The University of Zielona Góra has officially launched Welcome Point 2.0, a new support centre dedicated to the University's growing international community. Designed for both international students and visiting academics, the new facility marks another important step in the University's ongoing commitment to internationalisation.
Located on Campus A, Welcome Point 2.0 becomes the University's second dedicated support hub for international visitors, following the successful establishment of the Welcome Center on Campus B, which has been serving the academic community for the past eighteen months. The decision to create a second support centre reflects the steadily increasing number of international students, researchers, and staff choosing the University of Zielona Góra and aims to further enhance the University's support services for international guests.
According to Dr Paweł Truszkiewicz, Head of the Department of International Cooperation at the University of Zielona Góra, the new centre will provide comprehensive assistance both before and after arrival in Poland.
“Welcome Point will support students in a wide range of matters, from visa procedures before they arrive to registration formalities once they are in Poland. International students often need immediate assistance with practical issues, including accommodation and everyday matters related to student life. As our University welcomes people from all over the world – including students and staff from India and Türkiye, among many other countries – we are also mindful of cultural, social, and religious differences. International visitors may need psychological, cultural, or practical support, and we want to ensure they always know where to turn for help.
Welcome Point will serve as the first point of contact for international students and staff upon their arrival, but its role goes far beyond that. It will remain available throughout their entire stay, offering not only practical guidance and information about living in Zielona Góra but also opportunities to connect with others and become part of our international community.”
Welcome Point 2.0 will also house NAWA EURAXESS, a European initiative supporting the mobility and career development of researchers and academic staff. Through this initiative, the University will provide professional assistance to international academics, including support with relocation, integration, and career development.
As Dr Paweł Truszkiewicz explains:
“Whether an international scholar plans to visit the University of Zielona Góra for a short-term stay, a longer academic appointment, or intends to relocate permanently and join our University community, Welcome Point 2.0 will provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process. This includes assistance with visa procedures, relocation to Zielona Góra, and all the practical matters associated with settling into a new country and institution.
We call it Welcome Point 2.0 because it brings together two complementary support services under one roof.”
The importance of such centres for international visitors was also highlighted by Prof. Justyna Patalas-Maliszewska, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at the University of Zielona Góra.
“Across Europe and beyond, Welcome Centres and Welcome Points have become an integral part of modern universities. As students and researchers, we know that when arriving at a new institution, these are the places where we naturally seek information and support.
Here, our guests can obtain guidance on practical matters such as health insurance, campus facilities, lecture halls, laboratories, and other essential services. They can also receive information about cooperation opportunities with our regional partners, including the City Hall, the Voivodeship Office, and the Marshal's Office.
Most importantly, these centres provide a sense of security and belonging. Our international guests know that they have a place where they can always find support and assistance, whether they are staying with us for three months, six months, or only a short visit.”
Welcome Point 2.0 is located in Room 2 on the ground floor of Building A-0 on Campus A of the University of Zielona Góra.
By opening Welcome Point 2.0, the University of Zielona Góra reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and internationally oriented academic environment where students, researchers, and staff from around the world can feel supported from the moment they arrive.
