Each day, we hosted nearly 100 participants from around the world – including Azerbaijan, China, Finland, Kenya, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey and Ukraine. Everyone was welcomed by the UniLodz Vice-Rector for Internationalisation of Science and Education, dr hab. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz.
Polish traditions in an international circle
The meetings were a great opportunity to discuss Polish Easter customs – some of the most well-known, but also some that may be particularly surprising to those outside of Poland. This included a discussion about the contents of the Easter basket, traditional dishes and practices related to Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday).
After the introductory part, it was time for what always brings people together best – a joint meal. Traditional Easter dishes awaited the participants, both meat-based and vegetarian. The menu included eggs with mayonnaise, vegetable salad, vegan white żurek soup, baked white sausage, as well as cheesecake with crumble topping and apple pie.
Easter eggs from around the world
The meetings finished with a group decorating of Easter eggs. The resulting creations ranged from floral designs and national flags to football club logos and smile-inducing slogans. One of them was "Free Your Mind!"
– Moments like these are the best example of what internationalisation means in practice: meeting new people, experiencing and learning about different traditions – says Weronika Ćmielewska from the University of Lodz International Centre. – We want our university to be a space where people from different countries can not only study or work, but also make valuable connections, communicate and build community.
UniLodz – an open university
The Easter gatherings for the UniLodz international staff and students were yet another example of how open, diverse and attentive to the needs of its international community the University of Lodz is.
At UniLodz, we strongly believe that academic community begins where, alongside knowledge, there is also room for hospitality, curiosity and togetherness.
Source: International centre, University of Lodz
Edit: Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
