Michaela Wiseman, UK and Roy Stillingen, Norway, at Papugarnia Carmen, an aviary of rescued exotic birds

5th year

Michaela here:

1. How did you manage the entrance exam? Did you study much for it?

With the entrance exam I found that having a background of science was a big help. I at the time of the exam was already studying A-level chemistry and biology, which provided the majority of the knowlege needed to pass the exam.

2. Did you do any of your practical experience in another country / your home country?

Thankfully you are not restricted to doing your work experience in Poland, therefore I have taken the oppotunity to travel to other countries and stay with friends. It allows you to see a difference in countries culture and husbandry of animals. Alternatively the university is lenient with the types of work experience you may do, for example I was able to work at a wildlife rescue centre instead of on a farm, due to the fact I had previous experience and that I am not interested in working with large animals.

3. Where do you plan to work after graduation? Why? In what area of specialisation?

I plan to return to the UK with my partner, whom I met at the university. I would like to return not only due to my family being there but also I enjoy the diversity of animals that you will come across. I find that there is always work available, with good equipment and a large variety of animals walking through the door. I hope to further my studies into more exotic animals, in the hope to be able to work with most animal brought into the small animal clinic.

4. How do you like to spend your free time? Do you think there are enough opportunities for student life? What are your favorite places to go to?

Generally in the first few years of studies I found I did not have very much free time, thankfully during our fourth year of studies we have had more time. In Warsaw there is always something going on like parties, pub crawls and competitions. One of my favourite places to visit is Papugarnia Carmen, a large aviary full of rescued exotic birds of all different shapes and sizes. I love it as you are able to feed and interact with all of the birds and slowly create bonds with some of them.

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Roy here:

1. What was the reaction of your family when you told them that you will be studying in Poland?

My family was very supportive, and pushed me to go for my dream when I was hesitant to move to a different country.

2. Where do you plan to work after graduation? Why? In what area of specialisation?

I wish to move to England, and become an avian veterinarian there.

3. Do you think that life in the city where you study is expensive? Compare it to your home country please.

Studying in warsaw is cheaper than Norway, allowing us students to have a better quality of life outside of school than we would back home.

4. Give one piece of advice to a future international students.

Find a good balance between studying and free time, a proper balance is important to not get overloaded with work.

5. Would you recommend this programme to other students?

I would recommend this programme for anyone who wants to follow their dream, and is willing to work hard to achieve it.