Oleksandr Kariuk, cook in Karpacz, Poland

I was very lucky with my workplace. I went to Karpacz, a small town almost on the Czech border. It is a recreation area with wonderful views and beautiful scenery. The hotel was excellent, with very good working and living conditions and free meals. I quickly became friends with my colleagues. We have a great, friendly team, including Ukrainians and Poles. Contrary to expectations, there is almost no language barrier: I understand nearly everything and learnt to speak quite quickly. My level is basic, but sufficient for communication. I am treated very well and have experienced no discrimination. When I first arrived, I did easier work. The hotel kitchen has two sections, called the “red kitchen” and “green kitchen”: the cold preparation section where beginners work, and where I started, and the restaurant kitchen staffed mainly by Polish professionals, although Ukrainians can be transferred there too.

Everything depends on how busy the hotel is. During quiet periods there may be 40 guests, while holidays and weekends can bring more than a thousand. I really enjoy the work. It was difficult initially, but I settled in quickly and now do not want another job, especially since wages like these are not available in Ukraine. After three months, they arranged a free voivodeship invitation for me, meaning an annual invitation. Next time I am going for a year, and hopefully not for the last time. Thank you to the agency for this job!