My Green University
Find out about our first steps in group volunteering projects!
From June 2 to 15, 2025, Białystok University of Technology hosted 11 participants of the first edition of the group volunteering project carried out within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps, as well as a group of 6 students from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), who joined in the implementation of tasks planned under the My Green University initiative.
Among the ESC volunteers were two students from BUT, who played an important role in helping their international peers adapt. They supported them not only in project activities, but also in everyday life—for example, by showing them where in Białystok one can find the best ice cream…
Volunteering at Bialystok University of Technology gave me the chance to connect with amazing people and contribute to something meaningful. It helped me step out of my comfort zone, gain confidence, and feel part of a larger community. I’ll carry the inspiration and sense of purpose this experience gave me into whatever comes next.
Volunteering gave me an oppurtunity to meet a lot of people from different countries and cultures. That was great time with amazing persons which gives me a different perspective on many issues. This project encouraged me to further activity.
I heard first about “my green university” in order to do an internship. However it didn’t fit with my university requirements, but I choose to take part to the project anyway. This was definitely the right choice: it was a so enriching experiences! The first week was mainly about green areas and planting on the campus, and the second week took place in the framework of the week of welcoming international partners. I made new friends and I improved my english. I also feel more self-confident after this experience.
The volunteering project at Bialystok University of Technology was a valuable experience that helped me grow personally and professionally. I enjoyed working with people from different backgrounds, learning new skills, and building lasting friendships. This project strengthened my commitment to sustainability and teamwork, and I’ll carry these lessons with me going forward.
Joining the My Green University project in Białystok was a chance to turn values into action. Working with students from Europe and the US, I saw how different perspectives can come together toward one shared goal. It reminded me that real change starts locally, with people who care and show up.
During my volunteering experience, I learned about the essential role green spaces play in urban well-being and the significant effort, planning, and collaboration required to create them. Working with people from diverse backgrounds taught me the value of patience, active listening, and clear communication.
As a geography student, I enjoy exploring the world and different cultures. This project was great, thanks to the exchanges with European volunteers and the International Staff Week participants. It was a great opportunity to discover how sustainable development is approached differently from my country. Thant you for all!
I think every aspect participation in this project had a value of its own but I would say collaborating with my teammates was the most valuable. It was a great opportunity to learn about other cultures within Europe and outside Europe. For example, we cooked food together for 2 weeks and this was a good chance to understand about cuisines from other countries, learn new recipes, engage in language & cultural exchange. Also, it was a nice time working in the team during workshops and then preparing our videos and presentations & getting ready for the internastional staff week. Everyone brought their ideas to the table and we could create something creative for our stalls.
For two weeks, volunteers from around the world actively engaged in the academic and local life, contributing to the creation of a more open, green, and welcoming campus. The scope of their activities was very broad and included, among others:
- taking part in theoretical classes and training sessions devoted to contemporary challenges posed by climate change, as well as exploring solutions to these issues, such as the development of blue-green infrastructure, which improves quality of life in cities and serves as a form of active citizenship,
- co-creating two campaigns—one ecological and one promoting the idea of volunteering—by designing and sharing pro-environmental messages addressed both to the local community and to international guests visiting the university at that time,
- developing educational materials encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly habits in everyday life,
- participating in joint efforts to green the Białystok University of Technology campus together with students from the USA, participants of the 14th International Staff Week, and representatives of the local community.
All tasks carried out by the volunteers were connected to the university’s sustainable development strategy called “My Green University”.
It was an exceptionally valuable time—full of inspiration, collaboration, and positive emotions. The volunteers shared their energy and ideas, while at the same time gaining new experiences and skills themselves. Thanks to their involvement, Białystok University of Technology not only received support in implementing its initiatives, but also gained wonderful memories and motivation to continue similar activities in the future.
The first edition is just the beginning—we believe that future editions of the project will bring even more good, green energy, and international collaboration!
My Green University. Volunteers make BUT campus greener.