Inauguration of the first edition of Ignacy Łukasiewicz programme

On November 27, 57 scholarship holders from 13 countries have officially started their university courses in Poland. The inauguration ceremony was held in Warsaw in the presence of MFA Undersecretary of State - Konrad Pawlik who addressed a welcoming speech to Programme participants and recalled the heritage of Ignacy Łukasiewicz.

The programme is a new scholarship initiative undertaken within the framework of Polish aid. Named after Ignacy Łukasiewicz – Polish prominent philanthropist and petroleum industry pioneer, is designed for students in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, technical sciences, agricultural sciences from such developing countries as Angola, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Republic of South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Vietnam. Among this-year scholarship holders the most numerous is the group from Indonesia.

Here is a voice of participant, Sheila Nurfajrina from Indonesia

How did you know about The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Programme?

I obtained the information on the website of Embassy of Poland which refers to the Ministry of Science and Education website. Fortunately, the information was put clearly and it helped me a lot to decide which subject and university I could take.

Why did you decide to participate in this programme?

Because I’ve seen that Poland has potential to be a great country with science, technology, human resources and natural resources. For sure, the development in Poland is growing rapidly, which means good not only for investment but also to study. Furthermore, as I observed, I see many similarities between Indonesia and Poland. And this is another reason why I finally decided to choose Poland as my destination to study. I found almost no difficulties related to culture, food, and friends.

What field of study in Poland did you choose?

I choose Architecture and Urban Planning, in line with my previous subject in Bachelor degree in Architecture. Briefly, my research plan is about urban design and water-based architectural design, combined by technology, science, social, history, and urban planning. It was a surprise that Poland has many hi-tech buildings which are very well-designed, and modern. I admire in how Cities in Poland are able to harmonize the old and modern buildings which are very wonderful.  And I am grateful that I could see those buildings by myself, I am so excited that I could learn many things here.

What were your plans and expectations related to studying in Poland? Have you already come true?

Honestly, based on my plans I expect that I could learn many things related to my research, and then being a professional architect and urban planner, and help many other countries to solve the urban issues especially ones which is related to my specialization. I am planning to be a professional in Poland and build a life.

What kind of possibilities give you study in Poland?

In my opinion, the thing that the candidates should prepare which opens the possibilities to study in Poland is the research plan. By research plan, we are able to tell people about our ideas, our intention, our plan and hopes for the future. And also a prove of what you are capable of, in other words, your specialization.

What are your expectations for the future? What do you think how this scholarship may help you to achieve them?

By being a part of this scholarship, at the first place, I hope my opportunity to study and build my career in Europe is widely open. I hope that I could be involved in many international events. And since the scholarship is held by Polish Government, I wish that my research is not only published in Poland but also in my country. In further, I wish that my research could be also implemented in Poland and many other countries.

What would you tell to all those who hesitate to take a study in Poland?

In my opinion, do not hesitate to choose Poland as one of your study destination. As a part of European Union countries, Poland Universities have received many acknowledgements and has been acknowledged by its expertise and specialization. First of all, be sure with your study purposes. Then you could find out all the information which is provided. Choose subject you are interested in, and which is the best University for the subject. Moreover, write your research plan including your motivation and purposes, and explain why you are worth to obtain the scholarship. Please be prepare for especially your personal data and English proficiency, and make sure that your score is fit the requirements. Don’t worry about the language, because the scholarship includes one year preparatory course before you take your study in the University. The first year could be the best time for you to get to know more about Poland, to adapt and feel new environment in this beautiful country. Be prepared and go study Poland!