How to Study Abroad in 12 Days with Peter Wierzba

Peter Wierzba of UW-Parkside

“We’re a lot more similar than I thought we would be” — Peter Wierzba, UW-Parkside 🦘

Depending on the school you go to it is possible to study abroad during what is called a Winterim session. And that is exactly UW-Parkside’s Peter Wierzba did during a trip to Poland in January. Because as Peter put it, “what else are you going to do during break?” Peter is a double major in sociology and political science, he plans to graduate this coming December and was gracious enough to take some time to do the show, which turned out to be incredible.

A look at the various colleges throughout Poland
Density of collegiate-level institutions of higher education across Poland

Even though he was abroad for only 12 days and it was two years ago, Peter talks about his trip like he was there for an entire semester and got back just yesterday. In this interview we learn why it was a no brainer for Peter to study abroad and exactly why he chose Poland in the winter. He also tells some really interesting stories and we find out how sometimes he couldn’t even get a drink (of water).

Note: The picture above is from the story Peter tells in his interview.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

  • Finding the right path to take [2:15]
  • Why Poland? [3:15]
  • The process of Studying abroad during winter break [3:38]
  • 12 days in Poland [4:55]
  • International politics [5:35]
  • The credits and academic end of studying abroad during Winterim session [7:30]
  • Talking about your experience on your resume [9:20]
  • Poland in January [11:10]
  • Polish food [12:00]
  • Hydrating in Poland [13:38]
  • Formal visit in Kashubia [15:10]
  • Irish pubs in Poland [16:00]
  • How studying abroad changed Peter [20:03]
  • Peter’s cautionary tale [20:20]

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