International students stories

My name is Violetta, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ program. Thanks to University of Kalisz, I was able to deepen my understanding of my subjects, improve my English skills, and gain invaluable academic experience.

Beyond academics, this program was an amazing chance to travel, explore new cultures, and exchange experiences with people from different countries. The friendships I built during this journey were truly special. I loved the time spent with my fellow students—we shared unforgettable moments, supported each other, and learned so much from one another.

This experience has also helped me grow as a person. I have expanded my social circle, overcome my fear of meeting new people, and learned to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence. Living abroad taught me independence, adaptability, and the ability to quickly orient myself in new situations.

Erasmus+ was more than just an educational program for me—it was a life-changing adventure that broadened my horizons and gave me memories I will cherish forever.

Spending a semester in Poland through the Erasmus+ program was an incredible experience that gave me the chance to grow academically, personally, and culturally. It was an opportunity to study in a different educational system, engage with diverse perspectives, and adapt to new situations—all of which I believe will benefit me in both my personal life and future nursing career.

Kalisz, in particular, provided an excellent environment for learning. In my experience, the city’s manageable size made it easy to navigate and quickly feel familiar. Everything I needed for student life was accessible, and the university setting allowed me to focus on both my studies and personal development. The academic experience was enriching, giving me the chance to gain knowledge from my faculty as well as from other disciplines. Having access to different learning approaches and perspectives was truly valuable.

In my academic life, I found support whenever I needed it. The people within the university—whether professors, staff, or fellow students—were always willing to help, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Living in the dormitories also added to the experience, as it provided a sense of community and the chance to form meaningful connections with others. It was a place where I could share experiences, learn from those around me, and create lasting friendships.

Overall, my Erasmus+ experience was unforgettable. It allowed me to develop independence, broaden my perspective, and immerse myself in a dynamic, international environment. The experiences, knowledge, and friendships I gained throughout this journey are things I will always carry with me. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for everything I learned along the way.

To reflect this experience further, I am sharing some moments captured throughout the semester. You can view and download them using the link below. 

Spending five months in Poland as an exchange student was a life-changing experience that broadened my perspective on the world. It was more than just an academic program—it was an adventure filled with learning, self-discovery, and cultural exploration. From my studies in Kalisz to my travels across Europe, every moment was an opportunity to grow and experience something new.

I was based in Kalisz, where I enjoyed academic life in a completely new environment. Studying there allowed me to experience a different education system, engage in interesting discussions, and learn from both professors and fellow students. The international setting helped me develop a broader perspective on global issues and improved my ability to adapt to new challenges.

The experience also helped me become a more independent person. I had to manage my time effectively, balance my studies with social activities, and step out of my comfort zone to participate in academic events. These challenges made me more responsible and helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I know will be valuable in the future.

One of the most exciting parts of my exchange experience was the opportunity to travel across Europe. Being in Poland made it easy to visit different countries, and I took full advantage of that. I explored major cities, each offering its own unique charm and history. Walking through the streets of these cities, I visited world-famous landmarks, and experienced diverse cultures.

Living in a foreign country for five months was not always easy, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. At first, I faced challenges such as adapting to a new culture, dealing with language barriers, and being away from home. However, as time passed, I became more comfortable and started to see these challenges as opportunities for growth. I developed a strong sense of independence. I learned to rely on myself, make important decisions, and step outside my comfort zone. I became more open-minded, understanding that different cultures have different ways of thinking, living, and interacting. This experience shaped me into a more confident, adaptable, and globally aware individual.

Looking back, my five months in Poland were filled with unforgettable memories, valuable lessons, and lifelong friendships. The experience changed me in ways I never expected. I returned home with a greater appreciation for cultural diversity, a stronger sense of self, and a new outlook on life. This exchange program was not just about studying in a different country—it was about embracing new opportunities, exploring the world, and discovering who I am. Poland will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to be part of such a meaningful journey.

I thank University of Kalisz for the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ program. I met a lot of good people from different countries, and most importantly, I received the knowledge of qualified teachers from Poland. I would like to express special gratitude to Monika and Halina and Vladislava for the support provided throughout the entire academic mobility.

