From Poland to Wales: Boleslaw ’s Welsh Learning Journey

Tell us a little about yourself —where in Poland do you live and what do you do?

My name is Boleslaw (pronounced 'Bo -les -waff' if we apply Cymraeg rules) and I am an IT

Project Manager. I live in Bydgoszcz, Poland, which is very convenient as I have direct flights to

Bristol and Birmingham, my primary gateways to Wales. While my career is in technology, my

academic background is in linguistics, and learning languages is a lifelong passion.

What first inspired you to learn Welsh?

In 2025, during a Polyglot Gathering in Brno, I happened to meet a few Welsh speakers.

Although I couldn ’t speak a word then, the language immediately piqued my interest. Beyond

that, I feel a profound nostalgia for cultures that endure despite the passage of time. Having

mixed German -Polish roots from West Prussia, I have witnessed in my family how quickly a

native language can fade across generations. Welsh, for me, is a way to honor and connect

with that enduring Celtic spirit.

Why did you choose to learn online with Learn Welsh Gwent?

I chose Coleg Gwent because their online courses perfectly fit my professional schedule in

Poland. It has proven to be an outstanding choice, providing a very high standard of education

and incredibly supportive tutors.

What has been your favourite part of learning Welsh so far?

The true highlight has been my classmates; the friendly and inspiring atmosphere they create

in our online sessions makes every lesson a joy.

Was there a moment when you realised: “I’m actually speaking Welsh! ”?

That moment happened during the Coleg Gwent exam revision classes. I suddenly realised I

could understand and produce a wealth of sentences spontaneously. Scoring passing grades

in mock exams gave me the final boost of confidence to sign up for my certification.

How do your friends or family react when you tell them you ’re learning Welsh in Poland?

Most are intrigued! It ’s a very rare choice here. Some react with shock or disbelief, often

assuming I mean a Welsh dialect of English! However, once I explain what Cymraeg is, they are

genuinely amazed by my choice and the progress I ’ve made.

You travelled all the way to Crosskeys to sit your exam in January —how was that

experience?

It was exhilarating! It was my first time visiting Wales, and I felt like a child discovering

something new around every corner. Visiting the campus at Crosskeys made the whole

journey feel "real" after months of learning online.

What was going through your mind on exam day?

I felt like a character in a fable. I had been inspired by a good fairy to transform my life and

become a better person; the exam felt like a key milestone in that personal quest. Or perhaps

I’ve simply been reading the Mabinogion too much lately!

How did it feel when you found out you ’d passed?

It was a mix of relief and immense pride. For me, a certification is a tangible milestone that

validates my dedication. I also hope my success served as a source of inspiration for my

course mates to take their own exams.

Have you had a chance to use your Welsh in real -life situations yet?

Finding fluent speakers in larger cities like Swansea can be a challenge, as many people I met

only remembered a few words from school. However, whenever I did use my Welsh, I was met

with an incredibly warm welcome. People seemed genuinely moved and proud that a visitor

from Poland took the time to learn their language. Using even a few phrases changes the

experience from being a tourist to being a guest who truly respects the local culture.

What ’s your favourite Welsh word or phrase —and why?

Definitely "Hiraeth". It doesn’t have a direct translation in Polish or English, but it carries a

meaning somewhat similar to the German "Heimatliebe" , the deep nostalgia for one's roots

and the longing to preserve one's culture despite the challenges.

What would you say to someone thinking about learning Welsh online from another

country?

As Charlemagne said: "To have another language is to possess a second soul". If you are

considering Welsh, do not hesitate - simply sign up with Dysgu Cymraeg. You will join a vibrant

community and embark on a rewarding journey of intellectual and cultural discovery.

What ’s next on your Welsh journey?

I’m not stopping! I ’m heading back to Wales in June to sit my next exam. My dream is to

receive my certificate during the National Eisteddfod and eventually explore the heart of the

valleys. I have also already enrolled in the Sylfaen level summer course to keep my momentum

going.