When the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (UITM) opens its doors for International Day, students, staff and partners from across the globe converge in a spectacular display of culture, cooperation and celebration. The four‑year‑old event, now the fourth edition, has grown from an African Day into a truly international feast that showcases traditional costumes, dances, music and culinary delights from 10 different countries. It offers a microcosm of the world’s diversity, and a live laboratory for intercultural communication skills that are increasingly demanded in today’s global market.
Why International Day Matters to Students
Beyond the music and food, International Day provides tangible benefits for participants. It allows international students to feel immediately welcomed on campus, shortening the adjustment period that often comes with studying abroad. Local students gain exposure to cultural practices that differ from their own, fostering empathy and curiosity. Faculty can integrate the event into the curriculum, using performance rehearsals as case studies for teamwork, project management, and cross‑cultural negotiation.
Practical Advantages for New Students
- Builds a support network across campuses before the first lecture.
- Shows the way the university values diversity, which can boost satisfaction and retention.
- Provides real‑world experience that can be highlighted on CVs and university applications.
As Director of International Cooperation and Recruitment Magdalena Louis notes, the event “creates a platform where the university’s mission of openness and integration is visibly lived.” For students planning to pursue global careers, experiencing this day gives them a ready prototype of collaboration across boundaries.
Planning the Event: A Look Behind the Curtain
The University doesn’t create an international day in a single afternoon. According to Student Support Office staff, the calendar for the celebration starts in mid‑April. Coordination spans multiple departments: the International Office, the Student Life unit, the Student Support Office and the E‑learning team. Students sign up freely, usually through the university’s online portal, expressing interest in representing their country’s heritage. The crowd includes participants from India, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Belarus, and the host country, Poland.
Rehearsals take place in the campus amphitheatre and in rehearsal rooms. The organizers practice with faculty volunteers to manage stage logistics, sound and lighting. Some groups choreograph dances that highlight shared folklore, like the Pamiri dance performed by participants from Georgia and Tajikistan. These moments show that curiosity can spark collaboration—Ana Gigiashvili recalls: “I didn’t even know the dance existed until the rehearsal, but I was excited to adapt it for the stage.”
Leveraging Technology and Social Media
In this digital age, social media is a crucial element of the event’s outreach. UITM’s dedicated event page tracks streaming content and photo albums. The university partners with the upcoming “Sunrise Alliance” to host a virtual exchange during the day, giving those who cannot attend physically a chance to participate from home. The event gains tens of thousands of impressions across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, bringing international attention to UITM’s inclusive culture.
Celebration Highlights: From the Stage to the Community
The line‑up on International Day reads like a cultural kaleidoscope. Eighty‑seventy performers shared stage time and shared moments. The stage in Kielnarowa was filled here: 10 performers from each participating country performed a 15‑minute show that blended music, dance, and traditional garments. One of the crowd’s highlights was a group called Zim Dance Group from Zimbabwe, who caught the audience’s attention with an energetic fusion of traditional Zimbabwean dance and contemporary beats. Their victory that night reinforced UITM’s principle that “culture is never static; it evolves with collaboration.”
Student‑Led Creative Collaboration
The event also highlighted student entrepreneurship. For instance, several groups partnered with local businesses to display and sell traditional food, generating a small, in‑campus market that infused the day with culinary variety. A student from Nigeria introduced a handmade African drum, which other participants immediately incorporated into their own performances. These live interactions reiterated the value of field‑based learning: “We were not only performing; we were learning from each other’s craft.”
Benefits for the University Community
Event participation fuels retention and engagement. According to campus statistics from the previous year, 84 % of international students who attended the show reported feeling more comfortable navigating the Polish university system. Meanwhile, local students who attended the event displayed a 22 % increase in cross‑disciplinary collaboration requests with international peers.
A notable partnership with the regional partner Study in Poland Reports showcases the positive image created by such events, helping to drive higher application rates for incoming cohorts.
Future Outlook: Expanding the Event’s Scope
UITM continually seeks to amplify the International Day’s impact. Plans include a virtual reality experience where visitors can “step into” cultural villages, and a series of pre‑event workshops focusing on language basics, cultural etiquette, and storytelling. By integrating these initiatives, the university aims to give students tools that go beyond performance and into meaningful, long‑term connections.
Getting Involved: How You Can Join the Celebration
Whether you are currently enrolled at UITM or you’re a prospective student preparing for admission, you can actively participate:
- Contact the International Cooperation Office to schedule a presentation slot.
- Volunteer to help with staging or audience engagement.
- Apply for a scholarship that covers travel expenses for representing your home country.
Students planning to join the next edition can apply through the university’s online application portal—directly, the place where “the world meets” each year. The portal offers a simple registration form with a section for cultural background, which helps the organizers balance representation.
Preparing for Your Performance
To make the most of the International Day experience, participants should consider the following checklist:
- Select a performance that reflects both your personal heritage and the story you want to tell.
- Gather advisors from the E‑learning and technical support teams early to troubleshoot sound and lighting needs.
- Use the university’s social media channels to preview snippets, generating excitement within the campus community.
- Invite local and international classmates to attend, ensuring a diverse audience.
- Follow up after the event by publishing a recap or reflection blog post.
These steps not only ensure a successful performance but also contribute to a lasting impression that can assist in applications, scholarships, and post‑graduate opportunities.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value of International Day
International Day at UITM is more than an event; it’s a living showcase of cultural awareness and inclusion. The celebration reflects each student’s narrative and fosters a collaborative environment that aligns with UITM’s mission: “to create a globally minded, respectful community.” For anyone aspiring to work in a globally interconnected industry, the day offers accessible, hands‑on experience.
For details on upcoming events, you can reach out to the Student Support Office or visit the university’s calendar. If you’re looking to apply for a position or join the next IT and Management program, the application portal welcomes you. And for those who wish to revisit past celebrations, previous editions are archived here.
Embark on this opportunity to learn, perform, and connect—international day awaits you at UITM.
