Interview with Michael Anosike from Nigeria, studying Environmental Protection

What do you like about studying at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences?

First of all, I like the way the members of staff react to my questions every time I make enquiries. They are very friendly and they make sure all my problems are solved. Again, I love the team spirit of the students in my class. There is no sign of xenophobia or marginalization in as much as I am a foreigner. Finally, I must confess that for now, the set of Lecturers we are meeting this semester are very nice; the Professors and the Doctors alike.

Why did you choose the course you are studying now?

Well, first of all, I am from that part of the world where experts in my field are needed. There is a lot of unregulated activities going on in the environment which all have their attendant negative consequences on the environment. It's more like the course chose me as this gives me the opportunity to become useful in the development of my country of origin in the near future.

What do you like about living in Wrocław?

"What?" is an understatement. Better put this way; "Describe the wide range of things you like about Wrocław and Poland". They are too many but I will summarize them in two sentences. 98% of the Polish people I have met, are very nice people that represent the rich and amazing culture and character of Poland. Wrocław is a splendid city where I am sure every student, career person, business person, tourist, religious person, historian, scholar, etc. would like to be.

What are your dreams and plans for the future?

There is no better dream/plan for the future than to be happy. I find happiness in making others happy. I dream and plan to place myself in a position from where I can make people happy. I will assess my progress as the number of people I can make happy increases. This applies to whatever or whichever career I find myself in.

What are you passionate about?

I am crazy about the internet, travelling and reading new books.

Describe a funny story from your life in Poland or from your studying experience.

Well, I remember sometime in October, 2016. I was very fresh in Poland and I got to learn two statements in Polish; Dzień dobry (Good day) and Dziękuję(Thank you). I returned to the dormitory from lessons one day. On my way to my room, I met an elderly woman (maybe the porter). I intended saying good day (dzień dobry) as that was customary. With emphasis, I kept repeating Dziękuję, Dziękuję, Dziękuję. The senior was dazed as she wondered why I was emphatically thanking her. She had no idea I was trying to say Good day. Now that was an embarrassing but funny evening for me as my Polish roommate later explained the difference to me.

Are you engaged in any extra-curricular classes, students' activity groups?

I was engaged in one at the Polish language school at Wrocław University of Technology. We called it Tandem. It was an initiative from the department leaders to merge native speakers of different languages together and require them to carry out a project or two during the course of the semester. I was fully involved in this for the whole 2016/2017 session. I was merged with different Polish native speakers on different occasions and we completed the projects given to us.

What is the best thing about your country or nationality?

The first best thing about Nigeria is that it is in Africa (tropics). The climate, vegetation, wildlife, Agriculture, community-lifestyle, and the humor. It is a fact that in terms of Political stability and security, we may not be rated highly. However, the humor in Nigeria is unbeatable. We find a way to remain happy in all circumstances. No one can beat that.