Rafał Krajewski-Siuda is a young Pole studying algebraic geometry in Edinburgh. British Poles contacted him to talk about living in Edinburgh as the first Cracovian to wear a kilt made of Kraków tartan.

British Poles: Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Rafał Krajewski-Siuda: I am a Cracovian studying algebraic geometry in Edinburgh. I just started my third year of studies. I also run the „Cracovian studying in Edinburgh” Facebook page, where I talk about various events, cultural differences, and similarities between Edinburgh and Kraków and, more broadly, between Scotland and Poland.

BP: Why have you chosen to study in Edinburgh?

RK: In high school, I was planning to study mathematics and wanted to choose a university with a very high level in this field. I knew I would find such a place in Edinburgh.

BP: What prompted you to display your Kraków tartan kilt there?

RK: Once I got into university, I found it would be a good initiative to share this element of my own culture. I became interested in the relationship between Poland and Edinburgh. I learned that Kraków is a partner city of Edinburgh and that it had been granted the privilege of wearing tartans. On the one hand, I found this a good opportunity to honour my origins, on the other hand, it was out of respect for Scottish culture. Therefore, I asked the Mayor of Kraków for permission to wear a kilt with a Kraków tartan.

BP: How do Scots – famous worldwide for their traditional kilts – perceive the kilt of Kraków tartan?

Very positively. They see it as a variety of the Scottish kilt tradition. By the way, they have the opportunity to learn something about Kraków or even Edinburgh. Of course, these positive emotions are accompanied by a certain feeling of surprise caused by the fact that I own a kilt despite not being a Scot. 

BP: How many Poles study at your university? And what differences do you observe between the local mentality and customs compared to Poland?

RK: There are about 200 Poles studying at my university, but many more Poles live in Edinburgh. Many organisations, such as the Polish-Scottish Cultural Society or Polish scouting, pass along Polish culture and heritage to younger generations. I did not notice significant cultural differences between young Poles and Scots. If there are to be some, then they rather appear between the Polish community and Poles from Poland.

BP: Where do you see yourself in the future? Poland? Scotland? Or maybe yet another place? 

RK: I would like to pursue a professional career in science. Where my future will unfold depends to a large extent on the university and the professors. Therefore, I am afraid that I may not be coming back to Poland anytime soon. 

BP: How did you manage to learn the English language?

RK: I have to admit that it was quite stressful at first, as I had a hard time with communication. In order to be accepted at my university, I had to pass an English language exam, so it’s not like I couldn’t speak at all. However, it is difficult to compare school theory with life here, where I am surrounded by native speakers. 

BP:  What did moving to Edinburgh teach you? 

RK: It’s an enriching experience to be in such an international environment. Unfortunately, it seems to me that this international environment is not so developed in Poland. Besides, moving abroad made me grow as a person. It empowered me to enter adult life. Moving to another country teaches you maturity and problem-solving skills.

BP: Your parents must be proud of you…

RK: Yes. I believe they are very proud of me. They have had my back since the beginning, and I am very grateful for their help.

BP: Thank you for your time!

RK: My pleasure. 

Image credits: Facebook: Cracovian studying in Edinburgh