Hello, my name is Orest. I came to Portugal from Poland as an exchange student.

At the beginning of February, I was studying at university in Poland and working at the same time. My plan was to continue supporting myself during my stay in Portugal, but shortly after I arrived, the situation changed unexpectedly. The store connected to my previous work was taken over, and the people I knew there could no longer provide the same work opportunities or financial support.

Since then, I have been trying to handle the situation on my own. I have searched for work locally, contacted different people and services, asked for help through university channels, and even reached out to official institutions. Unfortunately, I have not received a job offer, and the local job market has been difficult for me, especially because my Portuguese is still limited. I am learning the language, but at the moment it is not enough for many available jobs.

At the same time, I also had unexpected legal expenses connected to an ongoing case in Poland, where I am involved as a victim. These costs reduced the money I had left and made the situation much harder.

For the last few months, I have tried to keep going by myself while studying, working on university projects, continuing my diploma work in Poland, dealing with legal matters, and searching for work. I also asked for help through the mentoring system and from teachers. Some kind people have helped me with food, and I currently receive some meals in exchange for work on weekdays. However, I still do not have a stable income, and on weekends I often have to manage with very little.

Right now I am in an emergency situation. I need temporary support to cover basic needs and to decide safely whether I can stay in Portugal and finish my study period, or whether I will have to return. Returning is also difficult, because I may face serious financial consequences connected to my Erasmus grant.

The funds will be used only for essential needs:

- rent and accommodation costs,

- utilities and basic bills,

- food and groceries,

- local transport,

- possible travel back with luggage if staying becomes impossible,

- small emergency costs related to the situation.

I do not have parents who can support me financially, and my friends are not able to cover these costs either. That is why I am asking for help here.

This fundraiser is not for anything extra. It is a temporary bridge to help me get out of a situation I cannot solve alone right now.

Any small contribution or even sharing this page would really help me.

Thank you very much for your kindness and support.