Our most recent outbound exchange trip involved an eclectic group of American professionals, one J-1 trainee, two cities in Poland, and a lot of talk about Central European migration trends and immigration/emigration issues. There were also, of course, many pierogies, a lot of Żubrówka, and much baraszcz to be had. The group was able to explore Warsaw and Krakow, experiencing Polish culture and hearing from experts about history, immigration, emigration, and the changes that membership in the European Union has brought to Poland and other new EU members in the region.
Highlights of the exchange included a visit to the US consulate in Warsaw, where the trip’s one and only J-1 trainee, Tania Alves Calvao, was able to step behind the windows and see the Consulate from a new and different perspective. Trip participants also enjoyed an informal visit to a premier Polish law firm, discussions with American business interests in Poland, and a presentation from the Warsaw University Center for Migration Research. A somber and informative day was spent at Auschwitz and Birkenau.