On 27 October, the official opening of the Welcome Point – a new space created for international students and guests – took place at the Lecture Center of Poznan University of Technology.

The event was attended by the university authorities: the Rector of Poznan University of Technology, Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, and the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Prof. Mariusz Głąbowski, who jointly carried out the symbolic handover of the World Map to the Head of the International Relations Office, Magdalena Zawirska-Wolniewicz, MA.

During the ceremony, it was emphasized that each year an increasing number of students from all over the world choose Poznan University of Technology as a place for education, development, and academic life. The newly established Welcome Point is intended to become an important place on the university campus map – a point where international students will receive support, organizational assistance, and a sense of belonging to the university community from their very first days in Poznań.

“Welcome Point will be a small place on the campus map, but it will symbolize something truly great – openness, diversity, and our international family,” emphasized Olha Vakhrina, Welcome Point Coordinator, in her speech.

The Welcome Point is located at 5 Piotrowo Street, building A2, room 101, within the International Relations Office. Its operation is supported by funding from the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 as part of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) project “PUT. Open doors. Open minds.”

The Welcome Point is part of Poznan University of Technology’s long-term efforts toward internationalization and the creation of an open and friendly academic environment for international students and guests. The sustainability of the initiative will be ensured through the continued operation of the point within the structures of the International Relations Office even after the completion of the project. The Welcome Point will continue to serve as a first-contact point, information center, and source of organizational support for the university’s international community, helping international students adapt and function in everyday campus life.

As part of the continuation of these activities, integration and intercultural initiatives, as well as best practices related to international student services, will also be further developed in order to support the building of an open, multicultural academic community at Poznan University of Technology.

The opening ceremony was enhanced by the photography exhibition “Faces of the University,” prepared especially for the occasion. The exhibition presents students from various countries, showcasing the richness of cultures, experiences, and personalities that form the community of Poznan University of Technology.

The artistic finale of the event was a concert prepared by international students. The stage featured Sofiia Ivanko from Ukraine, followed by the band “Who we are…” composed of Cyprian Joseph (Nigeria), Anastasiia Bykhovets (Ukraine), and Abdulaziz Qasem (Yemen).

The ceremony took place in an atmosphere of openness, friendship, and joy. From its very first day, the Welcome Point became a symbol of how Poznan University of Technology brings together people from different parts of the world and creates a space where everyone can feel at home.
 

The opening and operation of the Welcome Point are implemented in accordance with the objectives of the Poznan University of Technology project “PUT. Open doors. Open minds.” (grant agreement no. BPI/WTP/2024/1/00069/U00001), carried out within the programme co-financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the “Welcome to Poland” programme financed from European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027, project no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24.