Strengthening the potential of the University of Gdańsk in serving the international academic community is the main objective of the ‘Baltic Welcome Hub’ project carried out by the UG International Cooperation Office. The project has received funding from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the Welcome to Poland 2024 programme!
‘The activities planned in the project will include the development of staff competencies through specialised training, the expansion of support infrastructure through the creation of new Welcome Points on the campuses in Gdynia and Sopot, and the modernisation of the Welcome Centre website, which will become a modern and accessible virtual information and assistance centre, in line with the standards of the international EURAXESS network,’ said Magdalena Sawicz, Director of the International Cooperation Office and project manager. ‘As part of a similar grant, we have already opened a Welcome Point on the Oliwa campus, where newly arrived international members of our academic community can receive comprehensive support to make their experience at our university the best it can be. However, it is very important that they can receive such support directly on the campus where they spend their daily lives. We are committed to meeting their real needs!’
The internationalisation of the academic community requires the administrative staff to improve their skills in intercultural communication, diplomatic protocol, and the promotion of inclusive attitudes. For this reason, the project also provides for specialised training in areas such as inclusiveness, diversity management, and cultural integration.
‘We all create the university, because a university is first and foremost about people. That is why we should all be involved in building its international openness, friendliness, and brand,’ said Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations dr hab. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, prof. UG. ‘Building an international academic community is based on people, their attitudes and competences. We therefore want to support our employees in their development so that they can best represent the University of Gdańsk and face the challenges of an international, multicultural academic environment.’
The final pillar of the project tasks is the expansion and modernisation of the Welcome Centre website. The website will be expanded to present key information about life and work in Poland, legal procedures, scientific opportunities and administrative support in a clear and personalised manner. Thanks to easy access to resources and tools, the platform will significantly improve the adaptation and integration process for international students and researchers, including those with special needs. The website will comply with EURAXESS network standards.
This year's call for proposals received 112 applications for a total amount of nearly PLN 54 million, of which 39 projects from 37 institutions received funding. The programme is financed by the European Social Development Fund (ESDF 2021-2027).
We invite you to view photos from the grand opening of the first Welcome Point.
