Employees of Politecnico di Milano on a Study Visit to Gdańsk University of Technology | Gdańsk University of Technology

From 23 to 27 March 2026, Gdańsk Tech hosted 20 administrative staff members from Politecnico di Milano – a partner in the European university alliance ENHANCE.

During their stay, the guests took part in the on-site component of training under the Italian AWESOME programme. The purpose of the visit was to support the development of competencies among administrative staff who are at the beginning of their internationalisation journey. The week-long stay at Gdańsk University of Technology provided an opportunity to learn about the university’s organisation, its work culture, and to exchange experiences directly with employees holding similar roles.

Intensive Training Programme and Job Shadowing
The comprehensive programme prepared by the ENHANCE Office combined training and integration elements. On the first day, participants were officially welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Professor Józef E. Sienkiewicz, and then toured the Gdańsk University of Technology campus under the guidance of Maria Doerffer.

The following days focused on job shadowing, i.e. observing work in various university units. Thanks to the involvement of Gdańsk Tech staff, it was possible to tailor the visits to the individual needs and interests of the guests from Milan. Participants had the opportunity to become familiar with daily tasks, work tools, and organisational solutions used at the university.

An important part of the programme also included networking sessions and thematic workshops. These included, among others, presentations on the functioning of Gdańsk University of Technology and Politecnico di Milano, as well as a workshop dedicated to cultural differences in the workplace.

Exchange of Experience and Competence Development
The visit was not only an opportunity to gain knowledge, but also to build relationships. Staff from both universities were able to exchange experiences in areas such as work organisation, internal communication, and the use of digital tools.

Participation in the event also brought tangible benefits to Gdańsk University of Technology staff. These included the development of language skills, insights into working conditions at a foreign university, and the opportunity to establish cooperation within future ENHANCE alliance initiatives. For many participants, it was also valuable preparation for taking part in further mobility programmes, such as Erasmus+.

Integration and Discovering the Region
The programme also included cultural and integration activities. The guests visited Gdynia and Sopot, exploring the historic sites of the Tricity area. The agenda also featured joint activities, such as culinary workshops on making pierogi, which fostered relationship-building in a more informal atmosphere.

Cooperation within ENHANCE
The event is another example of active collaboration within the European ENHANCE alliance, which aims to build a modern, integrated academic environment. Initiatives such as staff weeks not only support the development of employees’ competencies but also strengthen international partnerships between universities. The visit by Politecnico di Milano staff to Gdańsk University of Technology confirms that direct cooperation and the exchange of experience are key to the continued development of the European Higher Education Area.