One of the main activities carried out by the Welcome Point is the organization of integration events. The purpose of those events is to support international students, who face many challenges connected with studying in a foreign country, by stimulating cultural adaptation and facilitating their integration into the academic community.

Integration Week is an event organized for all international students, both short- and long-term. It is one of the most important initiatives dedicated to foreigners, the aim of which is to help students integrate with the academic community and adapt to their new environment. Integration Week is held twice a year - before the summer and winter semester.

Integration Week for the winter semester 2024/2025 will be held on September 23-27, 2024. More details will be available shortly.

During the Global Village, international students from around the world present their national costumes, dances and delicacies. The event is a regular element of Integration Week for long-term and short-term students.

World Café is a cyclical event addressed to the entire academic community. Its primary goal is to promote "internationalization at home" and intercultural integration. The name and the idea behind the meetings refers to the world café method, which is based on creating an environment modeled after a café, that facilitates discussions in a relaxed atmosphere, usually over coffee.

The main purpose of the event is to exchange information about different cultures, build international relations and shape attitudes of openness and tolerance. The meetings are led by international students and faculty members who get to share their knowledge and experiences, as well as representatives of the local government and business who, in turn, talk about how being in an intercultural environment affects professional life. Examples of meeting topics include "All about Ramadan," "All about Africa" or "My career path in Katowice."

The party gives our international students a unique opportunity to taste typical Polish Christmas Eve dishes, while listening to Christmas carols. Students from different countries can share stories about their own traditions related to this very special time of a year and exchange small gifts. The UE Christmas Party is a perfect moment to sum up and share opinions on the students’ stay in Katowice so far.

The event is also attended by representatives of the University authorities and units that support students on a daily basis.

We make sure that students have the opportunity to celebrate Polish and international holidays with us. During the year we organize Valentine's Day, "Fat Thursday" celebrations, or Women's Day.

November and December in Poland in particular are special times for all of us, full of magical moments, warmth and joy. During these months, just as much usually happens at Welcome Point, where we celebrated numerous holidays and events that bring everyone together, regardless of background or culture. Some of these include St. Andrew's Day, where we take a peek into the future with the students, divining from cards or pouring wax, Santa Claus or Halloween, where we provide students with the opportunity to experience and share this colorful and creative tradition, but also learn more about the Polish holiday of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.