My name is Jana Ameen, a Digital Marketing student from Jordan. I applied for the Erasmus+ student exchange program for the winter semester of the academic year 2025/2026 and was accepted to study at the University of Kalisz in Poland.
This experience marked the first time in my life that I traveled alone and lived away from my family. I began this journey fully aware that it would involve challenges, new responsibilities, and unfamiliar experiences.
During my first months in Kalisz, which coincided with the end of summer, I was truly amazed by the beauty and diversity of nature. The landscapes varied between lakes, rivers, forests, and wide open plains. Green fields and vegetable farms were everywhere, and I encountered animals I had never seen in real life before, such as squirrels and moose.
As winter arrived, heavy snowfall transformed Kalisz into a breathtaking white scene. Watching the city slowly change under the snow was a magical experience and one of the most memorable moments of my stay.
Academically, studying in Poland was a unique and enriching experience. The courses focused strongly on practical work and real-life applications, alongside theoretical subjects, which made the learning process both engaging and valuable.
Throughout this journey, I met people from different cultural backgrounds and learned words from several languages. Getting to know Polish culture was especially interesting, as Polish traditions and social customs differ in many ways from those in my home country.
I also had the opportunity to visit several Polish cities, including Poznań, Kraków, Wrocław, Warsaw, and Zakopane. I experienced traveling by train for the first time, and each city had its own unique character, whether through its architecture, history, or natural scenery.
During the long academic break, I traveled to several European countries such as France, Italy, and Switzerland. I explored new cultures and visited world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the city of Rome. This journey was filled with knowledge, exploration, and unforgettable adventures.
Returning to Kalisz and concluding this experience was emotionally meaningful. I never expected to grow so attached to this city. Overall, the Erasmus exchange was a rich and rewarding journey full of stories, challenges, and personal growth. I formed new friendships, visited beautiful places, and discovered new strengths and aspects of my personality that I had not known before.
