On 10 June, the University of Lomza hosted the third edition of the International Staff Week, a recurring event aimed at strengthening existing and fostering new international relationships.
The International Staff Week was attended by representatives of foreign universities from Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, Georgia, Ukraine and Turkey. During their week-long stay at the University of Lomza, they familiarised themselves with the specificities of our institution, the study programmes offered, the study conditions, the research areas and the academic facilities. The programme also included cultural trips to the region and participation in a gala and conference to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our university.
"Twenty-three guests arrived, representing universities from eight countries, including exotic locations such as Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. We planned a rich programme of weekly events for them, including academic discussions, observations of best practice and operational patterns. We wanted to learn as much as possible about our partners, while showcasing Lomza University as a respected centre of education and research. We also showcased Lomza's strengths through soft power, highlighting the region's cultural and natural resources. Our international guests were impressed by the dynamic development of our University, its outstanding faculty, modern infrastructure and aesthetically pleasing campus. For many of them, this was their first visit to Lomza and we hope that through our discussions and meetings with administrators and teachers from our four faculties, we were able to paint a convincing picture of Lomza and Lomza University as an inspiring and recommendable place to study," said Katarzyna Zacharzewska-Arnista, Head of International Relations Department.
Traditionally, the Staff Week began with a meeting with the authorities of the University of Lomza. Afterwards, the University staff introduced the guests to the academic and scientific facilities of the institution. In the following days, lectures were held within the framework of STA mobility, the guests visited historical monuments and cultural institutions of our city, and finally they participated in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the University of Lomza. Professor Nico Nijsten from Belgium delivered a speech at the anniversary gala, in which he expressed his admiration for the speed of the University's development in such a short period of time, comparing it to Belgian universities with centuries of history and tradition.
The main objective of organising the 3rd International Staff Week was to exchange thoughts, experiences and ideas on how to support the mobility of students and academic staff in global academic centres. Such meetings generate new ideas for cooperation and facilitate the signing of agreements enabling international exchanges under the Erasmus+ programme. They also foster an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, contributing to the visibility of Lomza as a prominent point on the map of Europe and the world.
It is worth noting that Lomza University is the only university in Poland to have joined the BIP network this year, which aims to develop innovative methods of international academic exchange. The Belgian UCLL University of Applied Sciences found the dynamism, competence of our staff and the operational model of our University sufficiently attractive, which is why we have been included in this project as a representative of the Polish academic community.
