Karolina Baran, who goes by the stage name Kaeyra, is an American of Polish descent who recently relocated from Chicago to Poland. This move has given her a unique perspective on the stark differences between the education systems of Poland and the USA, which she discusses in her social media posts, particularly on TikTok. One of the most notable differences she highlights is the cost of education, noting that university studies in Poland are free, while in the United States, they are prohibitively expensive for many students.

Baran emphasizes the recruitment process for universities as another significant difference between the two countries. In Poland, the final high school exam, known as the matura, is the sole criterion for university admission, whereas American colleges consider a more comprehensive profile of students, including their entire high school performance, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores like the SAT. This more holistic approach in the United States adds pressure on students to maintain a well-rounded application throughout their high school years, which contrasts with the Polish system's focus on a single examination.

Her experiences reflect broader themes in cross-cultural education and provoke thought about the respective values placed on education in different societies. The stark differences she presents may also resonate with many Polish-Americans and highlight potential obstacles faced by foreign students in adapting to new educational environments. As such, her insights contribute to ongoing conversations about educational reform and accessibility on a global scale.