Karina Kozak, Pawel Kalski and Paulina Kalska -
podcast #53 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
The study of architecture and design today increasingly goes beyond the walls of one university and one country. In the latest episode of the podcast "Foundations," Karina Kozak, Pawel Kalski and Paulina Kalska talk about their experiences with student exchanges, internships and working abroad. The protagonists of the conversation share stories from studies and internships carried out in Australia, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Angola, among others.
What is it like to study design and architecture abroad?
Karina Kozak and Pawel Kalski are design graduates from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, while Paulina Kalska graduated in architecture from the Poznan University of Technology. In the podcast, they show how foreign experiences influence not only their professional development, but also the way they think about design, work and everyday life.
The conversation focuses primarily on the differences between design education in Poland and abroad. The guests talk about studying architecture in Denmark and Australia, where there is a strong emphasis on cooperation, independence and a practical approach to the design process. They point out the more open atmosphere at universities and the relationship between students and instructors.
Internships and placements in Spain, Portugal and Angola
The topic of work and internships outside of Poland also comes up in the podcast. The interviewees talk about their experiences in Granada, Portugal or Angola, showing how the everyday work of an architect and designer differs depending on the country, culture or local economic realities. Particularly interesting is the theme of working in Angola, where professional practice turned out to be not only a lesson in design, but also a confrontation with a completely different social and urban reality.
The guest and host of the podcast emphasize that trips abroad allow one to look at architecture and design from a broader perspective. It's not only an opportunity to learn new skills, but also an opportunity to learn about other work cultures, teaching methods and ways of thinking about space. In their opinion, international experience teaches flexibility, openness and courage in making professional decisions.
Is it worth returning to Poland after an overseas experience?
The topic of returning to Poland after foreign experiences is also an important part of the conversation. Participants in the podcast reflect on how the trips affected their future career path and what from foreign internships is worth transferring to Poland. They also talk about why more and more young architects and designers today are choosing to gain experience outside the country.
The new episode of the podcast "Foundations" is a story about architecture, design and education, but also about having the courage to step outside one's comfort zone. It's a conversation for all those studying architecture, design and creative majors who are thinking about going on an exchange or internship abroad.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Listen also to other podcasts
From the "Foundations" series
45 Catherine Karolina Howorko on studying architecture in France and Mexico
49. is it worth studying architecture in Switzerland? About Marta Lata's experience
50. Erasmus or studying in Poland? Architecture through the eyes of Krzysztof Jędrzejewski.
51. studying in Berlin or in Poland? Architecture through the eyes of Karolina Gula
52 Does architecture begin with an idea? Experiences of Wiktoria Sitko
