Summary of International Days 2026

The latest edition of International Days 2026 took place from April 20–23. This event has become a permanent fixture on our university’s calendar and is one of the key elements in building and developing international cooperation. This year’s edition confirmed that internationalization is not merely a direction of development, but a tangible effort that translates into concrete initiatives, relationships, and projects. The event began with an official meeting at the university attended by university officials, including His Magnificence the Rector, Dr. Janusz Poła, Prof. ANS; the Vice Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. hab. Maciej Pietrzak; the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Dr. Dorota Sipińska, Prof. ANS; the Director of the Institute of Pedagogy, Dr. Monika Kościelniak, Prof. ANS; the Director of the Institute of Health and Physical Culture, Dr. Arleta Loga, Prof. ANS; Dr. Mikołaj Zgaiński, a lecturer at the Institute of Technology; and Dr. Joanna Zator-Peljan, a lecturer at the Institute of Economics. The meeting was both formal and strategic in nature, providing a space to exchange experiences, discuss existing cooperation, and set directions for its further development.

Particular emphasis was placed on academic mobility, joint teaching projects, and opportunities to apply for international grants. The next item on the agenda was a study visit to Leszno, which included a tour of the city and the Leszno Town Hall. Thanks to the involvement of Ms. Magdalena Urbaniak from the Leszno City Hall, participants had the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and potential, which is a key element in building the university’s image in the context of international cooperation.

The highlight of the event was the day dedicated to presentations by partner universities and the education fair. The event attracted a great deal of interest. It was attended by both ANS students and a large number of high school students from Leszno and Włoszakowice. The fair created a unique space for direct conversations with representatives of foreign institutions, learning about educational offerings, and opportunities for study abroad through mobility programs, particularly Erasmus+. After the presentations and the educational fair, participants had the opportunity to take part in the “Time to Break” workshop led by Dr. Zuzanna Maćkowiak. The workshop focused on practical exercises that can be easily performed at a desk during the workday. The techniques presented help effectively reduce tension, improve concentration, and quickly “reset” the mind.

Participants were also introduced to various methods of working with the body and breath, including simple relaxation techniques, elements of mindfulness, and exercises supporting recovery during intensive mental work.

The cultural dimension was also a significant element of the fair. Foreign partners presented not only their universities but also the traditions and customs of their countries, treating participants to regional dishes. Thanks to this, the event took on an integrative character, fostering relationship-building and mutual understanding.

In the following days, participants continued the integration program, which included, among other things, a visit to Wrocław. This trip complemented the official and educational parts of the event, allowing for further exchange of experiences in a less formal atmosphere and showcasing the region’s attractions.

The culmination of International Day 2026 was a wrap-up meeting, during which the course of the event was reviewed and a discussion was held on future projects and directions for cooperation. Particular attention was paid to opportunities for expanding partnerships, developing student and staff mobility, and initiating joint research and teaching projects.

This year’s event was attended by representatives of foreign universities and students from many countries, including Portugal, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Romania, Greece, Turkey, Germany, and Italy, as well as students from Kazakhstan and Georgia participating in the Erasmus+ mobility program during the summer semester.

Partner universities participating in the event:

Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
University Federico II of Naples, Italy
Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal
University of Zagreb, Croatia
University of Ioannina, Greece
Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic
Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Turkey
National University of Science and Technology, Politehnica Bucharest, Romania
Atyrau Oil and Gas University, Kazakhstan
Sokhumi State University, Georgia

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the secondary schools from Leszno and the region for their participation, in particular:

II Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Mikołaja Kopernika z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi i Międzynarodowymi w Lesznie
Zespół Szkół Ekonomicznych im. Jana Amosa Komenskiego w Lesznie
Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących im. K. Kurpińskiego we Włoszakowicach

International Days 2026 once again confirmed its status as a platform for exchanging experiences, building relationships, and initiating new international projects. The event not only strengthens the university’s position on the international stage but also tangibly contributes to the development of students’ and faculty members’ competencies. We invite you to view the photo gallery from the event International Days 2026.

This year’s edition made it clear: international cooperation is not the future it is the present, happening here and now.

Thank you