Blog Eliott VILLAIRE 2A PGE English Track

                                Erasmus in Crakow, Poland

Introduction:

My Unforgettable Erasmus Experience in Poland:

Hello everyone! 

My name is Eliott Villaire, and I am a 19 year old second year student at ESDES Business School in Lyon. I have just finished an incredible Erasmus semester in Krakow, Poland, where I spent my entire second semester from mid-February to mid-June.

Studying at a remarkable school in a vibrant city like Krakow was an amazing experience. 

Living alone for the first time was both challenging and rewarding, giving me a newfound sense of independence and self-reliance.

During my time here, I had the opportunity to travel and explore various parts of Europe. I visited Poland with Gdansk and Zakopane.

I also went to Budapest in Hungary and Riga in Latvia!

Each trip was unique and offered a different perspective on European culture and history.

Initially, I had some reservations about Poland, but my experiences have completely changed my perception. 

The people, the culture, and the overall atmosphere have been nothing short of wonderful. 

Associations:

As far as associations are concerned, my school has no links with any.

But I was able to have a quick chat with some Polish people and learn more about the subject:

Polish locals mentioned that while there may not be a vast number of associations, community spirit and mutual help are very strong. 

One notable organization in my city is Serve the City, which operates nationwide in Poland. This organization focuses on mobilizing volunteers to support various community projects and assist those in need.

Additionally, the Poles highlighted the significant impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on their country! Poland has shown remarkable hospitality by opening its doors to over 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees. This wave of refugees has been particularly noticeable in Krakow. The city alone has welcomed nearly 250,000 Ukrainians, reflecting the profound solidarity and support extended by the Polish people during these challenging times.

I was able to see this in my Erasmus because I met a lot of Ukrainians!

Comparative Poland France:

When comparing the landscape of aid organizations in France and Poland, distinct characteristics and similarities are evident. 

In France, well-known organizations such as the Red Cross (Croix-Rouge) and Restos du Cœur play a significant role in providing assistance to those in need. These organizations are well-established, benefiting from substantial public support, and are integral to the French social support system. They offer a wide range of services, including food distribution, medical aid, and social support.

In Poland, while there may not be as many large, well-known organizations of this nature, the spirit of mutual aid and community support is strong. Organizations like Serve the City, which operates nationwide, exemplify the Polish approach to volunteerism (benevolat) and assistance. This organization mobilizes volunteers to support various local projects and provide aid to vulnerable populations. 

Additionally, as I said previously, Poland has shown remarkable solidarity in response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, welcoming over 1.5 million refugees, with local communities and smaller organizations playing a crucial role in providing support.

So I think that both countries exhibit a deep commitment to aiding those in need, though the scale and structure of their aid organizations may differ. France relies heavily on established, large-scale organizations, while Poland often emphasizes community-driven efforts and volunteerism.