Expectations of the tour - By Wanxin

Based on the learning in class, I am amazed at the history and the economic growth of Poland. It’s incredible how fast Poland has grown since 1986 without depression. One commonality between China and Poland is that they were both governed under communist, and made their own ways into today’ capitalist economy. I am very interested in learning about how Poland has transformed in the past 30 years, after they liberated from communist Poland. I want to better understand what drives Poland’s economy the most, and what are the challenges they are dealing with.

Besides learning from classes, I am very looking forward to meeting Polish students and hope to learn more about Poland history and culture from them, and hear their perspectives and thoughts as well. In class, we have learned some difference about democratic systems between Poland and the United States. I want to know Polish students’ opinions on their government and their expectations from the government. From our reading in class, 80% of young Polish students want to go abroad after college. I think this is kind of similar in China. I expect to interview with them about the motives behind it. As Poland is growing economically and its demography is aging, I wonder if they still want to immigrant to other countries and why.

I am also very fascinated by Poland’s history. It seems to me that Poland is a country that has been suffered a lot in the past. Poland did not exist as a country for about 100 years, and during World War II, Russian killed many highly educated professionals of Poland. But today, Poland has become the “Green Island” in Europe because of its stable growing dynamic economy. Through this study tour, I hope to get inspirations from company visits, understand the characteristics of Polish people, their feelings and expectations for Poland, and their knowledge and thoughts about other countries, such as Russia, Germany, United States and maybe China as well. I am very excited for our trip to Rynek Underground, and hope to get a deeper understanding of Polish culture there. As we have learned, language and Catholic religion have played crucial rules in uniting Polish people, I also want to know their opinions on Catholic religion related to current social issues.

Beyond all that, I am willing to explore Poland in as many aspects as possible, including their food, fashion, social norms and pop culture. I hope to make friends with local students and get to know more about their interests.