Exploring Polish migrants' adaptation to life in the UK: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

This paper presents findings from a study exploring how a group of post-2004 Polish migrants reported adapting to life in the UK. Eight participants were interviewed and transcripts were analysed using the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two themes encapsulating the main findings from the study form the focus of the paper: in pursuit of more freedom and disconnection. From the analysis, it appears that this sample is particularly motivated by the opportunity for personal growth, which is perceived as more achievable in the UK. It is contended that this reflects a pre-existing identification with more individualist characteristics associated with ‘Western culture’, which participants, in the post-communist landscape of Poland, have internalised. The sense of disconnection experienced by participants relates to difficulties forming friendships in the UK and is understood as a consequence of differing cultural values associated with social relationships. Contextual factors for each of these domains are considered. The findings represent the reported experiences of this group of participants and may not be generalizable.