My name is Lela, a 22-year-old student from Sokhumi State University in Georgia. I participated in the Erasmus+ exchange program during the autumn semester here in Kalisz. This small, cozy city quickly became a welcoming place for me. The mobility in Kalisz is very convenient – public transport is easy to navigate, and the city’s layout makes it enjoyable to walk or bike around.

I found the peaceful environment perfect for focusing on my studies, while also having the chance to explore local cafes, parks, and cultural spots. Through this experience, I was able to immerse myself in Polish culture and meet people from different backgrounds, which truly enriched my perspective. I also had the opportunity to travel and discover other parts of Europe, experiencing new cultures and making unforgettable memories. Overall, Kalisz offered a wonderful balance of tranquility and vibrant community life, while broadening my horizons in ways I never expected.

Spending a semester in Kalisz has been an unforgettable experience filled with new friendships, cultural discoveries, and academic growth. From the first days, I felt welcomed by both the university and the local community. The professors were supportive, and the courses provided an interesting perspective that enriched my studies.

Beyond academics, Kalisz surprised me with its charm. Walking through the historic old town, enjoying cozy cafés, and exploring the green parks quickly became part of my daily routine. The city’s calm atmosphere made it a perfect place to focus on both studies and personal development.

One of the best parts of this journey has been meeting students from different countries. We’ve shared incredible moments—traveling around Poland, trying traditional Polish food, doing fun activities like ice skating, clay dating, painting and celebrating different cultures together. These experiences have broadened my horizons and created memories I will cherish forever.

I am truly grateful for this Erasmus+ opportunity. It has not only enhanced my education but also helped me grow as a person. If you’re considering studying abroad, Kalisz is a wonderful place to do it!

During my Erasmus+ mobility in Kalisz, I had the opportunity to experience a new academic environment, adapt to different ways of learning, and grow both personally and professionally. This journey was not just about education but also about building meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. The friendships I made during this time became one of the most valuable parts of my experience, as we shared countless moments, supported each other, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Beyond my studies, I also explored Poland, visiting Warsaw, Wrocław, Toruń, and Poznań, and traveled to other European cities like Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Berlin, Cologne, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. Each destination brought new experiences, but what made them truly special was sharing them with friends.

I am incredibly grateful for this journey, the people I met, and the experiences that shaped me. Erasmus+ programme was more than just an exchange program—it was a time of learning, adventure, and friendships that I will always cherish.

During the 4 and a half months I spent in Kalisz, Poland, I had the chance to immerse myself in a new culture, develop new skills, and create unforgettable friendships. This small city, filled with history and tradition, offered me a welcoming atmosphere and a great opportunity to learn.

My studies at the local university were a highly valuable and challenging experience, enhancing not only my academic knowledge but also my intercultural skills. Kalisz was the place where I met amazing people from different countries, and where I formed connections that will remain strong even after the program ends.

From strolling around the city to tasting traditional Polish dishes, every moment was an opportunity to learn something new and grow as a person. Poland, and especially Kalisz, will always remain a cherished memory in my student life.

A big thank you to everyone who was part of this experience and made this journey unforgettable! 💙

My mobility experience was completely different from anything I’ve done before, and it shaped me in so many ways. It helped me explore myself first, then discover the environment around me—starting with Poland and then other parts of Europe. Every place I visited added something new to me, and every person I met or even had a small conversation with helped me learn something about myself or about Poland in general. It was such a memorable experience, one I’ll always talk about, and I really hope I get the chance to visit Poland and Kalisz again. And honestly, if I ever get another opportunity to join Erasmus+ programme, I’d do it without thinking twice!

I am a student of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute and within the framework of the international Erasmus+ program I had the opportunity to study at University of Kalisz in Poland, which was an invaluable experience for me both academically and personally. The study proved to be exciting and intense, the disciplines were well organized and the lecturers were responsive and always ready to support the students. The friendly atmosphere among students and teachers made my learning process even more comfortable and productive, as well as helped me to get rid of the language barrier. 

Besides studying, the program gave me a unique opportunity to travel and get acquainted with different cultures. During this period I was able to visit several countries, which broadened my horizons and gave me unforgettable impressions.

I am grateful for this incredible experience, new knowledge, acquaintances and the opportunity for personal growth. This time will leave in my memory only the best memories.