International students stories

Studying at University of Kalisz as an Erasmus+ student was one of the best experiences of my life.

I met incredible people from different cultures, made unforgettable memories, and found friendships that I will always cherish. Every moment I spent with my friends made this journey even more special.

A special thank you to all the kind, supportive, and welcoming professors who made me feel at home from the very beginning.

Thank you, University of Kalisz, for all the lessons, memories, and beautiful moments. This place will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to see you again someday.

My name is Zaituna, and I am a medical student at Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique.

The moment I heard about the Erasmus program, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. And thankfully in 2026, I had the opportunity to participate.

Choosing Kalisz was one of the best decisions I have ever made, the city is beautiful and the people we met here have been welcoming and kind.

At the faculty I had access to information, resources and technologies that were not available at my home university, which enriched my academic experience and broadened my perspective on medical education.

Participating in this program has been an unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and languages, meet people from diverse backgrounds and discover how to live and work alongside them. I also had the opportunity to give lectures on schools representing my country, teaching children my language and talking about Mozambique. These experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

During my stay, I could travel to several cities in Poland and visit other european countries including the Netherlands and Belgium, where I was able to experience their cultures firsthand. Every journey, conversation and new experience has contributed to making this exchange a truly life changing opportunity.

I am grateful for the Erasmus+ program and for everyone who made this experience possible. It has not only expanded my academic knowledge but has also given me memories and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Like many exchange students, I wanted to study in a popular, big city because I believed those places offered the excitement of exploring many things all at once. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was wrong.

I had the opportunity to study at the University of Kalisz, which, as I always say, has “the vibes of a bigger city—or even more.” The University of Kalisz made me realize that being far away from home does not mean feeling far from home. From the moment I arrived, I experienced exceptional hospitality, care, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that my exchange journey was memorable.

The classes were interactive, engaging, and enriching. Throughout the entire journey, there was constant support and guidance, making it easy to adapt and thrive both academically and personally. One of the greatest highlights of my exchange was meeting people from different countries and cultural backgrounds. We built close friendships while appreciating our diversity and embracing our differences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Beyond academics, there was always something exciting to do. The trips to different cities, cultural activities, and events organized within the city ensured that there was never a dull moment. Every experience added something special to my exchange journey.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Monica, Eva, and Professor Tatiana. Your kindness, dedication, and unwavering support made us feel welcome from the very beginning. You made us feel like we truly belonged, and indeed, we did.

A special thank you also goes to our buddy, Dorota, for your incredible support, especially during my arrival. Your guidance and willingness to help made settling into a new environment so much easier, and I will always be grateful.

My exchange at the University of Kalisz has been an unforgettable chapter of my life. It was a journey of learning, friendship, cultural exchange, and personal growth. I leave with wonderful memories, lifelong friendships, and deep gratitude for everyone who made this experience so meaningful.

My participation in the Erasmus+ programme was one of the most valuable and memorable experiences of my academic life. During my mobility period, from 26 February to 5 July, at University of Kalisz in Poland, I had the opportunity to gain new knowledge, experience a different educational system, meet people from different cultures, and develop skills that will be important for my personal and professional future.

During my mobility, I attended several courses related to my field of study, all taught in English. This experience allowed me to strengthen the knowledge I had already gained at my home university while becoming familiar with new teaching methods based on active student participation, group work, presentations, and case studies.

Another positive aspect of my mobility was studying in an international environment. Every day, I interacted with students from different countries, which allowed me to learn about other cultures, exchange ideas, and build friendships that I will always remember. These experiences taught me the importance of respecting cultural diversity and working with people from different backgrounds.

In addition to my academic experience, I had the opportunity to discover Polish culture. I took part in activities organized by the university, visited different cities and places of interest, and learned about local traditions and customs. These experiences made my stay in Poland more enjoyable and helped me better understand the country’s history and culture.

Like any international experience, my mobility also included some challenges. Adapting to a new country, a different educational system, the weather, and being away from my family required flexibility and independence. However, I gradually adapted to these changes and became more confident, responsible, and organized. These challenges helped me grow both personally and academically.

Overall, the Erasmus+ mobility had a very positive impact on my academic, personal, and professional development. Besides improving my knowledge in my field of study, I strengthened my English communication skills, learned how to work effectively in an international environment, and gained a broader perspective on higher education and international cooperation.

In conclusion, this mobility was a unique and rewarding experience that contributed greatly to my personal and academic growth. I will always remember the knowledge I gained, the friendships I made, and the experiences I had during my stay in Poland. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Erasmus+ programme, University of Kalisz, and my home university for giving me this opportunity. I highly recommend the Erasmus+ programme to other students because it offers an excellent opportunity for academic development, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 programme, I had the opportunity to undertake an academic mobility at University of Kalisz, Poland.

This experience represented an important milestone in my academic, professional, and personal development, allowing me to experience a different higher education system, acquire new knowledge, develop intercultural skills, and broaden my perspective on healthcare and medical education.

As a Medical student at Eduardo Mondlane University, this mobility provided an opportunity to complement my academic background through contact with different teaching methodologies, new approaches to healthcare, and an international learning environment.

