Spain and Kazakhstan at ANS – Erasmus+ student exchange

During the winter semester, our university had the pleasure of hosting students from Spain from our partner university Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and a student from Kazakhstan from Atyrau University of Oil and Gas Atyrau University of Oil and Gas, who came to study at our university in Leszno as part of the ERASMUS+ student exchange programme. The students spent in Leszno and at our university 4 months full not only of studying in their chosen course but also of travelling.

The students had the opportunity to get to know Poland, Polish culture, language and traditions.
The students actively participated in lectures and events organised by the International Office and our university. Students' Day, Santa Claus Day, Christmas Presentations were events during which our guests presented their homelands, culture and customs. For all students taking part in the ERASMUS+ academic exchange a Christmas Eve dinner was held, which was full of traditional dishes, wishes and gifts.

Our guests integrated with the Polish students, making new friends and sharing experiences. Joint projects, such as group presentations or workshops, provided a great opportunity to exchange ideas and cultures. This allowed the students to discover how much they have in common despite their differences.

Students from Spain, as part of their nursing studies, had the opportunity to observe work in Primary Healthcare Centres. They had the opportunity to see how the Polish healthcare system works, as well as take part in medical simulations that allowed them to put their knowledge into practice in the modern Monoprofile Medical Simulation Centre.

At the end of the semester, the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Prof. Maciej Pietrzak, PhD, handed out gifts and certificates of completing the semester to the students. The meeting with the Vice-Rector, logistics coordinator Dr Karolina Tyc- Szmil, nursing coordinator Dr Maciej Górecki and International Office was a great opportunity to share impressions of the stay. Students Silvia, Laura and Alikhan talked about their impressions and feelings, as well as interesting and surprising moments they experienced during their stay in Leszno.

We are delighted to have been able to host these amazing young people. We hope that the experience gained in Poland will remain in their memories for a long time.

Students shared with us their opinion and impressions of their stay at our University and our city

Silvia - University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

During my Erasmus stay in Leszno, I had the amazing opportunity to immerse myself in Polish culture and explore a new way of life. Living in a small but friendly city gave me the opportunity to experience a different way of life and explore other places such as Wrocław, Poznań and Gdańsk. Poland has many great things to discover. The university provided me with great support, and although classes were sometimes challenging due to the language barrier, the teachers and staff were always willing to help. The accommodation was comfortable, close to the university, the supermarket, and other interesting places. Beyond academics, Erasmus was a journey of personal growth. I met people from different countries, learned how to cope with life in a foreign country and gained independence and adaptability. One of the most valuable aspects of my stay was the opportunity to develop both personally and academically. Adapting to a new environment helped me to become more independent and to improve my problem-solving skills. This Erasmus adventure has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions of my life, as it has given me new knowledge, cultural understanding, and a greater openness to new experiences.

Laura - University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Spending my Erasmus semester in Leszno was an unforgettable experience. It is a small and peaceful city, but its location makes it easy to visit larger cities like Poznań and Wrocław, as well as travel to other parts of Poland and Central Europe. Living in Leszno allowed me to experience a completely different culture and climate from what I am used to in Gran Canaria. One of the most exciting moments was seeing snow for the first time—it was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. The cold winters were a big change for me, but they also made the experience even more unique. The university staff was always friendly and helpful, making me feel welcome from the very beginning. Both the professors and the mobility office team provided great support, which made my academic experience smooth and enjoyable. One of the things I appreciated the most was the accommodation—it was just a short walk from the university, which made daily life very convenient. During my Erasmus, I had the chance to travel and explore many incredible places. Besides visiting Poznań and Wrocław, I was also able to travel to Gdańsk, Warsaw, Kraków, Berlin, Prague, and even Milan. Each destination was a unique experience that helped me learn more about different cultures and histories. More than just studying, this Erasmus experience helped me grow personally. I met people from different backgrounds, improved my communication skills, and became more independent. This time abroad has taught me how to adapt to new situations, be more open-minded, and embrace challenges. Without a doubt, Erasmus in Leszno has been a life-changing experience that I will always cherish.