Today we’re going to meet Elisa, a 28-year-old PhD student from Turin, Italy. Elisa studies Astroparticle Physics. She's had a passion for physics since she was 12 years old! Elisa chose to do her mobility program in my favourite Polish city – Lodz.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Could you tell us something about your mobility experience?
My mobility was part of an Erasmus Traineeship program. I spent three months during the summer in Lodz, working with a local research group. I chose this city because I know the Professor who has been my Supervisor for a couple of years. This group is very active in my field, and the experience provided me with a lot of new knowledge and competencies. It was also beneficial for a huge project I had started in Italy, as being there in person boosted our progress significantly. I had never been far from home for so long, but despite missing my family, the people at the university were very welcoming and made me feel at home.
How would you evaluate this experience?
It was fascinating, useful, and enjoyable. I met really nice and helpful people, the dormitory was amazing, and the department building was beautiful. Lodz is a fantastic city with a lot to offer, like a fantastic zoo, many parks, and beautiful murals and statues. The only minor inconvenience was the cold climate in October, but that's easily manageable with adequate clothes. I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness of people and the cultural differences, like the driving habits and the variety of food. I even had the chance to visit the Blue Lakes and a small museum nearby with my Supervisor and his family, which was a memorable trip.
Did something particularly surprise you?
The food is quite different from what I'm used to in Italy. Breakfasts are usually on the salty side, which took some getting used to. I did face some culinary challenges, like seeing ketchup on pizza and over-cooked pasta*, but once I started trying traditional Polish dishes, I found them very tasty. Their cakes and biscuits are especially delightful!
What were the most challenging aspects of this mobility experience?
The language barrier was challenging since most people in shops and restaurants don't speak English. The climate was another challenge as it could change rapidly. Getting used to the local food took a couple of weeks, but I managed. Being far from family and friends for an extended period was tough, but online calls and small reminders from home, like a stuffed animal I brought with me, helped. This experience helped me gain a lot of new skills and knowledge and prepared me for a potential future as a postdoc, which might involve moving to another country or continent.
Are you planning to participate in other mobility programs in the future?
Yes, I'm planning to spend three months in Madrid for another Erasmus Traineeship mobility. I look forward to gaining new competences for my work there. I might also return to Lodz for a few weeks since I already miss the people and the place!
Can you tell us about your language learning experience?
My level of Polish was very low before leaving — I knew only a few words and short sentences. I tried to learn a bit before leaving, but Polish is a difficult language for Italians. However, I managed to improve my knowledge during the mobility by learning new words and getting used to the sounds. In daily life, I used English with students and professors. When I couldn't use English, I relied on a translator app, gestures, and the few Polish words I knew. Polish people are usually very nice and helpful in communication, even when there is a language barrier.
Did OLS help you in any way in learning/improving your Polish?
I used OLS to learn some grammar, vocabulary, and basic sentences. I also took advantage of the forums and speaking sessions. It's a valid starting point, but to truly improve your Polish, you need to use it in real life. You will learn it quickly by trial and (in my case, a lot of) errors, instead of spending months studying from books. During my last week in Poland, I had the chance to attend a PhD defense conducted entirely in Polish. It wasn't as traumatic as I expected; I just needed some help from my colleagues and an online translator to deal with unusual words, but I managed to understand at least the overall content!
What advice would you give to someone who would like to learn Polish?
I used various online resources and apps to learn Polish, and they were helpful to some extent. My advice to other language learners is to be patient and persistent. Even small progress is valuable. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the learning process!
* In defense of Polish cuisine, I must say that what many Poles put on their pizza isn’t exactly ketchup but a sauce specifically made for pizza (mild, hot, or garlic). While additional sauces aren’t normally put on pizza elsewhere, you should give this Polish twist a try! If a pizzeria serves regular ketchup, it is definitely not a place that serves quality food! If you prefer to stick to Italian-style pizza, there are plenty of options nowadays. As for the pasta, yes, by Italian standards it is normally overcooked, because pasta used to be used for soups only. Italian-style pasta dishes are a relatively recent introduction – we’re still learning!