When I first came to Poland, I stayed for more than nine months. It kind of feels like a great adventure, but it was scary at the same time.

The day I arrived in Krakow, I was so nervous, not knowing if I would get along with the other people, if I would find friends, and if I would like Krakow and Poland. But it turned out to be the best nine months I could possibly imagine.

Without even realizing it, I found myself enjoying my everyday life to the fullest. Before the volunteering, I went to high school and lived with my parents. I was a child, and when I came here, I was suddenly an adult and responsible for myself. At the beginning, I felt as if my parents had just forgotten me in Krakow or were going to pick me up soon. And then I managed everything somehow and got used to it.

I enjoyed working in the office with the people and also had fun teaching German to seniors. I discovered that I like working with older people, and every Friday I was happy to see them.

I found a lot of friends in Krakow who really made this city a special place for me. We spent so much time together and traveled around Poland and many other countries. I don’t want to say goodbye to them, but at the same time I know it won’t be forever.

Gossiping in the kitchen, having movie nights, or celebrating our birthdays were moments that made me feel at home. My flatmates became my family, and I cannot imagine not seeing them every day anymore from now on.

And even though the Polish winter was more something to survive than just experience, Krakow still was a warm and beautiful place for me during these grey months. Now that it is getting warmer day by day and the sun is coming back, I will miss this city even more.

I will never forget how it changed me and how special the past months were.

Do widzenia Kraków!

Article by  Paula,

European Solidarity Corps volunteer.

Farewell by European Solidarity Corps volunteer from 16/06/2026.