Beyond the academic component, the Erasmus experience also represented an opportunity for personal growth through interaction with students from different countries, adaptation to a new culture, and participation in activities beyond the classroom.

I arrived in Kalisz in February 2026, beginning a new stage of learning and adaptation.

From the beginning of the mobility, I received support from University of Kalisz community, which helped facilitate my integration into the academic and social environment. Orientation activities were organised, including an introduction to the university facilities, academic procedures, and student life.

Living in the student residence and interacting with local and international students allowed me to gradually adapt to the new environment and develop meaningful connections with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Although adapting to a new country involved challenges related to language, culture, and academic organisation, these experiences contributed to developing my independence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.

During my Erasmus+ mobility, I attended different courses offered by University of Kalisz as part of my mobility programme. These courses contributed to my academic development by providing complementary knowledge in areas related to healthcare, communication, technology, research, and population protection.

Professional Foreign Language (English)

This course helped improve my English communication skills, particularly in academic and healthcare contexts.

Interaction with students from different nationalities contributed to increasing my confidence in using English in formal situations, presentations, and professional communication.

Interpersonal Communication in Healthcare

This course focused on the importance of communication in healthcare, particularly the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients, empathy, active listening, and teamwork.

The knowledge gained reinforced the importance of effective communication as an essential component of human-centred medical practice.

IT Systems in Healthcare

This course provided an understanding of the role of information technologies in modern healthcare systems, including digital tools, clinical information management, and technological innovation applied to healthcare services.

It highlighted the growing importance of technology in improving the quality, efficiency, and safety of healthcare delivery.

Marketing Research

Through this course, I developed knowledge about research methods, information collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and presentation of findings.

The activities and group work helped improve my communication skills, critical thinking, organisation, and ability to collaborate with students from different cultural backgrounds.

Protect of Population

This course addressed topics related to population protection, public health, risk prevention, and strategies aimed at promoting community safety and well-being.

The knowledge acquired was relevant to my medical training, reinforcing the importance of prevention, health education, and addressing health problems from a population perspective.

Laboratory Diagnostics

This course allowed me to deepen my knowledge of laboratory diagnostic methods, complementary diagnostic tests, and the interpretation of laboratory results to support clinical decision-making.

It strengthened the connection between laboratory investigations and medical practice, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis in patient management.

Besides the academic activities, I had the opportunity to participate in additional activities that contributed to my professional and personal development.

Intercultural Workshop

I participated in a workshop focused on interculturality, where topics related to communication between cultures, diversity, and adaptation in international environments were discussed.

This activity was particularly relevant in the Erasmus+ context, as it helped develop intercultural communication skills, respect for diversity, and collaboration with people from different backgrounds.

Bleeding Control Training

I also participated in a training session focused on bleeding control, an essential area in the initial management of emergency situations.

The training provided practical knowledge regarding bleeding management, rapid intervention, and essential measures to reduce risks in potentially life-threatening situations.

This experience was highly valuable for my medical education, considering the importance of emergency response skills in healthcare practice.

During my mobility, I had the opportunity to visit healthcare institutions in Poland, including hospitals in Kalisz and Łódź.

These visits allowed me to better understand the organisation of Polish healthcare services, hospital structures, different departments, and the delivery of care to patients.

The contact with these institutions provided a practical perspective on the Polish healthcare system and allowed me to compare different approaches to healthcare organisation with the reality of my home country.

These experiences broadened my understanding of different healthcare models and reinforced the importance of knowledge exchange between healthcare systems.

During my stay in Poland, I had the opportunity to visit different cities, exploring the history, culture, and diversity of the country.

The cities visited included:

Kalisz

The city where my mobility took place, where I experienced local life, explored historical sites, and integrated into the academic community.

Warsaw (Warszawa)

The capital of Poland, where I had the opportunity to explore important historical and cultural sites and understand the country’s history and development.

Poznań

A city with great historical and cultural importance, where I experienced its architecture, historical centre, and regional identity.

Wrocław

A city known for its rich architecture, cultural diversity, and historical spaces, providing a very enriching cultural experience.

Łódź

A city recognised for its industrial heritage and transformation of historical industrial spaces into modern cultural and social areas.

Kraków (Cracow)

One of Poland’s most historically significant cities, with a well-preserved cultural heritage and important historical landmarks.

These visits contributed to a deeper understanding of Polish culture, increased my independence, and enriched my overall Erasmus+ experience.

The Erasmus+ experience represented much more than an academic opportunity. It was a period of significant personal growth and development.

Living and interacting with students from different countries helped me develop communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, and respect for cultural diversity.

Experiencing daily life in a different country, adapting to new environments, and overcoming challenges strengthened my confidence, independence, and ability to work in multicultural settings.

The mobility at University of Kalisz had a significant impact on my development as a Medical student.

Exposure to different teaching methods, healthcare perspectives, hospital environments, and complementary subjects expanded my understanding of medicine and healthcare delivery.

The experience reinforced the importance of communication, prevention, public health, technology, and multidisciplinary teamwork in modern medical practice.

It also contributed to developing a broader, more international, and human-centred perspective of the medical profession.

