So I’ve been an expat for a while now, about 1/3 of my life. There are things you can accept or get used to and there are just some things you can’t. If you’re thinking about moving to Poland, there are some issues I’ll discuss below that you may want to consider. So, is Poland a good place to be an expat?
So you’ve been invited to a wedding in Poland, you say? Well, lucky you! Polish weddings are incredible. They are also exhausting. You need to be prepared. You need to know how much money to put in the envelope and you need to know your limits. Watch yourself! A Polish wedding can make you or break you.
Are you thinking about moving abroad? It can be a tough decision. It all depends on your situation. When I moved abroad I was 23, had just finished college, and was in love with a good-looking, mysterious foreign man. I had nothing to lose, frankly, and I’m so glad I took the plunge now. But it was hard for me for a long, long time. Why, you ask? Read on to find out.
You’re probably staying at home a lot these days. I, for one, haven’t left the neighbourhood in about 2 weeks. Maybe you don’t know this, but things here in Poland and things back home in the States aren’t the same when it comes to COVID-19. I’d say the governments of both countries have handled things a bit differently, and people as well. This is the first time I can say I’m actually proud of the actions the Polish government has taken here.
It’s incredible really. When I first moved to Poland (let’s be honest, for the first three years I lived here), I really didn’t speak Polish at all. I was lazy, wasn’t really sure I’d need it in the future, just kept putting it off. So everyone who could spoke to me in English. Finally, because of my husband and his family, I learned Polish. Painstakingly, but alas, wreszcie! I can manage myself without nearly having a heart attack before every single interaction. But recently it’s become apparent that almost nobody speaks English to me anymore! And honestly, it sucks.
Working as an English teacher in Poland is a popular job for native English-speaking expats looking to earn some easy cash. But it’s not for everyone. And it’s not as easy as just being able to speak. In addition to knowing how to instil knowledge in others, teaching English in Poland about people skills and deep understanding of the language. A little dose of eccentricity doesn’t hurt either. Think you got what it takes? Read on to find out.
The other day my kid said this: “Mamusiu, co się stało pieskowi?” And I ask my husband, “Is that the correct przypadek?” The answer is positive and it leaves me feeling a bit disappointed in myself and I realize – it has started. My kid’s Polish is already better than mine. How did this happen? He’s only 2.5! He uses proper cases, he uses the right dokonany or niedokonany version of a word, it’s so unfair! When will he start saying things I don’t even understand?!