Return (PL to USA)

Return – March 25, 2018

Northern Illinois University Study Abroad, Poland

It has been about one week since I returned to the United States. While I was in Poland, my mind was at peace because I was able to escape my hectic schedule back at home. Upon returning, it has been crazy jumping right back into school, work, and readjusting my sleep pattern (Poland is 6 hours ahead). The trip was amazing while it lasted but now I am back to reality—but when all is said and done, I am happy to be back home.

Last school year, this study abroad trip was first introduced to me but I did not have the funds to make it happen. I set a goal for myself to at least go once before graduation. So I applied for scholarships and grants and was able to make my dream of visiting Poland come true this spring semester.

My experience in Poland was everything and more I could ask for. I learned useful information during all three of the workshops I attended which will help me in the field of graphic design. I got to see famous historical sites most people don’t get to in a lifetime, plus, I met so many inspiring people who made the experience that much more exciting. As someone with Polish heritage, it was especially breathtaking to see what I saw while this beautiful country and try such delicious food. Whether it be through NIU’s study abroad program or in my own time, I plan on visiting Poland again one day to explore more of what it has to offer.  

Day 10

Poland – March 18, 2018

Northern Illinois University Study Abroad, Poland

Since today was our last full day in Poland, we had a lighter schedule. Heading to the first destination was not until 10:45 a.m., so I had time to attend church this morning. It was my first time hearing mass spoken in Polish and it sounded quite beautiful. Shortly after returning to the hotel from mass, my peers and I were driven to a monastery built in the 13^th century. The monastery building was utilized until the 1800’s and was basically fell into ruins until renovation began back in 1998. Most of the building was re-constructed using new materials but one of the walls contained the original bricks from over 700 years ago which also happens to be the oldest wall in Poland which I got to see and touch.

Near Katowice, is located a hot house at which we were able to stop by for a bit. A hot house is “a heated greenhouse in which plants that need protection from cold weather are grown”. This was something relaxing to do after an enjoyable, but tiring morning. Some plants I saw were cacti, orange trees and giant palm trees.  When we finished with the hot house, we drove back to the hotel and concluded our night with a delicious chocolate cake. It is crazy to think that this is my last night in Poland, at least for a while. I learned and saw so many new things and am grateful for the adventures each day brought. I have plenty to pack so I better get started!

Oldest brick wall in Poland

Inside monastery's church

Hot house (heated greenhouse)

Day 9

Poland – March 17, 2018

Northern Illinois University Study Abroad, Poland

What I found the most fascinating about Krakow was all of the historical occurrences that took place here such as Pope John Paull II’s schooling. Not only did I learn that he attended school in Krakow, I actually got the amazing opportunity to visit the college he studied at. None of my group went inside but we did walk around the building and learned more information about him through our tour guide. I then spotted a beautiful castle in the distance which we did get to go inside for. The interior was decorated with exquisite tapestries that included biblical and mythical scenes. The view from the castle looked as if it was something from a dream. A major downfall was while inside the castle, pictures were prohibited so I could not capture that same moment I had with others back at home.

As a Roman Catholic myself, it was particularly cool to see so many churches within such short distances from each other. At one point, the tour guide took us to Wawel Cathedral which is one of the most stunning churches I have ever seen. The interior was colored with a lot of black with compliments of gold. The statues/paintings of the holy family and saints contained great detail. Again, pictures of the interior were prohibited but because Wawel is so well-known, I luckily have access to many pictures online to remember the experience by.    

Walking around the outside of the University of Krakow

Heading towards the castle (on the left)

Posing with my pigeon friends