XIV International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology. A meeting of university representatives from around the world

Under the name International Staff Week, Bialystok University of Technology organises international workshops twice a year for representatives of partner universities from around the world. The main aim is to strengthen international cooperation within the Erasmus+ Programme, intensify academic exchange, and create an open academic environment that fosters the free exchange of knowledge and good practices in scientific and educational projects.

– I have been working as a researcher and academic teacher in the field of management and marketing for over 20 years, – said Dr Bal Ram Bhattarai from Pokhara University, Nepal. – I accepted the invitation from Bialystok University of Technology because I see it as an opportunity for interesting inter-university partnerships. It is obvious that we have different perspectives on various issues – whether in education or science. I hope for a meaningful exchange of experience, which I believe will enrich our work.

The 14th edition of International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology welcomed university staff from around the globe: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Spain, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nepal, South Africa, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.

All participants showcased their institutions at the ‘Cultural stand’ – a mini fair of Bialystok University of Technology’s partner universities that allowed attendees to feel like members of an international academic community.

– I’m pleasantly surprised by the wonderful international atmosphere of this meeting. I met people from all over the world here in Bialystok! – emphasised Josefa Zandamela from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. – It’s been an enriching experience. I work in university administration, and I’m very interested in how the Polish education system operates – admissions, student services. We don’t have many international students at our university yet, but we are currently preparing to host a group from the Netherlands. Maybe I can convince researchers or students from Bialystok to come to Mozambique? I certainly hope so.

Participants of International Staff Week also delivered open lectures for students and staff of Bialystok University of Technology.

– At my university, I teach mathematical statistics and its applications in construction and civil engineering, – said Prof. Carles Serrat Piè from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. – I’ve had good contacts with staff from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology, but this is my first visit to Bialystok. I’m glad to be here – it’s an opportunity to deepen our cooperation and meet new partners. When we get to know each other in person, it becomes much easier to collaborate remotely, for example, on joint publications. I would also like to extend an invitation to visit our university in Barcelona.

Bialystok University of Technology is actively developing international cooperation within the Erasmus+ Programme. A key element of the university’s internationalisation strategy is also its participation in the prestigious European University project – ACROSS. The University is a member of a consortium of nine European universities connected by a long-term strategy in education and the promotion of European values.

 
In the 2025 QS Europe University Rankings, in the inbound student exchange category, Bialystok University of Technology ranked 1st in Poland, 2nd in Eastern Europe, and 50th in Europe overall. In the outbound exchange category, the University placed 4th in Poland and 19th in Eastern Europe.

The International Staff Week organised regularly by the University plays a vital role in building an open academic environment at Bialystok University of Technology that supports the free exchange of knowledge and good practices in scientific and educational projects.

– During International Staff Week, we have the opportunity to present to our international partners the full potential of Bialystok University of Technology – our well-equipped laboratories and workshops, faculties, and our approach to educating students, in which we involve social and economic stakeholders at various levels, – said Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Bialystok University of Technology. – At the same time, we can build closer relationships with our international partners. We get to know one another and discuss the activities we can implement under our existing bilateral agreements. We nurture our relationships and bridge the gap between our countries.

The 14th edition of the Erasmus+ International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology began on 9 June. After a welcome session with Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, the guests visited the Centre for History of Bialystok University of Technology. There, on a special map of partner universities, they marked their countries of origin. In the evening, they met with the authorities of Bialystok – President Tadeusz Truskolaski and Vice-President Tomasz Klim.

– We are very pleased that the City of Bialystok recognises the University’s efforts to develop international cooperation, – said Agata Dziekońska, Head of the Department of International Projects Erasmus+ and NAWA. – We feel this support both during the spring and winter editions of International Staff Week. The President of Bialystok is our guest of honour at the Christmas gathering with international visitors to Bialystok University of Technology. These are memorable events for the participants, and when they return home, they become ambassadors not only for our University but also for Bialystok and the Podlasie region.

On 10 June, colourful ‘Cultural stands’ representing partner universities were set up in the atrium of the Centre for Modern Education. These exhibitions are flagship events of International Staff Week. By showcasing the cultural diversity of our partner universities, they allow participants to broaden their horizons and feel part of a global academic community.

Our guests also learned about the activities of Erasmus+ InnHub Białystok – an intersectoral innovation centre operating at the University. Its mission is to promote European education programmes and support stakeholders in accessing the broad range of opportunities offered by Erasmus+. Katarzyna Kochaniak from Erasmus+ InnHub Białystok provided information on funding opportunities for modernising education systems and developing professional skills.

In the following days, ISW participants delivered open lectures for students and staff. They also took part in workshops on Polish language and culture, led by Alina Jabłońska Domurat from the Centre for Polish Language and Culture – POLISH LAB. They left a green footprint on the University campus by planting flowers in the Science Garden alongside volunteers from the ‘My Green University’ project.

The 14th edition of the Erasmus+ International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology concluded on 13 June 2025 with a certificate award ceremony.
The event was organised by the Department for Mobility and International Agreements under the Erasmus+ Programme.

by mr