The Welcome Point has been set up for people coming to Poznań to study, work or collaborate with Poznań University of Life Sciences. It is a space where one can obtain practical information and assistance on matters such as legalisation of their stay in Poland, healthcare, public transport and daily administrative procedures.

During the ceremony, Ms. Izabela Siemińska, Head of the International Relations Office and the person responsible for the ‘Welcome Point – PULS space, your space’ project, emphasised that the main aim of Welcome Point is to make it easier for members of the international academic community to settle into university life and their new surroundings. The Welcome Point is intended to not only be an information point, but also a place for gatherings, socialising and building relationships. Plans include events introducing Polish culture and customs, as well as initiatives designed to help students get to know other members of the PULS community.

During the event, Prof. Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz, Rector of the Poznań University of Life Sciences, highlighted the importance of internationalisation for the University’s development. The Rector emphasised that building an open academic environment, in which international students can count on support and settle into their new surroundings smoothly, is a key element of the University’s development.

Prof. Karolina Pawlak, Vice-Rector for International Relations, noted that the launch of the Welcome Point forms part of the University's long-term internationalization strategy. It is a further step towards creating conditions that encourage students and researchers from abroad to join our University, developing international cooperation and strengthening the University’s position within the international academic community.

The establishment of the Welcome Point was made possible by external funding from two sources. The ‘Welcome Point – PULS space, your space’ project is being implemented as part of the ‘Welcome to Poland’ programme, funded by the European Union under the European Social Development Fund 2021–2027 (FERS). The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) acts as the Intermediate Body. Significant support was also provided by the Erasmus+ programme, which funded a large part of the project.

Iwona Cieślik | PULS Press Officer