At the beginning of the event, the Rector of the University of Lodz, Prof. Rafał Matera, personally thanked the Mentors for their hard work and support. Certificates of appreciation, signed by the Rector, were then handed out by Prof. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation of Science and Education.
Mentoring that Connects People and Cultures
Mentors are students of higher years – both Polish and international – who choose to support newly arrived international students in their free time. Their activities include:
- assisting at the Welcome Point space and helping around campus,
- supporting students via online groups and answering questions about studies and everyday life in Lodz,
- participating in integration events.
Being a UniLodz Mentor has allowed me to meet amazing people and form genuine friendships – both with newly-admitted students and fellow mentors. It’s so rewarding to see new students grow more confident and comfortable as they settle in!
– underlines Ishrakuzzaman Emon, a UniLodz Mentor from Bangladesh.
A Community that Inspires
This year, 112 students signed up for the programme, with 68 completing training workshops conducted by the Admissions Centre and the International Centre staff during the summer months. Twenty of the most active mentors, distinguished by their commitment, received special recognition from the Rector. Their presence and openness gave the university’s support a personal, warm, and authentic touch.
Being a UniLodz Mentor has been such an amazing experience for me! I have improved my English language skills and met so many inspiring people. I really enjoyed my time at the Welcome Point – chatting with others, helping newly-admitted students and playing board games together! It’s amazing to be a part of this wonderful community
– adds Renata Janeczko, a UniLodz Mentor from Poland.
An Emotion-Filled Gathering
The event was an opportunity for fun, sharing experiences, and reflecting on how much one can gain by helping others. The UniLodz Mentor initiative is not only about support for international students – it’s also a space for personal growth, learning empathy and building intercultural relationships.
Join the UniLodz Mentor Team
The call for the next edition of the programme will begin in May 2026. If you want to be a part of this exceptional initiative and help newly-admitted students feel at home – don’t miss the chance and follow the University of Lodz on social media!
Photo Report from the UniLodz Mentor Gathering
This project continues the successful initiative funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Welcome to Poland Programme (2022).
Source: Admissions Centre and International Centre, University of Lodz
Edit: Press Office, University of Lodz
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
