Will I be fine in Poland as a black International student from African?
I am a Nigerian international student currently studying in Cyprus and will be taking a transfer to Warsaw Poland to finish up my undergraduate degree this October. I am a little worried about the rumor about racism in Poland. In Cyprus where I currently study, we have a lot of blacks and we do just fine. I feel very at home. Can I be like that in Poland? Please can someone give me more information, I am yet to pay the tuition fee. If I pay the tuition fee, then that means am going and if I don't the case will be the reverse. Can someone tell me what likely possible things I might face from the Poles who don't like blacks and in Public places. Will I be able to move around, drive around besides studies?
Poland - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
depends on ppl you meet! it's very true what you said, lots of racism there, especially in low cost areas in warsaw. i saw a program on tv lately about students from africa in warsaw... geez, you wouldn't like that! but if you try and get a room in a dorm, it can be safer for you, this is what i would guess... not fun man!!
2 :
When I visit Warsaw I see African tourists, students, and workers. There are very few. In Warsaw, I notice a lot of people staring. I get on the bus and get stared up and down and I'm not black. I spoke with an African at the train station, he liked it here and was working off and on in Poland for a couple years. Racism exists everywhere in the world. I experienced some discrimination being an american. Just keep your head up and stick to your smarts and enjoy the scenery. Culture shock is another story. Best of luck to you
3 :
Don't listen to stupid rumors. There is no racism in Poland.
4 :
Well, good question. Firstly, there are not many black people in Warsaw. I see maximally 10 a day, so people from Africa are something a bit strange here, nobody beats them, but people are staring etc. Warsaw is not safe place even for white people anyways, if You don't know the city You better stick to some natives, because it's easy to get robbed IN SOME PARTICULAR AREAS AND PLACES (don't go out at nights alone, please, watch out in city centre, especially around Pałac Kultury i Nauki and subway entrances), but it can't be so bad since there are many people using notebooks in public places. "Can someone tell me what likely possible things I might face from the Poles who don't like blacks and in Public places." Not many people DON'T LIKE blacks, especially in public places ;) But really, I don't think You'll have to face anything that can't happen in Budapest, or Prague, or Paris. People will more likely look at you and that's all :) I hope You do know Polish, a bit at least, it's going to be quite though even with perfect English - many people here do know English, but most of them will pretend they don't - why? Because Poles usually feel they don't know it good enough to speak to foreigner in front of other people. My hint - if have to ask something in English - try young people, especially girls. Polish girls love black males, You have to face the truth! Sometimes I want, badly, to be black, I'm not kidding at this moment ;) "Will I be able to move around, drive around besides studies?" Of course, but it may be hard to communicate with other passengers. That's all. Have fun and in my opinion You should come :)
5 :
Just be yourself and don't be mean and if you are smart then you should be ok. I saw african american businessmen and they were just there. And no their profession had nothing to do with it. Polish people hate Jews and gays.
6 :
Poles are great people, they love foreigners and they wanna experience everything new. This has been my experience. People stare at you if you look even a little bit different, it doesnt matter if its white, black or brown. It just means you arent 'polish'. Being Indian, its quite common behaviour back home. That leads me to conclude that Indians and Poles have sth in common.
7 :
Well sadly you might meet with some unpleasant situations, but generally I think you shouldn't worry to much as Poland is really not a racist country! There are few not-white people here so you will most probably naturally catch attention for instance on the train but not in aggressive way. And all in all Poles are rather friendly so just avoid few racist idiots, for sure you will find plenty of friends :)
8 :
In more busy touristy cities, you will see a little more multiculturism but in some small towns, deffinatly dont go there. They arent used to seeing anyone not Polish. For the most part, people are ok but there are racisism and dont be surprised if you get stared at. Also stay with friends when you go out to clubs so You have backup if anyting happens. Drunk Polaks like to speak theire minds when they are drunk n see someone not Polish. All the best :)
9 :
is there a place where there isn't any racism? I don't think so. You will be treated great by smart young people (which you will find in colleges) and you might hear some dumb stuff from dumb people on the street..those are just plain assholes and that's how you should think about them. MOST young people are tolerant and open minded and would be happy to meet you. If you need any help email me, I'll be happy to give you some advice. have fun in poland :)
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