Foreign students choose Bialystok University of Technology for its modern infrastructure and warm, friendly atmosphere. In the 2025/2026 academic year, nearly 400 international students began their education at the largest technical university in north-eastern Poland: 284 Erasmus+ students from KA131 countries (European Union), 31 from KA171 countries (outside the EU), 4 full-time students, and 84 students from China – participants of the International School of Engineering (ISE), which Bialystok University of Technology runs jointly with Tianjin Chengjian University.
– During the Welcome Dinner, we try to discuss various aspects our international students may face during their stay at Bialystok University of Technology – says Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Bialystok University of Technology. – The most important thing is the sense of safety, but also understanding local customs, which comes in handy in everyday situations – while shopping or walking around the city. We also give our guests hints on what they can do at our university besides studying.
Anna Maria came to Bialystok University of Technology from distant Moldova. Her older sister convinced her to study in Białystok.
– I will study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering – says the student from Moldova. – In 2020, my sister studied here. She told me a lot about the city, about feeling safe here, but also about meeting kind teachers and having interesting classes with plenty of practical experience. That’s why I also applied for an Erasmus scholarship in Poland – mainly to challenge myself and create memories for life.
Marco Antonio Rodriguez from Spain came to Bialystok University of Technology to study mechanics.
– I’ve already had a chance to visit the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and I’m positively surprised – says Marco. – I was impressed by the laboratories and their modern equipment. I fell in love with the Formula Student cars built by the students here. I hope I’ll be able to join the team, even for a while, and see how they do it – from design to the final result.
Yumana, a student from Mozambique, is visiting Europe for the first time. She wants to experience a new environment, culture and… weather conditions. She is particularly interested in expanding her knowledge in computer networks, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
– I’ve been at Bialystok University of Technology for just a week, but I’ve already noticed huge differences between what my home university offers and what I’ve seen at the Faculty of Computer Science – says Yumana. – You have many more laboratories, and each student has their own computer with the necessary software. It really speeds up the work and the creation of practical projects. I like it a lot.
– My name is Mihai Maxim and I come from Romania – says another Erasmus student, who will study electrical engineering at Bialystok University of Technology. – I wanted to see what it’s like to study in another European country, and I chose your university because of the similar climate and, I think, a similar Slavic mindset. I’ll stay here for one semester, so I hope to see a beautiful snowy winter.
Esma from Türkiye came to Poland because she considers our country the centre of Europe. She hopes that a semester spent at the Faculty of Architecture will allow her to explore the unique features of Polish architecture.
– I really like the location of the faculty where I’ll have my classes – says Esma. – The building has beautiful architecture, it’s surrounded by a park, with trees and lots of greenery around. It’s a very creative space. I was also told that I should learn about the wooden architecture of your region, so I’m keeping my eyes wide open and I’m very excited to be here.
Welcome Dinner and other integration events
The Welcome Dinner at Bialystok University of Technology, attended by a large group of international students, was the first of several integration events planned by the International Relations Offices of BUT to bring together the university’s international community.
– Our international students can actually take part in various activities throughout the whole year – emphasises Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation. – They come here, of course, to make use of our modern laboratory facilities and the expertise of our teaching staff, but also to enjoy the attractions available on site. We organise various trips around our region and campus events. I think everyone can find something for themselves. Later this year, we have planned the Pumpkin Party and the traditional Christmas Meeting with the President of the City of Białystok, which has become a part of our university’s tradition. In spring, there will also be a football tournament.
International students can count on the support of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) members. Hubert Nowicki and Kasia Pruszyńska, who study biotechnology at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, are also ESN mentors.
– At the beginning, the tasks are very simple. We help them find their faculty, get internet access, and show them the nearest bank, shop or gym – says Hubert Nowicki, Vice-President of the Erasmus Student Network at Bialystok University of Technology. – Later, new requests appear, for example to accompany someone to a doctor’s appointment. Students from outside Europe definitely find it harder to overcome language and cultural barriers.
– We are eager to help, because we believe that the way we welcome international students will affect how students from Bialystok University of Technology are treated abroad – adds Kasia Pruszyńska. – The key is kindness and genuine empathy.
During the Welcome Dinner, representatives of the Border Guard and the Police presented basic rules and regulations applicable to foreigners staying in Poland. Beata Cackowska from the Service Centre for Residents of the University Residential Campus talked about the do’s and don’ts related to living in student residence halls. Halina Bramska from the Foreign Language Centre gave a presentation on the Polish language and interesting facts about the culture and history of our country. Servando Herrera Zuazo shared practical tips for students during their stay at Bialystok University of Technology, while representatives of ESN BUT discussed matters important from a student’s perspective. The substantive part of the meeting concluded with a presentation by Marta Orpik, Project Manager of “Action–Integration 2.0”, about the support offered by the Welcome Center as part of the project and upcoming activities for the international community of BUT.
The event ended with a dinner featuring traditional Podlasie dishes. Guests had the opportunity to try pierogi, kartacze, potato babka, bigos and żurek.
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The Welcome Dinner 2025 was held as part of the “Action–Integration 2.0” project, coordinated and financed under the NAWA Welcome to Poland programme. Organiser: International Relations Offices of Bialystok University of Technology.
