Finding Footing in Poland: A Ukrainian Family's Journey

Our New Beginning

My name is Andriy, I'm 37, and together with my wife Oksana, 35, and our two children, Alina, 10, and Serhiy, 7, we fled Ukraine earlier this year seeking temporary protection in Poland. Our journey began in Lviv, and we made our way to Krakow, a city we chose for its vibrant community and support systems for Ukrainians.

The Visa Process

Upon arrival, we applied for temporary protection status. The process was straightforward but required patience. We needed to provide documentation proving our Ukrainian residency and submit our children's birth certificates. While waiting for our status to be confirmed, we were anxious, but the local authorities were helpful and understanding. Tip #1: Always have multiple copies of your documents and keep digital backups.

Housing Challenges

Finding housing in Krakow was one of the most challenging aspects. We initially stayed in a community shelter, which was a lifesaver, but not suitable for the long term. After weeks of searching, we found a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. The rent was higher than expected, and we also had to pay a few months in advance due to our temporary status. Tip #2: Consider reaching out to local expat forums or Facebook groups for housing leads and advice.

Education and Schooling

Enrolling Alina and Serhiy in school was a priority. Fortunately, Polish schools have been accommodating to Ukrainian children. We were able to register them at a local primary school that offered Polish language support. The school staff was incredibly supportive, but the language barrier was tough for our kids initially. To ease the transition, we started evening Polish lessons as a family.

Employment Struggles

Securing jobs was another hurdle. I have a background in IT, but the language barrier and competition were significant challenges. Oksana, who worked as a teacher, faced similar issues. We both took on temporary jobs in the service industry to make ends meet. Tip #3: Improve your Polish language skills as much as possible — it opens many doors.

Settling In

Six months in, we're slowly settling into our new life. It's not without its difficulties, but the support from local NGOs and the Ukrainian community in Krakow has been incredible. We've made friends and are slowly building a new support network.

Looking Forward

We hope to keep improving our Polish, find stable employment in our respective fields, and give our children a stable environment. The journey is far from over, but with each step, we are growing more resilient.