More than 440 thousand PLN for the university’s internationalization | Gdańsk University of Technology

he National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has established the “Welcome to Poland” program with the goal of enhancing internationalization within Polish higher education institutions. NAWA's funding is intended to support initiatives that strengthen universities’ ability to accommodate international students and promote the institutions’ global reach and reputation.

This year’s call for proposals for the program yielded 33 successful applicants out of nearly 200 submissions. For the fourth time, Gdańsk University of Technology received funding as a program beneficiary.

– The development of internationalization is a significant factor influencing the position of universities. The latest ranking of Poland's top universities prepared by the “Perspektywy” Foundation is a clear indicator of this trend. The improvement of Gdańsk University of Technology’s ranking from 6th to 5th place is attributed in part to the institution’s enhanced ratings in categories such as scientific effectiveness, scientific potential, or internationalization, relative to the previous year. Our project is dedicated to the development of internationalization, including the provision of specialized services for foreign students and staff, the onboarding of foreign students and the enhancement of staff competencies – says Anna Modrzejewska, Head of International Relations Office.

Development of the Welcome Office, training program and study visits

The project, “Internationalization of Gdańsk University of Technology: Development of WELCOME SERVICES / Promotion of WELCOME CULTURE,” will be implemented from September 2024 to August 2026. The project will include the following activities:

• The development of the Welcome Office: an expansion of services to include legal advice for foreigners, creation of a mini tourist information center and a mini library, purchase of a multimedia kiosk, creation of gadgets line and promotional and informational materials;
• Domestic and foreign study visits to universities aimed at exchanging knowledge and experience in handling services, including onboarding of foreign employees, PhD students and visitors;
• Creating a program to raise intercultural and linguistic competence by organizing a series of training sessions, workshops, open meetings and film screenings in cooperation with Tricity NGOs and cultural institutions.

The project will target administrative staff directly involved in assisting foreigners and newly hired staff, as well as newly admitted PhD and foreign students. Some of the activities - including, among others, book signings or film screenings - will be open to all who are interested. Soon, a website tab will be created to provide detailed information: descriptions of activities, dates of intakes and reports on events.

For more information on projects implemented by the International Relations Office, read here.