Kasia Raszewska

Name: Kasia Raszewska
Age: 34
Born: Poland
Lived in Scotland: Four years

Kasia is from Poznan in Poland and first came to the UK 14 years ago to study at the University of London. She says, "I completed a degree in Communication Studies and Sociology. I felt I could be more independent here as a student."

During the holidays, Kasia came to Scotland. "I thought the country was so beautiful and the people had a great sense of humour and were very friendly. I went to a meditation retreat at Samye Ling in Eskdalemuir and stayed for a year. I lived in an old cottage with a wood-burning fireplace. It was located in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills. I fell in love with Scotland." she said.

Kasia loved Scotland so much she moved here. "I applied for a Trainee Social Worker position with the City of Edinburgh Council and was successful at obtaining a place at their Fast Track scheme," she says. "This scheme was developed through a partnership between the Scottish Executive Social Work Services Policy Division, COSLA, Edinburgh University and local authority employers. This gave me the chance to obtain a professional social work qualification while I work within the local authority social work department.

"Now I am working towards a Master degree in Social Work at Edinburgh University."

Kasia enjoys living in Scotland. She says, "It's very different from living in London. It's more peaceful. In Edinburgh everything is nearby and there is a great sense of community. It has fantastic architecture, charm and friendly people. I love dining out here."

During her time in Scotland, Kasia has established a support organisation for Polish people at the Fort Community Wing. "I established Swietlica, Edinburgh Polish Community drop-in, with a group of people in 2006," she says. "It really helps people to integrate and make friends with the local people. I feel it’s very important that the different communities work together.

"The organisation provides a range of free community support activities and services for migrants. On average we have 25 volunteers who run different sessions every Monday. We run English and Polish language lessons, a youth theatre group, activities for children and provide information and support for people in need. There are regular information sessions for migrants from organisations such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the NHS and the Police.

"The Fort Community Wing has been extremely supportive; we can use the venue for free every week. We have been made to feel very welcomed by the local people."

Kasia really enjoys working in Scotland. She says, "I absolutely love working with children and older people. And I love the direct contact I have with service users (the people who use social work services). They are very friendly, welcoming and very tolerant. Even though I am Polish they make me feel at home and I feel very welcome and well-treated."

"I would say Scotland is one of the best places to live in the UK because of its amazing tradition, breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions. I feel really happy and fulfilled here so I am staying in Scotland for now. I enjoy my life very much."

Related links

• City of Edinburgh Council
• Edinburgh University
• Kagyu Samye Ling

Read about other people who have moved to Scotland from Poland:

• Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski
• Ania Brudnowska
• Bartosz Madejski
• Marzena and Tomek Woszczyna

There is information available about moving, living, studying and working in Scotland in Polish.