Exchange to Poland
Students from the Care & Welfare programme travelled to Poland for the elective International 1. Read below about the trip and the experiences of Kes and Debby!
Days 13: Warsaw
We flew to Poland the flight took about 1.5 hours. The first three days we stayed in Warsaw, and what an amazing city it is!
We started with a guided walking tour through the beautiful city centre. We also visited the Polin Museum, which tells the story of Jewish life in Poland. In the evenings, we had free time to explore the city ourselves.
On the last day in Warsaw, we had a free day. Some of us visited the zoo, others went to a water park, or spent the day relaxing at the city beach surrounded by greenery. Everything is easy to reach by public transport, but sharing a taxi is also a fun and cheap option.
That evening we had so much fun at a comedy show lots of laughs guaranteed!
Days 46: Lublin
Next, we travelled to Lublin. Here we visited KPSS a social care training college. We got a presentation about the school, had a tour, and observed classes with different target groups and study areas.
There was even a surprise performance from a theatre therapy group!
We also took part in a creative therapy workshop ourselves.
We visited:
- A nursing home
- The Nałęczów sanatorium, where people with heart conditions recover in a calm, green environment. They say the water there has healing powers!
To finish the day, we went to Kazimierz Dolny a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Polish countryside.
The next day, we visited a care home for people with Alzheimers. It was very educational and interesting to see the differences between care in Poland and the Netherlands.
We ended the day at an open-air museum. Super fun!
Days 79: Kraków
Then we travelled to Kraków. There, we did a bike tour with a Dutch-speaking guide and visited the famous Schindlers Factory.
Tip: watch the film "Schindlers List" before going it makes the visit even more powerful.
Another great tip: if the weather is good, visit Zakrzówek Lake! You can chill on the long pier or relax across the lake with local Polish people perfect for striking up conversations!
Day 10: Auschwitz
This day was unforgettable. We visited Auschwitz and had a tour with a Dutch guide.
It was deeply moving a day well never forget.
Days 1112: Energylandia & back home
On our last full day, we went to Energylandia a huge theme park with extreme roller coasters, a water park, and fun for everyone!
The next day we travelled back to the Netherlands.
Reactions from students
Kes: At first I thought, What have I gotten myself into? It was my first time travelling alone, not knowing anyone.
But now? AMAZING. I wouldnt have missed this for the world.
We laughed, cried, had fun, and made real connections. The activities were interesting, fun, and social. I met new people, made friends, and learned a lot about myself.
Id love to go back with the whole group two more weeks wouldve been perfect!
Debby: This is an elective you absolutely have to choose!
Definitely a study trip youll never forget.