Poland fears EU brain drain
A recent survey claims as many as half of Polish university students plan to leave the country for good in the hope of better job prospects. Some experts say any permanent flight of Poland's brightest talent would be disastrous for the country's economy. So is it a case of too many graduates and not enough jobs?
Interestingly enough, it's not that the students are unhappy with the quality of courses on offer at their universities - 60 percent say they are. BUT 78% don't believe a university degree will necessarily secure them a good job in Poland.
According to university lecturer Robert Kostro this is because of Poland's economic problems.
"Polish students don't see a perspective of future employment. I hope that this is temporary and if the economy gets better, I mean that if we can maintain the growth rate of over 4 per cent, that this atmosphere will be much better. But, anyway it is a very serious problem and it should be very well understood by the political class, that if we want to create a future for young Polish people we must seriously think about reforming our economy."
The dilemmas of Piotr, a 4th-year student of architecture, who's already spent some time abroad, are typical of those facing many of his colleagues these days.
"I have friends here. I have certain things that keep me here. On the other hand, I have a lot of friends abroad and good opportunities financially and also in terms of experience. And my biggest problem is whether I want to be a migrant worker or an immigrant."
On May 1 Poland joins the European Union. With unemployment reaching almost 20 percent here, many people expect that Polish graduates will seek opportunities in other EU countries. Robert Kostro again
"I don't think there is such a big demand for Polish work force. I think that there is a natural limitation of possibilities to get work abroad. But anyway I think that this should be seen as a serious sign that something is wrong with possibilities of careers of our younger generation."
Students such as Piotr are moving abroad for more than just job opportunities.
"No, I'm not that depressed about what I could do here. My question is more about quality of life. Not only in terms of making money but of social life - the streets, the culture... And you know, even if I had a good job here I don't know whether I'd be happy here."
There is no doubt that young people's readiness to seek jobs and opportunities abroad cannot be much comfort to the politicians. On the brighter side, though, many of those who go abroad in search for a better life return to Poland after a few years. This is at least what happened over the last two decades.
