A few words about yourself:
I am a Fulbright Scholar from California. I am a retired clinical psychologist who taught, started, and ran mental health programs for vulnerable children and families. My specialty is in the area of Early Childhood Mental Health and children and families who have experienced significant trauma. I came to Poland to share my expertise with undergraduate and graduate students at SWPS University in Warsaw. I chose Poland because of my Polish roots (all four of my grandparents were born and raised in Poland). I wanted to experience Polish life and walk in the footsteps of my ancestors.
What was your Fulbright grant about?
I came to Warsaw, Poland to share my expertise with undergraduate and graduate students at SWPS, Warsaw in their English-speaking Psychology Program. I taught two classes – Introduction to Early Childhood Mental Health and Complex Trauma and Children. In addition, I traveled to another SWPS campus and shared my expertise with staff at SWPS Katowice. I facilitated two semester-long workshops with students where we discussed clinical cases. I also provided community trainings. I targeted educators and mental health professionals in the community.
What was most rewarding, challenging, or memorable about your Fulbright experience in Poland?
So much… I will start with my yearlong interaction with Ukrainian refugees who wanted to improve their conversational English. Their English improved, as well as their understanding of American culture beyond what they saw on the internet and in movies. For me, it was hearing their stories and listening to their pain as they discussed their homeland. I loved my students at SWPS! They were curious, bright, and hungry to learn. The in-depth conversations were insightful, and they expressed their curiosity to learn.
Polish people are warm and friendly, and they were so welcoming to my husband and me. Friendships were quickly formed, and they invited us to join their family so that we could experience a Polish Christmas and Easter. I wanted to understand my heritage more and learn about my ancestors. I realized that my home contained Polish customs and reflected Polish values that I had been unaware of. I was able to go to the street where my great-grandfather lived and where he was probably buried.
The challenges of everyday life were enjoyable. It was easy to get a bank account, to get around on public transportation, to get to know my neighborhood bakery staff, pharmacist, and staff at the local vegetable and fruit store. I think the most challenging thing was finding a place to get my hair cut. The first recommendation cut my hair way too short, and then I found the right person. I got to know several of my Fulbrighters well and will miss interacting with them regularly and hearing how their research was progressing.
What advice would you give to future Fulbrighters coming to Poland?
Sit back and enjoy the ride! Be open to new experiences, travel around Poland, and see the beauty of the country. Travel and visit other Fulbrighters in other cities. Forget your American way of life and immerse yourself in a new culture and food. The milk bars are great, inexpensive places to eat.
It was very helpful that my husband came along with me. He is retired, so it was easy for him to leave the States. I called him my personal GPS. In addition, when I go home, I will have someone who really understands what my experiences were – our shared experiences. One suggestion I would make is to create an iPhone shared album. This way, you can share your photos and experiences with folks back home. Have WhatsApp on your phone so you can stay in touch with family and friends.
I wish I could have learned Polish, but English is spoken everywhere. I did learn some basic words so that I could greet individuals, say thank you, and excuse myself as I got on and off the trams and buses. I debated whether to get a Polish bank account but found it very helpful. Get to know your local bakery, butcher, and pharmacist. Get a Polish phone number – it’s easy to do at T-Mobile. Ask your Fulbright buddy for advice regarding where to get your haircut and good places to eat.
You will need a warm jacket with a hood. You can purchase one here, and a long one is great to keep you warm. Enjoy the parks – and if you are in Warsaw on a Sunday in the spring and summer, you can go to the park and hear Chopin played live. Oh… stores are closed on Sundays, so get your groceries!
How has your Fulbright experience influenced your next steps – personally or professionally?
Personally, I am pursuing obtaining Polish citizenship. I feel closer to my roots, and this is my personal way to have an external representation of how I define myself. I will be back in Warsaw. My relationship with SWPS was fabulous, and I will return to teach additional classes, but for significantly shorter periods of time.
Prior to coming to Poland, I was retired but taught classes to professionals on an as-requested basis. I am going to approach my local academic institution to see about teaching a class there. Personally, I realized how important family is in my life. Eleven months on FaceTime is not enough. I need to be more involved with them and live in the same town. Life is short, and I want to make sure the little moments in my grandson’s, son’s, and daughter-in-law’s life are shared with my husband and me.
Dr Cherise Northcutt is alumna of 2024-25 U.S. Scholar Program.
