Portraits of students from Zespół Szkół Hotelarsko-Gastronomicznych w Gdyni – Caragea Ema-Alexia
My Erasmus+ journey in Poland was an incredible adventure filled with cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences, largely thanks to the amazing students at the local high school. Amongst the many memories, the highlight of this trip was getting to know all these new people and getting the chance to form friendships that would last for more than this programme.
Despite initial hesitations, our daily interactions exposed us to fresh perspectives on global events and helped us forge strong international bonds. These conversations extended well beyond culinary and tourism topics, which were their high school’s major, encompassing politics, art, music, and more, creating a diverse environment of cultural exchange.
The students who participated in our program were well-prepared and offered valuable insights about the places we visited. Their eagerness to engage with each of us, whether through kind compliments or profound conversations, made us feel truly embraced.
One heartwarming workshop centered on a culinary exchange between Romanian and Polish students. Regardless of our cooking skills, each Romanian student teamed up with a Polish peer to prepare meals, fostering an atmosphere of genuine hospitality and warmth.
While all the Polish students were welcoming, two individuals, Julka and Casper, truly stood out. Casper served as our dedicated guide, ensuring our safety and leading us on picturesque routes even after others had left and our schedule for the day was done. Julka immortalized the essence of our trip through videos, photographs, and interviews, ensuring no one's experiences were left undocumented.
To put it simply, the entire experience was fantastic, but it was the remarkable group of Polish students and their warmth that elevated it tenfold. There was never a moment when anyone felt left out. As I reflect on this trip, it becomes evident that the true essence of such an exchange lies in the connections we make and the friendships we forge.