Marzena and Tomek Woszczyna

Names: Marzena and Tomek Woszczyna
Age: 30
Born: Poland
Lived in Scotland: Tomek - four years, Marzena - three years

Tomek comes from Jaworzno-Szczakowa in Poland and has been in Scotland for almost four years. When Tomek first arrived, he was amazed with Edinburgh.

"I thought Scotland was wonderful, especially Edinburgh," he says. "It was astonishing. The town, the castle, all of the Royal Mile – there are no words for it.

"I didn't know much about Britain when I came here, but I am really glad I chose Edinburgh."

Tomek worked in a French bakery called Au Gourmand and feels it helped his English language skills. He now works nightshifts at the British supermarket, Asda. He says, "When I first came to Scotland I only knew a couple of words in English. But because I was the only Polish guy at work I had to learn to communicate with everyone. My English has improved since I've been in Scotland and I am enjoying working here."

Tomek's wife, Marzena, feels that the English language is still a problem. She came to Scotland a year after her husband arrived and is a housewife. "My first impression of Edinburgh was that it was a beautiful city," she says. "There are many people from all over the world and Scottish people are very nice.

"Before I came to Scotland I knew no English. I went on an English course at Stevenson College and I worked in a restaurant called Always Sunday on the High Street before my son was born. My English improved the most while I worked there and I’d like to go back once my maternity leave ends. I feel my English still needs a lot of work."

Marzena and Tomek have two children. Their oldest son, Patryk, is nine-years-old and was born in Poland. Dawid is six-months-old and Marzena is glad he was born in Edinburgh. She says, "I was very happy I gave birth to my second son in Scotland. You get everything here, like painkillers! Back in Poland you have to pay for it but it's free in Scotland. The doctors and nurses and very friendly too – it's wonderful."

Their oldest son is happy going to Dalry Primary School. "Whenever we say that we're moving to Poland, Patryk says he can move with us but he still wants to go to the same school! He says he doesn't want to go to any other school," says Tomek.

Although Tomek and Marzena miss Poland, they would rather live in Scotland. "We usually go back to Poland two times a year. But how long we stay in Scotland is up to my wife," says Tomek. "I think we might move back to Poland one day because we have family and friends back home. But I would definitely recommend Scotland as a place to live and work."

Marzena says, "I miss Poland but Scotland is a better life and future for us. It's better for my children to be here. They learn English and there are better jobs in Scotland. The salaries in Poland aren't as good as salaries here. My children get a better start in life and that is the most important thing. But I love it here. The people are so friendly. Everyone smiles at you in the street!"

Information correct at January 2009.

Related Links

• Find out more about working in Scotland
• Information about living in Scotland
• More about Scottish education
• Healthcare

Case studies about other people from Poland who have moved to Scotland:

• Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski
• Ania Brudnowska
• Bartosz Madejski