International students stories

I am Abdurahim, a representative student from Uzbekistan, who has participated Erasmus+  2024/2025 mobility programme in Poland. During my stay in Kalisz, I explored a lot great places, kept in touch with amazing friends from the different walks of life as well as participated in the lessons at my host University, University of Kalisz. All the teachers are friendly, supportive, they could conduct interestingly effective lessons. All in all, I liked this program and I hopefully believe that it helps me to excel at my future career.

Hi, my name is Eugenia, and I represent the Faculty of Engineering, Economics, and Business at the Technical University of Moldova.

The decision to participate in this mobility was spontaneous. I love changes and unpredictable opportunities that tend to appear in my life, which is why I made up my mind to participate in this program.

Coming to Kalisz was kind of a challenge – I felt afraid and excited at the same time. However, upon my arrival here, I was greeted warmly by our buddy students from the university, who helped me calm down and get to know the town better.

While being here, I formed friendships with people from various cultures: Ukraine, Palestine, Turkey, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. Our teachers were very kind and supportive. Similar to my home university, they allowed us to express our views freely on different topics based on the subjects we studied. We worked on group projects and visited several places, such as the court in Kalisz, Gołuchów Castle and its park, and we also had the opportunity to attend a school competition.

This mobility gave me an amazing experience. I learned what it feels like to live alone in another country, gained new knowledge about different cultures, discovered new things and passions about myself, and much more.

I definitely recommend participating in the Erasmus+ programme, and if you want to settle in a quiet town, without noise and with beautiful architecture, then the city of Kalisz will be your best choice.

This past semester, I had the great chance to spend an important part of my studies in Kalisz, and it was a memorable experience. Kalisz, located in the heart of Poland, is a city with a rich history, dynamic culture, and a distinct ambiance that provided the ideal setting for my scholastic adventure.

The people’s friendliness and hospitality impressed me right away when I arrived. The pleasant and accessible locals greeted me warmly, making the transfer to a new and unfamiliar place much easier. Whether it was informal talks with residents at cafés or helpful exchanges with my teachers and classmates, I felt welcomed by the city’s open atmosphere.

Beyond academics, Kalisz provided several possibilities for personal growth. I discovered its cultural legacy by visiting museums

The city’s central location also made it easy to explore other parts of Poland, which improved my whole experience, including Torun, Poznan, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Warsaw, and Krakow.

My experience in Kalisz has been quite fulfilling. It has not only widened my intellectual horizons but also allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and create lifelong experiences. I am glad for this chance and will treasure the memories and connections I made during my stay in Kalisz.

Spending a significant part of the winter semester 2024/2025 in Kalisz has been an enriching and memorable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the city’s charming atmosphere and the warmth of the people. I was happy to explore a new culture and visit different Polish cities, which allowed me to see the country’s diversity and beauty. Each trip brought new experiences and unforgettable moments. 

Of course, adapting to a new environment comes with its challenges, but they have only made the experience more meaningful. Overcoming language barriers, adjusting to a different way of life, and navigating daily routines in a foreign city have strengthened my resilience and independence. This mobility program in Kalisz has not only broadened my horizons but has also shaped me personally. It has been an experience of growth, learning, and wonderful new connections—one that I will always cherish.

Hello! My name is Salsabeel, and I’m currently immersed in an unforgettable experience here in Kalisz, Poland, as part of the Erasmus+ program during the winter semester of 2024/2025. I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of my journey with you.

Kalisz has proven to be the perfect place for both intellectual and personal growth. The courses here are not only challenging but also incredibly enriching. The professors have been welcoming and supportive, offering a learning environment that encourages curiosity and deeper understanding. Every class has given me fresh perspectives, and the university’s facilities have made studying a truly enjoyable experience. I feel truly fortunate to be able to pursue my academic journey in such an inspiring setting.

Beyond academics, Kalisz has opened up an entirely new world of cultural discovery. I’ve had the chance to explore the city’s historical treasures and immerse myself in the vibrant Polish culture. The warmth of the people and the beauty of the city have made me feel at home, and I’ve found joy in every moment of discovery. Whether it’s the fascinating traditions, the local cuisine, or the welcoming atmosphere, Kalisz has become a place that holds a special place in my heart.

One of the most incredible aspects of this Erasmus journey has been the opportunity to travel and experience Europe’s diverse cultures firsthand. My travels began with visits to Amman in Jordan and Ankara in Turkey, where I was captivated by the rich history and cultural vibrancy of these cities.

Then, I journeyed through Italy, where I explored Milan’s modern elegance, Verona’s historical romance, and Venice’s breathtaking canals. After Italy, I visited Germany, where I explored Berlin, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Cologne. Each city has its own unique charm, from Berlin’s rich history to the coastal beauty of Bremerhaven.

I’ve also admired the elegance of Paris in France, the historic charm of Brussels in Belgium, and the artistic vibe of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Prague’s enchanting streets, Budapest’s timeless beauty, Bratislava’s picturesque views, and Vienna’s imperial grandeur have all left their mark on me.

