First graduates of the International School of Engineering (ISE) receive their diplomas
21-06-2024
Diplomas from Bialystok University of Technology were awarded to:
– 53 students in Civil Engineering, Bachelor’s degree,
– 12 students in Civil Engineering, Master’s degree,
– 53 students in Environmental Engineering, Bachelor’s degree.
The diplomas for the Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering programmes were presented by Professor Wang Zhongliang, the newly elected Rector of Tianjin Chengjian University.
Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Rector of Bialystok University of Technology, addressed the graduates:
With great joy and pride, I join you on this special day, regretting that we cannot meet in person. Today’s ceremony is an important milestone in the history of three universities: Tianjin Chengjian University, Bialystok University of Technology, and Cracow University of Technology. As the Rector of Bialystok University of Technology, I am honoured to speak at the official graduation ceremony of the first graduates of the International School of Engineering.
Today is a day filled with joy and satisfaction for all of us. It is a moment to reflect on years of hard work, challenges, as well as the experiences gained and numerous successes. It is also a time to proudly look towards the future, seeing new opportunities opening up before you.
The collaboration between Bialystok University of Technology and Tianjin Chengjian University was a milestone in our internationalisation strategy. Our universities jointly created an educational programme that combines the best traditions and innovations of both academic cultures. Together, we have built bridges that allow for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. Since the signing of the agreement establishing the international educational institution in June 2021, the International School of Engineering (ISE) has become an important element of the educational and organisational activities not only of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology but also of the entire university. I am proud that our cooperation is yielding such wonderful results.
Currently, ISE offers Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering programmes, jointly with Bialystok University of Technology, with 341 students in the Bachelor’s programme and 65 students in the Master’s programme. These numbers reflect the high interest in our educational offer and the trust in our joint initiative.
At the start of our cooperation, in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, we faced enormous challenges. Travel restrictions prevented both students from coming to Poland and our teachers from going to China. Despite these difficulties and the significant time difference between our countries, the entire programme was successfully completed remotely. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the academic and administrative staff of both our universities, who worked with dedication and passion to deliver the programme at the highest level. Your contribution is invaluable, and it is thanks to you that this programme has been a success.
After two years of remote teaching for students from China, the International School of Engineering finally began to operate according to its original plan. I am pleased that when the pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2022, we could host the first group of 12 Master’s students at Bialystok University of Technology. Today, they are among the graduates present. I hope that the time spent at our university is remembered with joy and that it has broadened your horizons.
This academic year, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology hosted 82 students from TCU. Another group of 117 students will join us in the next academic year.
Since November last year, 12 lecturers from Bialystok University of Technology have visited TCU and taught in China as part of our agreement. These activities demonstrate how intense and fruitful the cooperation between our universities is. I am pleased that we can jointly educate future engineers who will be ready to meet the challenges of the global job market.
Dear Graduates, during your studies, you have become part of this unique international community. You have gained not only technical and engineering knowledge but also learned how to work and communicate in an international environment. These are skills that will accompany you throughout your professional life.I am confident that the education at ISE will open many doors for you. The world needs engineers ready to face the challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to the development of sustainable infrastructure to technological innovations. I believe that you are well-prepared to meet these challenges and that you will contribute to the development of your country.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all graduates. I wish you much success in your professional and personal lives, as well as continuous curiosity about the world and the courage to pursue your dreams.
The ceremony at Tianjin Chengjian University was attended by Prof. Katarzyna Zabielska-Adamska, a member of the ISE Academic Committee, Dariusz Andraka, PhD, Eng, Vice Dean of ISE for Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, and Grazyna Jakimiuk, Deputy Head of the Department of Mobility and International Agreements. Representatives of Cracow University of Technology also participated in the ceremony.
Students of the Bachelor’s programmes in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering are required to study at Bialystok University of Technology for one academic year, while Master’s students study for one semester. Importantly, the study programmes meet the quality standards of education in both Poland and China.
Classes are conducted in English and provide specialist knowledge, including the basics of designing concrete, steel, and bridge structures, masonry and timber constructions, road construction, fundamentals of static and strength analysis, and the organisation of construction works. Students acquire new competencies using the latest engineering tools and software, exploring innovative low-energy construction solutions, which are highly sought after in the construction market.
Education takes place not only in the innovative laboratories of Bialystok University of Technology. Thanks to cooperation with regional enterprises that offer study visits to construction sites, students from China have the opportunity to learn the profession from a practical perspective.
The International School of Engineering is an innovative project whose success is ensured by the accreditation of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and full support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, as well as the involvement of Polish universities: Bialystok University of Technology and Cracow University of Technology, and the Chinese partner university Tianjin Chengjian University.
The aim of this joint educational initiative is to enable Chinese students to pursue international studies in their own country and obtain dual diplomas in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Planning. The study programmes have been jointly prepared by Tianjin Chengjian University, Bialystok University of Technology, and Cracow University of Technology and meet the programme requirements of both ministries. Education commenced in the 2020/21 academic year.