In this interview with Wellcome Home, Avanish shares his journey from India to Europe and Poland, his experience of studying and volunteering abroad, and his search for the real Poland — small towns, local people, culture, and food (yes, pierogi included).

“Polish people are very gentle and welcoming, especially the younger generation, who speak good English. I’ve never felt like I don’t belong here.”

Wellcome Home: Hi Avanish, welcome to our channel! It’s great to have you here.

Avanish: Thank you so much. It’s my pleasure.

Let’s start with the basics. How long have you been in Poland?

Almost two years now.

And have you always been in Katowice, or have you traveled around Poland?

No, actually, I started as a volunteer in a foundation in the southwest of Poland, near Bystrzyca Kłodzka. After that, I joined the European Solidarity Corps and did another year of volunteering. Then I moved to Katowice for my master’s degree.

That’s interesting! Why did you decide to move from India to Poland?

Poland is quite exotic for us, just like Italy. I first moved to Italy and lived there for almost three years. Then I came to Poland to continue volunteering, which I have been involved in for a long time. When I got accepted to the University of Economics in Katowice, I decided to pursue my master’s degree here.

How would you compare Italy to Poland?

Every country has its own charm. Italy is more tourist-oriented and has great food, but Poland also has amazing food (like pierogi and zapiekanki). I love exploring smaller cities in Poland, like Radom and Tarnów. The small towns are calm, full of character, and very beautiful in their own way.

Can you tell us about the process of applying for the Residence Permit?

I moved to Poland on my Italian residence permit and applied for a Polish residence card before my Italian permit expired. It ended up taking 18 months, which was longer than I expected. But during that time, I got to explore Poland extensively.

So this is when you had a chance to explore Radom, Tarnów, and other charming Polish towns, right?

Yes, absolutely! It was a long process. The bureaucracy could be improved, I know, but I never had issues at the border or with the police.

What were your first impressions of Poland?

Moving to a new country is always a fresh and sometimes uncertain experience. At first, I lived in a very small town with about 100 people, mostly volunteers from different countries, so I didn’t face any cultural shock. Later, moving to a city exposed me more to Polish culture, which has been amazing. I’m still learning Polish and trying to adapt.

Do you have a favorite Polish word?

I don’t know if I should say it, but I use “masakra” often. And of course, I know a little Polish, “trochę po polsku”, but mostly I communicate in English. My university courses and work are all in English.

How do you find studying in Poland compared to other countries?

It depends on the university. Top-tier universities, like the University of Warsaw or Jagielloński are tough. The University of Economics in Katowice has high standards, but professors are friendly and flexible. It’s more comfortable than my experience at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. Exams are strict, but you can communicate with professors if needed. My classmates are both Polish and international students, including Erasmus ones.

How do you get to know Polish culture?

You can’t truly experience a country just by visiting tourist spots. You need to make friends, visit families, stay with them, and learn about their daily life, food, and culture. For example, in Italy, people don’t eat pizza and pasta every day, just like in Poland, you don’t eat pierogi daily. You get the real taste of culture through locals.

And your experience with Polish people?

Polish people are very gentle and welcoming, especially the younger generation, who speak good English. I’ve never felt like I don’t belong here, and I haven’t had any bad experiences.

You’re involved in NGOs and volunteering. Can you tell us about your foundation?

I’ve been engaged in social work for a long time, both in India and Poland. In June last year, I registered my own foundation in Katowice called Fundacja Edukwings. We work with children, seniors, and autistic kids. I’m the board member, and I recently hired two interns and a volunteer. I focus on projects, grant writing, and social media management to make the foundation grow.

And you’re also a member of the Katowice Internationals Foundation.

Yes, I got guidance from Marco, the president, on registering my foundation. He helped me with grants and administration, which was crucial for getting started.

How has your daily life changed since moving from India?

Quite a lot. In India, dinner is often at 9 or 10 PM, but in Poland, people eat around 6 or 6:30, which is healthier. Food culture is also different. Fresh, warm chapatis are standard in India, but I miss that here. I try cooking sometimes, but it’s time-consuming.

What did you imagine about Poland before arriving?

I imagined cold winters with lots of snow, which was interesting because I’d never lived in such conditions. But I can handle the cold. But summer is too short, just a couple of months.

How do Poles react when you say you’re from India?

I’m actually surprised. Many are familiar with Indian culture. There are even Polish dance groups performing classical Indian dance. People enjoy trying Indian food, though usually less spicy than in India. And sometimes they playfully sing Indian songs, which is always fun.

What are your plans after graduating?

I want a full-time job to be financially stable, so I can focus on personal goals and my foundation. Location doesn’t matter much. It could be Katowice, Warsaw, or elsewhere in Europe.

Do you feel at home in Poland?

India will always be home, but I’ve never felt like I don’t belong here. Polish people are very welcoming.

If you ever leave Poland, what would you take with you?

Pierogi! I haven’t mastered making them yet, but it reminds me of home. In India, we have something similar called “momos”.

Thank you, Avanish. It was a pleasure talking to you, and we wish you all the best in Katowice and beyond.

Thank you so much! It’s been wonderful to share my experiences.