Within Poland, I’ve explored Wrocław, Toruń, and Warsaw, each offering a unique insight into the country’s history and culture. These travels have given me a broader perspective and have been an essential part of my Erasmus experience.

Living abroad has been an eye-opening experience. The independence, responsibility, and resilience I’ve gained here have shaped me in ways I never expected. From navigating daily life in a new country to connecting with people from all walks of life, this experience has pushed me to grow both academically and personally. The challenges I’ve faced have only made me more confident and adaptable, and I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the importance of empathy.

As I look back on my time in Kalisz, I can truly say it has been a life-changing experience. This Erasmus journey has not only opened my mind to new knowledge but also provided me with unforgettable memories and valuable personal insights. I’m grateful for every moment, every lesson learned, and every new friendship made. There’s still more to come, and I can’t wait to embrace everything this incredible opportunity has to offer.

Hi! My name is Nastya, and I’m a second-year student at National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” from Ukraine. 

I stayed in Kalisz during the winter semester of 2024/2025 and I’d like to share a little bit of my own experience here.

The Erasmus+ programme gave me so many unforgettable memories and a wonderful experience. It helped me grow more as a person and find out new things that I enjoy and am good at. Also, another amazing thing is that you can meet here many new people from different countries and backgrounds. It was a pleasure to get to know all the students who studied with me and realize that we actually have lots of things in common despite being so different at the same time. 

Regarding Kalisz itself, I want to say that I really liked this city even though it’s quite small. It was even better than I expected when I came here and experienced its atmosphere and beauty in reality. I don’t regret choosing this place as my new home for 5 months at all. Plus, it’s not a problem to get to other Polish cities from Kalisz, so I strongly advise to travel around Poland and visit places like Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Lodz, and so on. Each city has its special charm, and I’m happy that I got the chance to visit many of them during my stay in Poland.

I’m grateful to all the organizers of this program for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to try something new and get so many incredible memories. 

Thank you,  University of Kalisz! You’ll hold a special place in my heart for a long time! 

Hi, I am Aysel. I arrived in Kalisz in October as part of the Erasmus+ program at University of Kalisz, and I immediately began an unforgettable experience. Studying in a different culture greatly contributed to both my academic and personal development.

The lifestyle, history, and cultural richness of Poland have had a significant impact on me. Being a student at University of Kalisz has given me a broader international perspective. This experience has been valuable both professionally and personally, and it will hold an important place in my life.

Hello!! My name is Cleyde. I’m a 3rd year Finance student in Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique and I’m here to talk about my experience in University of Kalisz, Poland. 

When I received the information about this Erasmus+ EU program I was convinced in the same time but the experience was better than I really expected. 

Before I come, I had the best support from Ms Monika and Ms Ewa and first, my special thanks for them. 

Everything was planned specifically for making all of us as foreign students, from different countries to feel like home and comfortable.

 This program, of course will be the best part of my academic career, because I had the chance to learn with very professional professors specialised in each field and of course in human relations, it made a good learning environment. 

My special thanks to Ms Tatiana, she always tried to make sure that we are comfortable and if everything is okay. 

My field of education is management, business and entrepreneurship, but here, we had the chance to discuss very different topics such as international Law, environmental crisis and of course add more knowledge in the Business field talking about Finance, Marketing and Human Resources. 

I finish this mobility very happy and grateful, sure that all the teaching goals were achieved and it is going to help me not only in my professional career, but specifically in my human relations as well, thanks to different cultures and nationalities of each of us. 

Special thanks to the EU for this opportunity, for the support, allowed us to have the greatest comfort, several trips and tours in and out of Kalisz, allowed us to live unique experiences, I think everyone should apply for this opportunity. 

Thanks Kalisz for the hospitality, I’m really planning to come back again and again. 

I became part of University of Kalisz family in October 2024 and it was an astonishing moment whereby the International Relations Officers and Professors were friendly, helping and caring. The University was a destination for academic excellence and peace of mind.

I would advise students to cherish University of Kalisz because it provides platform for international awareness and the opportunities for your career.

Hi! I am Kateryna, a student at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” from Ukraine. 

I am really happy that I took part in the Erasmus+ programme in Kalisz, Poland. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of new people and make good friends. Moreover, thanks to this program I had the chance to learn a lot about other cultures, cuisines and countries. 

During my mobility I improved my English skills because I had lots of practice in classes and in communicating with other participants. And it helped me to overcome my fear of speaking English. Additionally, I gained a lot of important knowledge and skills during the classes, which I am sure will be useful for my future career and life.

I would also like to tell you, that I absolutely like Kalisz, it’s a small but at the same time very beautiful and cozy town. I’m sure if you come here you will definitely like it too. By the way, if you want to visit some other Polish cities or maybe other countries, you will also have the opportunity and time to do it. 

I really appreciate this experience and I am thankful to everyone who helped me to get the opportunity to participate in this program.