I found my English Teahing job on Google during COVID-19. It was wildly unexpected, but I knew that I needed to travel, or go somewhere, anywhere, and little did I know that a trip to Polska Land would change my life forever. I’ve been here a while now, and at this point, it’s safe to say that I can be your expat guide!

Number One: Don't pack in any hairdryers and things like that. Rather get them here in Poland since the adapters or plugs/sockets are different.

Number Two: List your priorities. Think about the important things first, such as:

1.  An adapter or universal charger for your laptop and cellphone. You can also buy it here at Media Market, a large electronic store similar to Game or Hifi Corp in South Africa or Best Buy in the USA.

2.  A warm jacket and layers. Living in Poland during winter without a car is not for the faint-hearted. The weather might get to you (clouds of gloom), but you can enjoy living here as long as you’re dressed for the climate. Do you know what’s not a bad idea? Thermal underwear! Head over to Zalando if need be.

3.  Good quality walking shoes. Anything but suede.

4.  Bring something sentimental with you (photos, snacks, a small blanket, teddy bear, etc.) from home that you can keep throughout your time here. It will get lonely, but you’ll make friends. Polish people are generally introverted, but they come out of their shells when they trust you.

5.  Save money before and during your time in Poland. Anything can happen at any time — things ALWAYS change. Man plans, God laughs.

6.  Familiarise yourself with Polish customs, traditions, basic phrases, and so on. They often appreciate it when new expats or foreigners in general try to speak their language.

7.  Upon your arrival, head to a T-Mobile or Orange store to get yourself a Polish SIM card. (Whether physical or e-Sim).

8.  Join expat communities on Facebook and download relevant apps that you will use in Poland. The most common one is Jakdojade (pronounced Yuck-do-jard), a public transport app showing schedules of buses and trams from one location to another.

9.  You will see a green neon-lit Żabka store everywhere. Żabka, meaning frog, serves as an overpriced 7-Eleven. Your go-to grocery stores are Lidl, Biedronka, and Auchan. The Żabka’s are tiny. You’re in and you’re out.

10.  Prepare yourself for the culture shocks, and always connect to the Wifi wherever you may go. But data in Poland is generally cheap if you’re not streaming the gram 24/7.

I came here during an unexpected time, armed with nothing but curiosity and courage. Years later, Poland has given me more than a job — it has shaped my resilience. If you’re stepping off that plane soon, know that it doesn’t matter where you go; 

preparation is only half of the journey.