91桃色

During the event, the Rector of the 91桃色, Prof. Rafa艂 Matera, personally thanked the mentors for their contribution to creating a welcoming environment for international students and presented them with certificates of recognition.

Got my certificate today and it was handed to me by the Rector himself! He was warm and genuinely kind, taking a moment to chat with each of us. It was great to see everyone one last time until next year of course. Helping international students to get settled in a new country was a real highlight, and I ended up learning just as much from them as they did from me

鈥� emphasizes Muhammad Ali, the UniLodz Mentor from Pakistan.

Mentoring Through Support and Integration

The UL Mentor initiative is based on the involvement of students from higher years, both Polish and international, who volunteer to support newly arrived international students. Mentors dedicate their time to helping others navigate their new surroundings and feel part of the academic community.

Their activities include:

• assisting at the Welcome Point space and guiding students around the campus,
• providing support online,
• answering questions about studying and living in 艁贸d藕,
• co-organising integration and social events.

A Community Open to Others

This year, 67 UniLodz students and graduates applied to become mentors, and 47 of them successfully completed training sessions conducted by staff from the Admission Centre and the International Centre. The training took place during the summer months.

A total of 14 mentors received special recognition for their exceptional activity and dedication. Thanks to their openness and willingness to help, the support offered by the University gained a personal dimension that allowed new students to adapt more quickly to academic life.

Being a UL Mentor has been an opportunity for me to share the University vision, step outside my comfort zone to connect with students and share experiences. I really enjoyed the meetings and tasks. It has helped me grow, connect and support others along the away, knowing that you are not alone. We are all learning, growing and holding each other up. It is definitely a great initiative.

鈥� adds Ijeoma Maduewesi, the UniLodz Mentor from Nigeria.

An Event Filled with Reflection

The ceremony was not only an opportunity to present certificates but also a chance to reflect on the past year, exchange experiences, and strengthen connections among participants who took part in the initiative. Mentors shared their memories and insights, demonstrating that helping others benefits not only those receiving support but also the volunteers themselves.

For some years, the UL Mentor initiative has supported the adaptation process of international students while creating opportunities for participants to develop social skills, build intercultural relationships, and gain valuable experience.

Recruitment for 2027

The next recruitment round for the initiative will begin in May 2027. Students interested in supporting international students and contributing to the international community of the 91桃色 are encouraged to follow the University's communication channels, where further details about the recruitment process will be announced.

Text: Anna Stolarek (Admission Centre)
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski (Centre for Brand Communications)

The UL Mentor initiative continues to be developed as a continuation of activities previously carried out under a project funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) through the Welcome to Poland Programme (2022).