The University of Opole project “WELCOME UO” implemented under the NAWA Welcome to Poland 2025 Programme
The University of Opole has received funding for the project entitled “University of Opole – We Engage, Lead, Coordinate, Orient, Meet, Empower (WELCOME UO)” under the Welcome to Poland 2025 Programme, implemented by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Grant Agreement No.: BPI/WTP/2025/1/00067/U/00001.
The project aims to further strengthen the University of Opole’s internationalisation capacity and improve the quality of services provided to international students, doctoral candidates, and visiting scholars. Its main objective is to develop solutions that support the integration of the international community and enhance the competencies of academic and administrative staff working in a multicultural environment.
The project is implemented by the University of Opole Science Office and Project Support Office from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028. The total funding awarded amounts to PLN 471 900.
The project includes, among others, the following activities:
- further development and professionalisation of the Welcome Point as the central support hub for international students and doctoral candidates;
- development and implementation of a Welcome Policy and standardisation of procedures related to services for international community members;
- expansion of the Buddy Mentors Programme, engaging Polish students in supporting the adaptation and integration of international students;
- organisation of 18 specialised consultation sessions for international students and doctoral candidates;
- preparation and distribution of 300 welcome packages;
- implementation of modern communication tools facilitating interaction with the international community;
- organisation of 20 integration and intercultural events for both Polish and international students;
- delivery of a series of training courses for University of Opole staff covering language, intercultural, digital, procedural, and migrant-inclusive competencies.
The project addresses the needs of the University of Opole’s international community. At the end of 2024, the University hosted 867 international students from 40 countries. The planned activities are designed to facilitate the adaptation and integration of international community members, improve access to university information and services, and foster an open, welcoming, and multicultural academic environment.
The outcomes of the project will have a long-term impact. Following the completion of the funding period, the Welcome Point will continue its operations, the developed procedures and communication tools will remain in use, and the competencies acquired by staff will support the further internationalisation of the University of Opole.
The schedule of support activities available to project participants can be accessed at the following link: https://hello.uni.opole.pl/wp-content/uploads/sites/180/Harmonogram-WELCOME-UO.xlsx
The schedule will be updated on an ongoing basis depending on the progress of project implementation and the outcomes and timelines of procurement procedures.
The Welcome to Poland Programme is financed by the European Union through the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 (FERS) under the project entitled: “Wsparcie instytucji szkolnictwa wyższego i nauki w obsłudze osób cudzoziemskich oraz Polek i Polaków wyjeżdżających za granicę” Project No.: FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24 (FERS Projects).
