We learn from one another

With what hopes and plans do you start this academic year?

Anna Kupczak: With great optimism and specific ideas on how to engage students even more in university life. We want them to know that we, the self- government, are here for them. We also plan to create more opportunities for everyone to get involved in our projects. Both if someone wants to join and take action on the organizational side, or simply take part in our event. We also intend to further develop cooperation between Polish and foreign students – organize joint events and initiatives that will allow for the exchange of experiences and integration.
Maria Kienitz: Yes, we have many amazing projects for this year! For example, we want to organize and invite students to Diwali Night, Holi, Christmas Dinner, Lunar New Year, Halloween Party, Sports Day and many other events related to the culture of the countries from which English Division students come. There will also be “MUW’s gambit”, i.e. a student chess tournament, and in the spring we will organize an Easter Banquet and a Spring Ball. Of course, we prepare many of these events in cooperation with the Polish Division. We are constantly working on new projects.

We have over 700 foreign students from nearly 70 countries at the University. What attracts them to MUW?

MK: The MUW is the biggest medical academy in Poland and also the leader in terms of the number of foreign students. It is attractive not only because of its location in the bustling capital city, but also because of its status. The MUW is listed in various international rankings. It also boasts good reputation and stability “accredited” by many generations of students. The English Division was established 31 years ago and this great experience is very important.

Do young people from abroad, studying at the MUW, have different expectations than Polish students?

MK: Yes, primarily in terms of adaptation. Some have family homes thousands of miles away. They come to Poland alone and these are often also their first steps in Europe. It happens that they need support from the University and the Student Government in finding their way in this new environment. However, in terms of education, we are all here to gain a solid high-level schooling.
AK: I agree with Maria. We all want to develop professionally and, in addition, take equal advantage of opportunities offered by the University and the Student Government. English Division students often come from different countries with different educational experiences. They can expect a more international perspective in teaching – more interesting programs, original teaching methods and focus on how to find the information they need, rather than how to memorize it. This always has a positive impact on the development of the University. Of course, they also expect more support in adaptation, especially at the beginning, which we must remember.

How else are Polish and foreign students similar?

MK: We share similar passions and diligence, which are needed during medical studies, plus ambitions, of course. What else? Curiosity about the world, openness, as well as respect for people and acceptance of differences. We all want to find friendship and establish contacts for the future, including professional ones.
AK: We are indeed similar in our determination, commitment and, simply, everyday functioning. We all want to have additional development opportunities, both scientific and extra-professional. This includes, for example, scientific clubs or access to the University’s sports facilities, as well as participation in events organized for our community. What unites us is our desire to participate in university life. In addition, regardless of the language, we all have to face similar academic challenges: exams, daily classes and an intense pace of learning.

Are there many opportunities for cooperation between Polish and foreign students at MUW?

AK: Yes, there are many of them. Examples include joint scientific clubs or student organizations to which people from both Polish faculties and the English Division are invited. Many such international projects are offered by IFMSA-Poland and Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which are focused directly on cooperation with students from other countries. As the Student Government, we also gladly invite the English Division Student Government and foreign students to cooperate.
Are you planning to develop or change anything in this cooperation?
MK: First of all, we plan to strengthen it. This is the first time that ED and PD are in such a close relationship, and we would like to maintain it. We, as the EDSG, are always open to new interesting initiatives, we want to work together and improve our relations.
AK: As the Polish-speaking Students’ Government, we want to organize more events that integrate our students of national backgrounds. We already have plans for, among others, a sports tournament, thematic events, joint “MUW Ice” skating rinks, and board games that we used to organize together. We also plan to involve international students more in our initiatives – those of the Main Board of the Student Government (MBSG). Last year, we started translating all content published by MBSG into English to extend the reach of messages and information for foreign students. We managed to include a section for ED students in this year’s edition of the Student Government’s guide, which we published in September in the form of a calendar. We prepared it in cooperation with the EDSG. We have included a QR code in the guide, thanks to which everyone can get an English translation of all necessary information, useful academic tips and advice before the new year. We have also been publishing the “Newsletter of the MUW Student Government” for some time, where you can find information about what we did last month and what will happen in the next one. So far, it has been distributed only in the Polish version, but two days ago the October issue was published – the first bilingual edition, also addressed to students of the English Division. Of course, the EDSG also has the option of including its announcements in the newsletter, just like all student organizations at our University.
MK: Ania Kupczak recently attended our Orientation Week, where she talked about activities and plans of the MUW Student Government. We also had the honor of hosting her throughout the White Coat Ceremony, where she delivered the final speech and, on behalf of MBSG, welcomed foreign students newly admitted to MUW.

In your opinion, what is the condition for successful cooperation?

AK: First of all, good communication. As I mentioned, last year we started to take great care to ensure that more information reaches ED students. We make sure that the content posted, for example, on our social media, appears in Polish and English, so that there is always equal access to it. This academic year, we are constantly consulting with the EDSG on what to do to better adapt the initiatives we organize to the needs of foreign students.
MK: When it comes to the environment for good cooperation, I would also add respect and understanding of mutual needs. These are the absolute basics.
AK: And also openness. We must be ready for dialogue, looking for common solutions and communicating with one another when dealing with various projects. Only then will our projects be addressed to the widest group of students.

What do you think the benefits of studying in a multicultural environment are?

AK: This is a huge added value. It allows us to learn about different cultures, languages, ways of thinking and approaches to problems. Such diversity teaches us flexibility, openness to new experiences and understanding of other perspectives.
MK: By getting to know another culture we gain knowledge that is necessary in life. It enriches our personality and builds us as people and medics. It is a unique experience – being part of an international group of students and being able to learn as a team. We have been together in this multicultural melting pot for 6 six years and I hope that many friendships will continue to last. Personally, it prompted me to learn a new language, which I am trying to do under the supervision of a friend from my group.

What do you think you can learn from one another?

AK: Different approaches to problem solving and teamwork. This may be crucial in the future, for example if we work in international teams. Foreign students often bring a different perspective on various matters. However, we, Polish students, can share our knowledge of local realities, culture, and the intricacies of our health care system.
MK: This is very important. There are significant differences in medical systems and students from other countries can explain to us what they are and what they result from. This way we can compare professional environments and maybe implement other solutions in our work in the future. Moreover, we can learn a lot about other cultures, customs and traditions. ED students are very much willing to share this knowledge. We have a fantastic “Diversity x MUW” event. The project was conceived two years ago. It is an intercultural event prepared by ED students from different countries, which I help organize every year. An opportunity to present your culture and customs not only to other MUW students, but also to Warsaw residents. I really hope that this project will grow and that our cooperation with the Polish Division students will become more and more intense.

Interviewed by: Iwona Kołakowska
Fot.:Michał Teperek
Communication and Promotion Office