Welcome to “Bridging Classrooms: My Journey Through American and Polish Education” – a blog where chalkboards and keyboards converge, where school bells ring in sync with digital notifications. Education is a journey, and for some, that journey crosses borders, oceans, and cultures. My name is Andrzej Bachleda-Curuś, and I am one of those travelers. As a Polish student who has navigated the hallways of both a traditional Polish school and an American summer school, I’ve experienced firsthand the curiosities and challenges that come with straddling two distinct educational worlds.
This blog is my digital notebook, a collection of observations, analyses, and stories from my educational voyage. Why embark on this comparative adventure? Because education shapes not just minds but futures and understanding the contrasts and complements between these two systems is more than academic—it’s a window into how we prepare the next generation for a world that’s increasingly interconnected.
Join me as I delve into what makes each system unique, from the robust tradition of Polish academia to the innovative classrooms of America. Whether you’re a student, educator, or a lifelong learner, there’s a seat for you in this global classroom. Let’s turn the page together and discover what happens when we view education through a binocular lens – magnifying differences, bringing distant concepts into focus, and perhaps, finding that the space between us isn’t so wide after all.
Why This Blog
I started this blog to serve as a bridge between two worlds that have shaped my academic and personal growth: the structured, history-rich halls of Polish education and the expansive, opportunity-filled classrooms of America. Navigating between these two has not only provided me with a unique perspective on the diversity of educational experiences but has also revealed the impact of cultural nuances on learning. This platform is a space for dialogue and discovery, where we can dissect and understand the broader implications of how education is approached, valued, and delivered on opposite sides of the Atlantic. It’s for those who are curious about the global landscape of education, for the student facing new frontiers, for the teacher seeking comparative insights, and for the policymakers shaping the future of international education. Through this blog, I aspire to create a community where learning transcends borders and perspectives are broadened.
My background
I am a testament to the Polish educational system—a diligent student who’s been immersed in its framework since kindergarten. My academic journey in Poland has been marked by a deep understanding of how to excel within its structure. As a straight-A student, I’ve not only thrived in routine academics but have also stretched my capabilities by competing in various Subject Olympiads, showcasing my strengths in Philosophy, Mathematics, and Information Technology. Now, in the 11th grade, I continue to engage deeply with the rigorous demands of our educational system.
Parallel to my Polish schooling, an American academic narrative has been taking shape over the years. My summers from 5th through 8th grade were spent attending American summer schools, which introduced me to a more diverse and flexible learning environment. In the 9th grade, I expanded my horizons by enrolling in courses at Moraine Valley Community College, and the following year, I continued this trajectory at Benedictine University. Each step on this journey provided me with a new lens through which to view the educational canvas. This year, I am set to embark on yet another academic adventure at the Stanford Summer Session, promising to add another layer of international perspective to my education. Through these experiences, I have built a unique understanding of the dichotomy and interplay between these two distinct education systems.
Family ties
My connection to the American education system is further deepened by my family roots. Blessed with dual citizenship thanks to my American mother and Polish father, I’ve had the unique privilege of straddling two cultures. Poland is home, the place where I’ve spent the majority of my life, but every summer, I cross the Atlantic to immerse myself in the American way of life. This annual pilgrimage has allowed me to not just visit but actively participate in a different educational realm.
I’m intricately woven into the fabric of my extended family in the U.S., where conversations around the dinner table often meander through the realms of high school projects and college applications. I have cousins who are on their own educational paths—one in the 11th grade and another embarking on their college journey. Their stories and experiences offer me a candid, insider’s perspective on the day-to-day realities of student life in America. It’s through this familial lens that I’ve been able to compare notes, so to speak, and gain a comprehensive understanding of both systems. These personal insights complement my own experiences, painting a fuller picture of the educational landscapes in both countries.
What I’ll explore in the blog
In this blog, I’m going to share a bunch of cool stuff about how schools work in the US and Poland. I’ll dive into what makes each system unique, like how classes are taught, what students do for fun, and the different kinds of exams we all love to hate. I’m curious about the big stuff and the little details – like, why do Polish students have so many exams? Or, what’s a typical day like for a high schooler in the US?
I’ll also throw in stories from my own life, comparing my school days in Poland with my summers learning in America. Plus, I want to chat about the extra stuff, like subject competitions in Poland and summer programs in the US. And I’m super excited to share about my upcoming adventure at Stanford’s Summer Session.
I hope you’ll find it interesting, whether you’re thinking about studying abroad, you’re into learning about different cultures, or you’re just curious. Let’s figure out together what we can learn from each other’s schools and maybe even find some cool ideas to make our own schools a little bit better.
Conclusion
So, here we are at the end of this introductory ride. I’m pretty stoked to kick off this blog and dive deep into the worlds of Polish and American education with you. It’s going to be a mix of personal tales, some cool comparisons, and a bunch of insights from both sides of the pond. I’m here to share what I know, learn a ton along the way, and hopefully, spark some interesting chats in the comments.
Whether you’re a student trying to navigate your own educational journey, a teacher looking for a fresh perspective, or just someone curious about how different the school bell sounds in another part of the world, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you. Let’s keep the conversation going, stay open to new ideas, and maybe even challenge a few old ones. Here’s to learning, exploring, and growing together. Can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!