Emilio Antonio Riquelme Gómez
This adventurous Murcian, who took his first steps in teaching at the University of Murcia, now lives in Krakow, where he teaches Geography, History, and Spanish in the Bilingual Section of Liceo No. VI Adam Mickiewicz. His testimony reflects how vocation, a desire to learn, and a love of culture can lead you to build a full life far from home. Today, he tells us about his daily life in Poland, what he misses about Murcia, and what would make him return.
Why did you decide to go abroad?
I am an adventurous person and have always been willing to explore new horizons.
During my student years at the University of Murcia, I had the opportunity to benefit from Erasmus and ILA scholarships, which allowed me to study in Naples (Italy) and Querétaro (Mexico), respectively. These experiences opened my mind and showed me the richness of different cultures and ways of life. After graduating, I worked as a teacher in the Senior Classroom at the University of Murcia, but unfortunately, it wasn't a stable job, and I was looking for an opportunity that would offer more job security. It was then that I applied to the Ministry of Education for a teaching position at the Bilingual Section of Krakow (Poland), and was fortunate to be awarded the position. This opportunity allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with the experience of living and working in a foreign country. I've been living here for three years now and am enjoying the Polish culture and way of life, while also developing my professional career in a bilingual environment.
What's the best thing about your life abroad?
The best thing about my life abroad is the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with living in a foreign country. I love the culture and way of life in Poland; the people are very welcoming, and I've been able to discover new traditions and customs. Although Polish is complex and difficult to learn, I don't feel isolated because my students and colleagues speak Spanish, and I can communicate with the other teachers in English or Italian. I'm also gradually learning to speak Polish, which makes me feel more integrated and connected to the local community.
The opportunity to work in the Bilingual Section in Krakow is both a challenge and an opportunity for professional growth, and here I can develop my skills and knowledge in a bilingual environment.
Overall, I feel I've gained a great deal of independence and have been able to discover who I am and what I want to do with my life.
What do you miss most about your homeland?
What I miss most about Murcia is my family and friends, with whom I share so many moments and experiences when I return. I also miss Murcian food, especially the products from the Mar Menor and the Murcian Gardens, such as fresh vegetables and zarangollos, which are an important part of our culture and tradition.
I would like to enjoy Murcia's Mediterranean climate, especially in winter, when the weather in Poland can be very cold. I also miss the familiarity and comfort of my home and surroundings, where everything feels familiar and comfortable. However, although I miss these things, I always return to Murcia when I have a vacation, allowing me to recharge my batteries and enjoy what I love most. Fortunately, the plane ride is only two and a half hours, making it quick and easy to return home.
What would make you want to come back someday?
What would make me want to come back someday would be to find a job opportunity that suits my skills and professional goals, while also being able to enjoy Murcia's quality of life and Mediterranean climate, while being close to my family and friends.
What's the first thing you do every time you return?
The first thing I do every time I return to Murcia is visit my family and friends. I love spending time with them and catching up on what's happened while I was away. Afterwards, I like to enjoy Murcian food, especially the fresh produce from the Huerta and the typical dishes of the region. Sometimes, I also like to stroll around the city, taking advantage of the climate and architecture, and visiting iconic sites like Murcia Cathedral or the Mar Menor. I also often go shopping in the city, looking for local products and gifts for friends and family. And, of course, I can't resist spending a few days at the beach, relaxing and enjoying the sun and sea.
But what I like most is that, since I usually go when I have vacations (and these coincide with the main holidays of the year), I can enjoy and participate in the regional events and festivals, which makes my return even more special and exciting.
This is a small sample of my testimony, and I hope it will be useful to you.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community, and I'm here for anything you need.
Best regards,
Emilio Antonio Riquelme Gómez