Participation in the Erasmus+ Programme constituted one of the most enriching experiences of my academic, professional, and personal trajectory. Throughout the mobility period at University of Kalisz, I was afforded the opportunity to acquire novel knowledge, develop core competencies, and engage with diverse cultural and academic paradigms, rendering this experience genuinely transformative.
From an academic perspective, the mobility facilitated a deeper understanding of the Polish healthcare system through both theoretical and practical endeavours. Among the activities undertaken, distinctive mention must be made of the institutional visits to the Ludwik Perzyna Provincial Hospital in Kalisz, and the Third Municipal Hospital – Miejskie Centrum Medyczne im. dr. Karola Jonschera in Łódź. These visits provided comprehensive practical insights into the organisation, management, and operational frameworks of modern hospital units, thereby enabling a comparative analysis of healthcare delivery models and the acquisition of expertise that will prove highly consequential to my future medical career.
Furthermore, I participated in a First Aid training course with a specific focus on haemorrhage management and control, which enhanced my practical proficiency regarding the primary assessment and stabilization of bleeding casualties. This training underscored the critical importance of swift and efficacious intervention in emergency scenarios, constituting a significant asset to my medical education.
Beyond the scope of academic activities, I attended the Intercultural Workshop, a highly rewarding initiative that facilitated a profound comprehension of Polish culture as well as the cultural backgrounds of the other international participants. Equally noteworthy were the social events organised by University of Kalisz, most notably the welcome reception and the traditional Andrutalia—occasions that fostered integration among students and established enduring professional and personal relationships.
During my residence in Poland, I also had the opportunity to visit several cities, specifically Kalisz, Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, Łódź, Wrocław, Opatówek, and Gołuchów. Each excursion contributed significantly to a broader comprehension of Polish history, culture, and heritage.
Among the aspects most worthy of admiration in Poland were the lifestyle of its population, the abundance of expansive green spaces characterized by high biodiversity, and the efficiency of the public transport infrastructure, which substantially facilitates regional and intercity mobility.
Inevitably, certain challenges arose, the primary impediment being the language barrier. Nonetheless, over time, I acquired a satisfactory command of various Polish words, expressions, and their correct pronunciation, which mitigated communication difficulties and enhanced integration into the local community.
I conclude this period of mobility profoundly renewed. The Erasmus+ Programme has enabled the development of new skills, the acquisition of diverse perspectives, and the reinforcement of my capacity for adaptation, communication, and collaboration within multicultural environments. I shall return to my home country with a broader global vision and a steadfast intention to implement many of the insights and best practices observed during this mobility, thereby contributing to the development of the Mozambican healthcare system and society.
I highly recommend the Erasmus+ Programme to the student community. It represents a unparalleled opportunity for personal, academic, and professional advancement. Far exceeding a conventional mobility scheme, Erasmus+ transforms mindsets, broadens horizons, and contributes to the cultivation of citizens equipped to address the complexities of a globalised world.
I wish to express my profound gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the success of this mobility. I extend my thanks to the coordinators of the International Relations Office, the faculty, and the staff of the dormitory “Bulionik”, who invariably received us with utmost courtesy, professionalism, and diligence, ensuring a welcoming environment and continuous support throughout our tenure. I address a special acknowledgement to the entire staff at Bulionik, whose dedication rendered this experience exceptionally pleasant.
I equally desire to manifest my sincere gratitude to Professor Anita Balcerzak and Professor Jolanta Bilińska for their immense support, availability, and dedication throughout this mobility. Their guidance was fundamental in ensuring that this experience was highly rewarding and productive.
Finally, a distinct acknowledgement is due to Ms. Monika Gustowska, who supervised our entire administrative and academic process from its inception. She consistently demonstrated absolute availability to provide guidance, clarify queries, and offer support whenever required, maintaining an open-door policy at her office. To myself and the remaining students, she exceeded the role of a coordinator, serving as a true mentor, a point of reference, and a vital pillar of support throughout this journey.
I conclude this report with a profound sense of gratitude towards all who contributed to making this experience unforgettable. I shall retain the knowledge acquired, the relationships established, and the memories that will indelibly shape my academic and personal path.
Serdecznie dziękuję!
