On 16 October 2025, a special #ErasmusDays event organised by the University of Zielona Góra took place in the Column Hall of the Marshal’s Office of the Lubuskie Region. The meeting brought together UZ students as well as pupils from the 3rd, 4th and 5th Secondary Schools in Zielona Góra. The aim of the event was to present the idea behind the Erasmus+ programme, promote academic mobility, and foster openness and intercultural cooperation.
The celebration began with a presentation on the opportunities offered by participation in the Erasmus+ programme. Participants learned about its history, benefits, and statistics on incoming and outgoing students. The opening session also featured the promotional video of the University of Zielona Góra and an inspiring short film, From Erasmus to an International Career, prepared by Karolina Klekowska from the Spanish start-up Erasmus Play.
The event continued with a lecture by Dr Magdalena Pokrzyńska (Institute of Sociology) entitled An Anthropological Story of Europe, in which the speaker explored the cultural and social dimensions of European diversity.
The next part of the programme – Erasmus Through Our Eyes – allowed participants to see the Erasmus experience from the perspective of its beneficiaries. Former and current UZ students shared their experiences from SMS, SMT, and BIP mobility projects, illustrating their stories with photos and anecdotes from various corners of Europe.
Later in the morning, two Q&A discussion panels were held: the first with Polish students who had already taken part in the programme, followed by Poland? Seriously?! Erasmus Life in Poland, a meeting with international Erasmus participants who spoke about their impressions of living in Poland – what surprised them, what they found charming, and what turned out to be a challenge.
The event also offered opportunities for cultural integration. Attendees could visit the Erasmus Café – themed tables hosted by volunteers from different countries, where they could practise basic phrases in foreign languages. Nearby, the The Heart of Europe Beats Here stand offered art workshops, a quiz on the European Union and Erasmus+, and a space for participants to share their reflections on European values.
The event concluded with a group dance, as well as an official summary and words of thanks to all participants, speakers, and volunteers.
Erasmus Days 2025 in Zielona Góra was not only an opportunity to learn about the Erasmus+ programme, but above all an inspiring meeting of young people for whom openness to the world, self-development, diversity, and the European community are values they live by every day.