The Erasmus+ KA171 mobility at University of Kalisz was an extremely enriching experience academically, professionally, and personally.

The opportunity to study in an international environment, participate in training activities, visit healthcare institutions, explore Polish culture, and interact with students from different nationalities represented a valuable stage in my development.

I would like to express my gratitude to Eduardo Mondlane University, University of Kalisz, and the Erasmus+ programme for providing this opportunity.

This experience will remain an important milestone in my medical education and will motivate me to continue developing as a future healthcare professional with a global, collaborative, and human-centred approach.

This report aims to describe and reflect upon my international mobility experience in Poland, carried out under the Erasmus+ academic mobility programme. Taking part in this programme allowed me not only to deepen my academic knowledge but also to develop personal, social, and intercultural skills.

The mobility took place between February and July 2026 in the city of Kalisz, with Uniwersytet Kaliski as the host institution. During this period, I attended course units in the field of Management, integrating into an academic and cultural environment significantly different from that of my home country.

Academic Objectives

To attend a set of courses that would complement my background in Management.
To learn about teaching and assessment methods different from those practised in my country.
To improve my language skills, particularly in using English in professional and academic contexts.
To establish contact with innovative research or pedagogical practices.

Personal and intercultural objectives

To develop my ability to adapt to a new cultural and social environment.
To enhance my autonomy and problem-solving skills in an international context.
To build a network of contacts with students from different nationalities.
To learn about the culture, history, and customs of Poland.
To reflect on my own identity and values within a multicultural setting.

Poland proved to be a welcoming country with a rich and diverse culture. The initial adaptation involved understanding the schedules, gastronomy, public transport, and social norms. The language barrier was a challenge, but most young people and professionals spoke English, which facilitated integration.

Cultural and leisure activities

Visits to historic cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, and Poznań.
Participation in university-organised events, including cultural nights, international dinners, and guided tours.
Gastronomic experiences, including tasting traditional dishes.
Contact with Polish history through visits to museums, castles, and historical memorials.

Living alongside students from various nationalities – Poles, Turks, Germans, and others – was one of the most enriching experiences. Sharing experiences, difficulties, and joys with people from such diverse backgrounds broadened my horizons and taught me to value diversity.

This experience was a milestone in my academic and personal journey. Studying abroad allowed me to:

Broaden my academic horizons: by engaging with different pedagogical approaches.
Develop a more global perspective: on European economic and social challenges.
Increase my employability: as international experience is valued in the job market.
Grow as a person: stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to handle new and unpredictable situations.
Build lasting friendships: with people from around the world, which enriched my personal life.

The international mobility experience in Poland was transformative and exceeded all my expectations. It not only allowed me to deepen my knowledge in my field of study but also taught me valuable lessons about autonomy, resilience, interculturality, and personal growth.

I carry with me not just a participation certificate, but a set of memories, friendships, and skills that will accompany me throughout my professional and personal life.

I strongly recommend this opportunity to all students – it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your future.

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!

My Erasmus+ experience in Kalisz was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Meeting wonderful people, discovering Polish culture, and experiencing the warmth and kindness of the people deeply touched me. As I had the opportunity to travel to different countries, I also got to explore new cultures. Along the way, I made many new friends in the most unexpected moments.

Erasmus gave me a broader perspective, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. Our academic courses also broadened my horizons. In particular, the Sports of Disabled course will definitely play an important role in helping me better understand my future patients and provide them with better care throughout my nursing career.

Looking back, Erasmus+ programme gave me a brand-new version of myself. New cultures, new friendships… But most importantly, it gave me the confidence to say to myself, “No matter where I am in the world, I can overcome challenges on my own.”

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my Erasmus+ buddy, Dorota, and to our International Relations Officer, Monika Gustowska. I always felt their support, and whenever I faced a problem, they were there to help me solve it.

Finally, I would like to thank all my friends, University of Kalisz, and everyone who gave me this incredible opportunity. This Erasmus+ experience will always remain one of the most precious memories of my life, and I will always look back on it with a smile.

My Erasmus experience at University of Kalisz has been nothing short of incredible. Poland and the city of Kalisz are truly beautiful, offering a rich culture and delicious food that I have completely fallen in love with them. A huge part of this unforgettable journey has been the people.

My amazing Erasmus+ buddies, Dorota and Miłosz, were lifesavers—especially Miłosz, who introduced me to the local way of life and made me feel like I truly belonged here, never like a stranger. I am truly grateful to him for that. The social environment here is so genuine. While it’s impossible to list everyone’s name, the deep bonds I formed with my amazing Polish and international friends created an incredibly warm, vibrant, and unforgettable community.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to my professors for their continuous guidance, and a very special thank to Monika Gustowska, who was always there to help and to whom I owe so much. Furthermore, Kalisz’s great central location has made traveling around Europe so easy and fun, allowing me to explore countless cities. Looking back, the Malik before Erasmus+ and the Malik now are two completely different people.

I have grown and gained so much life experience. One semester passes by in the blink of an eye, but this is only the first chapter of my story. I am thrilled to be staying here for one more semester, and I have absolutely no doubt it will be just as amazing!