young people with whom I had contact were very receptive and very agreeable all of the time!
Can you list the three dishes that you liked the most?
I loved the soups, those of Brazil as those of Poland! In the schools that I worked in, soup was always my favourite meal! I also really liked the Pierogi. In Brazil we eat a lot of pork just like the Poles, but it is not my favorite meat. I missed the beef and barbecues!
Which three places in Poland would you recommend and why?
As I said, the historical places caught my attention. So I would recommend a visit to Auschwitz. I also really liked Poznan, the city is small but cute, and Krakow was a very interesting place for me too. It’s such a beautiful city!
Is there anything special you would like to share that is related to Poland or Polish people?
My relationships with the children of the kindergartens that I worked in were very special. Every Friday we had to say goodbye and move on to the next school. It was always very sad. Sometimes we all cried, the children, teachers and myself. All of the people were so lovely!
What exactly lead you to Poland?
The work that I was doing in my exchange took me there. Speaking to Polish children about my country was very important to me. The people that I met knew very little about Brazil . Teaching everyone about my language and customs was so much fun. Having contact with so many cultures and nationalities was a great experience!
What do you like most in Poland?
What will always stay in your mind? What surprised me most was the openness in Poland. I made some real friends whom I will never forget.
Do you like the Polish lifestyle and customs? Would you be eager to move to Poland in the future?
I really liked the lifestyle and customs of the Poles, they do not differ much from the customs here in Brazil. It would be great to be able to go back to Poland and see all of the special people that I met. It would be fun to revisit the schools where I worked with the kids!