In China, she learned about Poland, now she lives here. “We were impressed”

Klaudia Kolasa, woman.gazeta.pl: Why did you choose Polish studies?

It wasn’t my decision, it was my mother’s. At first, I wanted to learn any European language. I was thinking about Spanish, Italian, German and Polish. My mother checked on the Internet that more and more cooperation between Poland and China is developing, which is why she decided that it would be a future direction.

What did you learn about Poland during your studies?

Not only the language, but also general knowledge about Poland. We talked about literature, history, movies, music, and the diplomatic situation.

Was there anything in the class that surprised you?

Of course! We watched Polish films and it surprised me that the films are intended for specific age groups. In China, there is no division into children’s, 12+, 16+ and adult films. Besides, I was surprised that there are animations for adults that deal with heavy topics. When we returned to the dormitory after class, we discussed what we were watching. Everyone was tired of this subject. I found a lot of movies brutal and depressive. It wasn’t very pleasant for us. Once a teacher showed us a fragment of “The Deluge” and we saw heroes who drink, fight and scream. This, he said, shows the typical character of the nation. We were very impressed.

It doesn’t sound very appealing. Did you want to move to Poland then?

Yes, I was planning it after I finished my studies in China. In the third year, I came to Toruń for a one-year student exchange. Also for Polish studies. Then this city made a big impression on me. When I returned to China, I knew that I would like to continue my education in Poland.

Parents didn’t mind?

They supported me a lot, but they were worried. Before moving to Poland, the pandemic situation was difficult. You had about 10,000 then. cases per day. I was already vaccinated in China, but my parents tried to convince me to stay. Only I knew that if I stayed in China, studying online wouldn’t make much sense because I wouldn’t be using the tongue. I insisted that they let me move and agreed.

Do you remember your beginning in Krakow?

I got off the plane and only three taxis were waiting at the exit at the airport. Most shops and restaurants were closed. There were very few people in the streets. In the evenings, from the dorm window, I saw some of them going for a walk with their dogs. Christmas was approaching then, but apart from a large Christmas tree in the main square, there was no festive atmosphere. Nothing was like when I was in Poland two years ago. I was a bit confused, although I felt safe thanks to the restrictions introduced. During this time, I met many foreign friends. In our dormitory there were people from Italy, Mexico, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, etc. We met in the kitchen every day and we cooked together. Even though I was not very good at it, I tried to cook Chinese dishes and improve my skills. On the other hand, everyone learned something from himself. Now I know how to make Italian vegetable soup, Belarusian buns with strawberries or Ukrainian pancakes. Cooking, talking and walking was our main entertainment back then. It was a nice time.

Is the learning mode in Poland and China different?

It’s hard to compare. Studying abroad is usually less stressful. On the other hand, students are bothered by the language barrier, which makes learning difficult. However, in my opinion it is easier to study in Poland than in China. The mode of study itself is not very different, but in China, students usually live in a dormitory on campus. They study and live together for a few years, so maybe this atmosphere of learning is stronger.

Holidays are coming again. Have you ever been invited to a Polish Christmas Eve?

Not yet. This year I will spend Christmas Eve at my friend’s family house. This will be my first Christmas “in Polish”. I’m very excited. I can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree, cook twelve dishes. I love borscht with dumplings, mushroom soup and poppy seed cake. I haven’t eaten kutia or poppy seed dumplings yet, maybe this time I’ll have a chance to try it. We will also sing Christmas carols and share the wafer.

I know that although the Christian community in China is small, Christmas trees and Christmas decorations also appear on the streets in December. Do you have any celebrations about this time?

When it comes to Christmas, you know that China is not a religious country. The Christmas tradition is still very young. The festive atmosphere is most often seen in shopping malls. Various Christmas trees and decorations appear there. Interestingly, Christmas in China is becoming increasingly Chinese. The custom of giving each other the “fruits of peace” on Christmas Eve is found only in China. The Chinese word for apple is similar to the word peace, so apple giving means wishes for peace and happiness.

The Chinese go out at Christmas and party with their friends instead of spending time with their families, as is done in the West. Common ways of celebrating Christmas include going to a restaurant, going to the cinema, singing karaoke or going shopping. Young couples or married couples go on dates often.

You could tell about it on your YouTube channel. What inspired you to wear it?

Videos of Polish woman Weronika Truszczyńska. On his channel, he talks about the culture and customs of modern China. It attracted me a lot. In Weronika’s eyes, even things that I didn’t pay attention to become intriguing. Besides, I can see that Japanese culture, represented by manga and sushi, and Korean culture, represented by Korean ensembles and Korean dramas, have a relatively large audience in Poland. And some modern facts about Chinese culture are not yet known to Poles. I thought to myself that it is worth telling about Chinese culture from the perspective of Chinese youth.

Is there something you miss the most from China?

Clothes and Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of Allegro. I can buy literally anything there. Fast, cheap. There is a large selection and a lot of comments. Shopping on Polish platforms is not so pleasant.

I did not expect such an answer. Why clothes?

This is not only my observation, but also my friends. We often do not like the sizes, but also the style. The colors and design are monotonous. One of my friends orders things for herself from Taobao with a shipment to Poland, because she can’t find anything here.

Would you like to stay in Poland or are you thinking about returning to your country?

For now, I intend to return to China after my studies, but I link the Polish language to my future, and my bond with Poland will never be broken. She made this decision because I am an only child, if I stayed longer in Poland, my parents probably missed me more. Besides, I would like to become a Polish language teacher in China. I want to introduce the wonderful Polish language and beautiful landscapes and culture to the Chinese!