Message for International Students from Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Wojciech Maksymowicz

We publish a special message from the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Prof. Wojciech Maksymowicz. Friendly message for international students. The video is available at https://bit.ly/3c2CPi7

Below you can also read  transcription of that message:

Dear  International Students,

You’ve left your countries, your family and friends to go study abroad. You chose to gain academic education in our country, at Polish universities, some of you using the ERASMUS + Programme, others awarded by scholarships from the National Agency of Academic Exchange, or through bilateral agreements bewteen the Polish government and other countries and the majority of you with support from your families or your own funding. 

A month ago, probably very few of you realised that you will be facing much more difficult challenges than passing exams, earning credits, living in a different culture, or trying to use Polish language. The situation has changed suddenly because of the pandemic caused by the rapid worldwide spread of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Poland is fighting Coronavirus by implementing rigorous restrictions as advised by the World Health Organization with a goal of limiting the number of cases as much as possible. Those restrictions also apply to members of the Polish academic community. The universities suspended didactic activities i.e lectures, classes, labs and other courses – except for online classes. Students who are able to return to their homes have been asked to leave the dormitories. However, the International Students who are not able or do not wish to return to their home countries will be guaranteed university housing.

I would like to assure you, that Polish NAWA governmental scholarships will be still disbursed in a timely manner as long as you follow the recommendation of your universities including registering for online classes.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please check frequently for updates on dedicated website Ready Study Go! Poland http://www.go-poland.pl 

– the offcial website for international students, and of course on websites of your host universities. They will not leave you nor abandon you: you can count on their help and ours.

It is crucially important to obey the quarantine or any isolation plan imposed on you by your universities, the health care service or the sanitary, or local authortities. If you receive message on such a decision, please take this seriously. Take good care of yourself, monitor your health status and alert the health service if something unusual happens.

Remember #zostańwdomu , #stayhome, means keeping social distance – our scientifically proven method to battle against the virus. Don’t be scared to ask for help. I can tell you from personal experience that 99% of the time you will find people who will be more than happy to help you, guide you or just give some much – needed advice if you simply ask.

University staff at International Relation Offices is standing ready to give you a hand, symbolic hand. The National Agency for Academic Exchange has established a special info line in English

(please head to: http://psrp.org.pl/international-students/ 

or  call COVID – 19: info line NAWA +48 22 390 35 00)

and Students Parliament of the Republic of Poland opened a help desk for foreign students – they speak 10 languages, so hopefully you will be able to obtain information in your mother language.

Circumstances are extraordinary, and different than we expected a few weeks ago, but please remember we are all passing the most important exam: the exam of maintaining solidarity and responsibility as a society.

I am sure that the experience of living in another country at this time will give you the type of knowledge and experience that cannot be obtained in books or classrooms.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other at this time.

Prof. dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Maksymowicz,
sekretarz stanu w Ministerstwie Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego

Drodzy studenci z zagranicy,

Kilka słów w tym trudnym czasie kieruje do Was Wiceminister prof. Wojciech Maksymowicz.
Pamiętajcie, że podczas tego trudnego okresu jesteśmy z Wami, wspieramy Was!

Zawsze możecie liczyć na naszą pomoc.

List w oryginalnej wersji językowej (PL) można przeczytać na stronie Ministerstwa Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego

https://www.gov.pl/web/nauka/list-do-studentow-zagranicznych

https://www.facebook.com/MNiSW/videos/246045009858496/

NAWA Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji