Kateryna Salivon, Work&Study programme participant

Kateryna Salivon went to Poland for the summer semester of the Work&Study programme, starting in March 2016, to train as a medical caregiver. She had already arrived in Poland on 21 February 2016. She chose not to use an agency to find work, deciding to look herself.

Finding work was difficult because I did not know Polish. I sent out CVs in English and eventually found a job through a friend working at an employment agency: packing at a factory that makes saws. I already understand spoken Polish well, although some terminology at school can still be difficult. Free Polish classes take place on our study days, Saturdays and Sundays. I really enjoy studying. Although our group is small and attendance is fairly optional, the teachers are interesting and experienced. Surgeons, psychologists and intensive-care doctors come to teach us. They explain things engagingly, using real-life cases. It is a pity there are not more classes, but this timetable suits working. Overall, I am happy. I like Poland and my city, Poznań.