Source: Yonatan
My name is Yonatan, I am from Andalusia, Spain. I am living in Łomża, a beautiful and tranquil town in Poland. I'm a professional who has taken an exciting turn in his career, transitioning into the world of digital copywriting.
Love, combined with the desire to expand my horizons and challenge myself, led me to this wonderful adventure. What drew me to stay was Poland's fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. The country offers a growing digital market with excellent professional opportunities while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. Here, modern amenities exist alongside pristine nature, and although people cherish their traditions, they're also remarkably entrepreneurial and forward-thinking.
After a year here, I can confidently say it has been a transformative experience. What I cherish most is building a new life from scratch, both personally and professionally, and discovering different approaches to life and work. The hospitality of Polish people has touched me deeply - they're far more welcoming than I initially expected, especially towards foreigners who make an effort to integrate. They genuinely try to make you feel at home.
I've had the pleasure of exploring various cities - Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and others - each with its distinct character and charm. Poland offers far more than meets the eye; it's not just about the places, but the people, the culture, and even the food, which has been a delightful surprise. Take the beetroot soup, for instance - despite not being particularly fond of beetroot, I've found myself craving it on cold winter days!
The most significant challenges have centred around navigating the administrative system and bureaucracy. Initially, it felt quite daunting as it differs considerably from what I was accustomed to in Spain. However, I found that people working in these institutions were remarkably helpful and patient. The job search process also presented its challenges - from CV formatting to interview styles, everything required adaptation to local norms.
For other professionals planning to move abroad, I would strongly recommend thoroughly researching your industry's job market, as each country has its unique characteristics and requirements. Before making the move, it's invaluable to connect with fellow expatriates from your home country - their insights can be incredibly helpful, and they might even assist you in finding job opportunities. I've found that engaging with locals, particularly those who speak your language, can be extremely beneficial as they often have a genuine interest in your culture and are remarkably supportive. Most importantly, maintain an open mind and adaptable attitude throughout your journey. While the initial changes may be challenging, I've learned that perseverance is truly the key to achieving your goals in a new country.
I started learning Polish from scratch, and while I'm still at a basic level, every small achievement feels significant. It's undeniably challenging, particularly the declension system, but the satisfaction of progress makes it worthwhile.
In daily life, I primarily use English but make a conscious effort to incorporate Polish phrases whenever possible. While you can manage in larger cities without Polish, I've discovered that attempting to speak the language, even imperfectly, opens many doors both socially and professionally.
I've utilised OLS for learning Polish, both before moving and currently. The platform's varied exercises and lessons, combined with the forum discussions, have been quite helpful. However, I've found that an immersive approach works best - from watching Polish television to practising in shops and restaurants. Each small interaction builds confidence and promotes progress.
This experience has fostered tremendous personal growth, developing my resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Whether it's successfully completing administrative procedures in Polish or forming new friendships, each challenge overcome has expanded my horizons and strengthened my self-confidence.