The 2 millionth Erasmus student 
From Poland to paella
Ms. Joanna Pawelczak: Erasmus study mobility from the University of Warsaw, Poland, to the University of Granada, Spain
When Joanna Pawelczak was 23, she left her teacher training studies at the University of Warsaw for the sun, mountains and teachings of Granada. A year full of new challenges, climbing and Spanish.
"Erasmus gave me the opportunity to study at the University of Granada. Curious about this country I didn’t know, I followed an intensive Spanish for a month and bought a cheap flight to my new home.
I struggled at first asking my way, finding a flat and getting a part-time job. No one had told me that in Andalusia people do not pronounce the end of words. But I found a room with a view of the Sierra Nevada, and a group of teenagers to teach English, too.
All my university courses were in Spanish, but the teachers were very understanding, and even lent me their own books. I passed my exams, and my presentation about the Polish educational system provoked plenty of questions from my Spanish colleagues.
I also grew close to the climbing partners I made in Granada. We spent almost every weekend together and made a thousand rock trips across Andalusia and prepared the best paella I have ever eaten. After I returned to Poland I received an email, ‘We’ve found a cheap flight, we’re coming in three weeks to climb Sokoliki, do you have time to go with us?’ Of course I did!
My Erasmus year was enriching. I can now understand Spanish jokes. I am in love with Spain. All that in one year…"
Joanna Pawelczak (Poland) was selected as the 2 000 000th Erasmus student for the way in which she tackled the obstacles she faced during her Erasmus year in Granada. She found employment to fund her stay and overcame the language barrier with great independence and optimism.
