XV International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology. We hosted representatives from 12 universities from around the world
05-12-2025
Innovative educational solutions, deepening partnerships and the international academic community, sharing good practices and knowledge, and enhancing student mobility within Erasmus+. During the XV International Staff Week (ISW) at Bialystok University of Technology, representatives from 12 universities across Asia, the Americas, and Europe came together to contribute to the global dimension of higher education.
– We are strengthening and expanding our international cooperation and looking for new ways to collaborate – says Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng., Rector of Bialystok University of Technology. – We also want to show that working with foreign universities is worthwhile. These activities impact education, research, and the international job market for our graduates.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AT BIALYSTOK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Five days of meetings, presentations from international universities, four workshops for guests focused on education, communication, and intercultural exchange, five open lectures for students and staff of BUT, as well as a festive meeting with the President of the City and participation in the university celebration. The program of the 15th edition of the international meetings offered both practical knowledge and inspiration. Students can use these experiences to shape their future careers internationally, while university staff can enrich the educational and scientific offerings of their home “alma mater.”
– We cooperate closely with Bialystok University of Technology, with which we have excellent relations – says Melody Maraire from Harare Institute of Technology in Zimbabwe. – Two cohorts of our students have attended the summer school here, appreciating its practical and substantive nature. We are therefore very excited to take part in the International Staff Week, exploring the potential of universities from different parts of the world and discussing new opportunities for educational development.
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
Algeria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Kosovo, Mexico, Germany, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe. Sixteen administrative staff and academic teachers from around the world took part in the International Staff Week, which serves as a platform for exchanging good practices.
– We host participants from many countries worldwide because the International Staff Week is not limited to the European Union – says Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Bialystok University of Technology. – Administrative staff come to meet our colleagues from similar departments to discuss potential joint initiatives. Researchers and lecturers also visit, delivering lectures at our university and meeting potential research collaborators. Initiatives like this are extremely valuable for both staff and students. New contacts and stronger relationships between universities support educational mobility.
INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
A highlight of the annual meetings is the “Cultural Stands,” where international participants showcase their universities, highlighting their potential and the cultural richness of their countries. National costumes, exotic cuisine, and even calligraphy workshops – all welcomed participants in a spirit of dialogue and openness.
– This is my first time at Bialystok University of Technology, and it has been an extremely valuable experience – says Ali Benazza from University of Batna 2 in Algeria, one of the ISW participants. – As a teaching assistant, I can share my insights, reflections, and experiences with colleagues. I am very grateful for the invitation.
KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION
ISW participants took part in workshops dedicated to the European University ACROSS, co-created by Bialystok University of Technology. The benefits were mutual.
– Workshops on collaboration in international teams are especially important in the context of the European University ACROSS, which includes 10 universities – explains Grażyna Jakimiuk, MA, from the Mobility and International Agreements Unit at Bialystok University of Technology, leading the ISW sessions. – We aim to learn how cooperation with international students and researchers works at our participants’ universities. We hope they will share their insights about the support provided to both administrative staff and visiting lecturers. This is inspiring knowledge that can be applied here at Bialystok University of Technology.
Organizers also ensured participants gained more than just theoretical knowledge. Representatives of 12 universities toured the campus, the city, and the region. They participated in activities on effective communication, Polish culture, and customs. They learned not only how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Polish, but also explored cultural traditions like Fat Thursday and had the opportunity to ask questions about pensions or salaries in Poland.
SOLUTIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The XV International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology provided opportunities for joint activities and reflection on the global challenges facing education. It was a chance to discuss shared values in many languages of the world.
– I met colleagues from various countries, with whom I rarely have the chance to discuss educational mobility in both Asia and Europe – summarizes Teslime Gokgel from Konya Technical University in Turkey. – I enjoyed every moment of this week, as it was a very inspiring experience that provided many benefits useful in my work.
The XV International Staff Week at Bialystok University of Technology was held from 1–5 December 2025 by the Mobility and International Agreements Office (Departments of International Cooperation) within the Erasmus+ Programme.
The project was co-financed by the European Union.
Author: Magdalena Grzęda-Zajkowska
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