Artem Kovalsky, a student at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Energy, Electronics, and Electromechanics at NTU «KhPI», became one of eight Ukrainian students who had the opportunity to participate in the international program Study Tours to Poland. The competitive selection process was extremely rigorous—only 15 people from two countries are selected twice a year who demonstrate their knowledge in various sciences.
The program Study Tours to Poland is designed for students who have demonstrated high academic performance and have an active lifestyle. In addition, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the history, literature, art, and architecture of the Republic of Poland. Competition for participation in the program is intense, as twice a year a group of up to 15 people is selected from both countries. After passing the selection stage, Artem Kovalsky, a student at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Energy, Electronics, and Electromechanics at NTU «KhPI», became one of eight Ukrainian students in an international group of 13 representatives from Ukraine and Moldova. Artem combines his successful studies at NTU «KhPI» with active volunteer work. He is engaged in research work at the Department of Higher Mathematics at Kharkiv Polytechnic, has published scientific papers, participates in scientific and practical conferences, is the winner of two student research competitions, and is a scholarship holder of the EconBridge program (Philipps-Universität Marburg & HMWK).
«The program allowed me not only to learn about Poland’s path to the European Union, but also to see how different levels of government work in Poland,» says the student from Kharkiv Polytechnic. He was particularly impressed by his meetings with representatives of the Marshal’s Office of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, where the voivodeship secretary, Mr. Wojciech Palka, gave a detailed account of the functioning of the central government and local self-government in Poland.
Artem Kovalsky also recalls visits to the National-Louis University and the Academy of Applied Sciences, during which he met with: the university rector, Dr. Dariusz Wojnjak; the founder of the educational institution, Krzysztof Pawlowski; the vice-rector for scientific work and development of the Academy, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Grzegorz Przydatek; Doctor of Philosophy Jaroslaw Handzel; former mayor of Novy Sonch and Solidarity movement activist Jerzy Gwiżdż.
Another interesting experience for the student of NTU «KhPI» was a visit to the SPLOT Private General Education Lyceum named after Jan Karski. Here, the program participants not only saw how the school works according to the Montessori system, but also took part in classes with the students, experiencing the atmosphere of innovative learning. Among Artem Kovalsky’s vivid impressions was an excursion to the production facilities of the international corporation FAKRO, which has offices in Ukraine. This demonstrated to students a successful example of international integration of Polish business and inspired them to explore opportunities for cooperation.
In addition to a rich educational program, the internship included a rich cultural and educational program and sports events, which allowed the participants to fully experience the local flavor and get acquainted with Polish culture. The internship participants stayed in Nowy Sącz, located in the resort area of the Republic of Poland.
Note:
Study Tours to Poland (STP) is a program of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation, implemented by the Foundation «Leaders of Change» in cooperation with the Foundation «Borussia». The program organizes study visits to Poland for students from Moldova and Ukraine. The aim of the educational tours is to familiarize the best representatives of the student body with Poland’s achievements in the field of education, in the area of systemic transformation of society, and with the experience of the «Polish path» to membership in the European Union. During the tour, students meet their Polish peers, participate in lectures, seminars, and cultural events.
Artem Kovalsky, a student at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Energy, Electronics, and Electromechanics at the National Technical University «KhPI», participated in the STP program from 12 to 21 May, 2025.