Around the world on the WUM Campus

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Several people are standing close together and dancing. One person raises their hands, another stands nearby. In the background, other people and parts of stalls can be seen.
For the fourth time, we invited the university community and residents of Warsaw to the Diversity x WUM Culture Festival. It featured music, dance, colorful costumes, and flavors from different parts of the world, and above all, an atmosphere full of joy and kindness.

The festival is meant to connect, bring joy, and inspire. That is why our international students devote a great deal of time and effort to its preparation, even though balancing the organization of the event with their university classes can be challenging. Above all, they put their hearts into the festival because they want to show that our community is open and full of mutual respect.

“I am grateful to WUM for supporting us in organizing an event where we can showcase the best of our cultures. It is extremely valuable for us,” says Sogol Yourdkhani, a student from Iran and the main coordinator of the event.

“I would like to thank the students of the English Division of the Faculty of Medicine and the English Dentistry Division of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry for making the Culture Festival a permanent part of the university calendar,” emphasizes Prof. Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at WUM.“The festival is a unique opportunity to spend quality time with the community and friends of our university.”

A town full of diversity

The festival took place on May 23 on the Banacha Campus and, as tradition dictates, it was set up as a tented village. Each tent engaged the senses: sight, hearing, and smell. And also taste! It was worth coming on an empty stomach this year, as students clearly focused on culinary offerings. What could visitors taste? The Syrian students’ stand was filled with delicacies based on nuts, ghee (a type of butter), and sugar syrup. Students from the United Kingdom served traditional British biscuits and tea with milk, while students from Iran offered dishes such as rice with curry, carrots, and raisins. Brazilian students invited visitors to try coxinhas, a popular street-food snack consisting of crispy croquettes made from dough prepared with broth and flour. There was also pancit from the Philippines, a fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat; a refreshing Rooh Afza drink from Pakistan; and Ukrainian pierogi. These were only some of the culinary attractions prepared for participants. 

In the tents, students also presented artistic and everyday objects typical of their countries, including paintings, posters, and souvenirs. Many students wore traditional national clothing. As in previous years, there were energetic dance performances. Participants could watch or join Bollywood-inspired dances as well as performances inspired by Nigerian rhythms. Visitors could also get henna decorations on their hands, while younger participants (though not only them) could paint and color.

In this way, the visitors could “travel” through the USA, Canada, Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Greece, Iran, Nigeria, and Thailand.

“I am glad we have the opportunity to meet, taste delicious food, and discover different countries. I am convinced that festival participants will have a wonderful time today,” said Dr. hab. Jacek Sieńko, Vice Dean for Students of the English Division of the Faculty of Medicine, opening the event.

Many cultures, one community

At our university, nearly 800 students from as many as 70 countries study medicine (English Division) and dentistry (English Dentistry Division) in English.

“We know we come from different backgrounds, so we are happy that this festival allows us to get to know each other better,” notes Fatima Yourdkhani, a student from Iran. “Amid the rush of daily life, it is also a perfect opportunity to take a short break from studying.”

A second home

Studying in a foreign country is a major challenge that often causes anxiety, especially at the beginning when everything is new. That is why initiatives that help students feel part of a community play such an important role. 

“Studying abroad can be intimidating, but over time you realize how many wonderful people are around you, and the university becomes your second home,” says Jhanvi Preyas Patel, a student from Canada. “Our festival reflects the incredible and close relationships we build during our studies at WUM.”

We hope that participants of the Culture Festival spent this beautiful Saturday afternoon just as pleasantly as we did. We look forward to even greater attendance next year.

In addition to the representatives of the Faculty of Medicine mentioned above, the event was also attended by, among others, the vice deans of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: Prof. Izabela Domitrz and Dr. hab. Joanna Peradzyńska. The Rector of WUM was represented by Prof. Katarzyna Krenke.

Who is behind it all?

The Diversity x WUM Project was created by the students of the English Division of the Faculty of Medicine and the English Dentistry Division of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. The project was established in 2023 to foster diversity and enable intercultural friendships, and this mission continues to guide it.
The festival is supported by the authorities of the Faculty of Medicine and the dean’s office staff, the English Division Student Government, IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch, and the Office for Communication and Promotion. The event is held under the patronage of the Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw.

The Culture Festival held on May 23 on the Banacha Campus was preceded by a multicultural concert at the Medyk Club stage. Concert information page

 

A colorful umbrella with the word “Thailand” lies on the pavement next to laid-out costume elements and fabrics. In the background, there is a stall decorated with ornaments and a flag. One person stands by the table preparing materials.
Two metal teapots stand in the foreground. Behind them, there is a poster with the words “Welcome to IRAN.” Patterned fabrics and decorative elements are visible nearby.
A two-tiered stand sits on a table and holds several cookies. In the background, the flag of the United Kingdom and a glass pitcher can be seen.
An easel displays a painting of a simplified heart silhouette in shades of pink and blue. Two people stand next to it at a table preparing items.
Five people stand by a table with food. They are serving dishes into containers and onto plates. The table holds various foods and a drink in a large dispenser.
Five people stand behind a table with decorations and food. One person is taking a photo with a phone. Decorative items and snacks are placed on the table.
A large poster with the word “BRAZIL” stands next to a table. Three people stand nearby, running a food stall. The table holds dishes and tableware.
A tray filled with several dozen chocolate balls is placed on a table. In the foreground, part of a pineapple is visible
Two people stand behind a table decorated with Ukrainian flags. The table is covered with traditional fabrics and tableware. A panel with a colorful pattern stands nearby.
Several people stand side by side outdoors. One person holds a microphone and gives a speech. Flags of various countries are hanging above them.
Two people stand next to each other outdoors. Tents can be seen behind them. Several people stand together, with one speaking. More tents are visible in the background.
Four people stand side by side. One person holds a microphone and speaks, while the others stand nearby and listen. Greenery and a tent are visible in the background.Four people stand side by side. One person holds a microphone and speaks, while the others stand nearby and listen. Greenery and a tent are visible in the background.
Four people stand side by side. One person holds a microphone and speaks, while the others stand nearby and listen. Greenery and a tent are visible in the background.
One person holds another person’s hand and applies a henna design to a finger. A third person nearby holds a smartphone, showing a design on the screen. Hands and parts of clothing are visible.
Four people stand at a table with food. One person is serving a dish onto a plate. Dumplings and other dishes are on the table. Colorful garlands and a flag hang in the background.
Three people stand at a food station. One person serves a portion from a warmer. Crepes and toppings are on the table. In the background, the flags of the United States and Canada are visible.
Embroidered items, cards, and dried flowers lie on a patterned red fabric. In the center, there is a small pouch with a floral motif.
Two people stand by a table with leaflets and promotional materials. A third person is taking a photo with a phone. In the background, the Greek flag and a poster reading “Greece” are visible.
A table covered with a checkered tablecloth displays various dishes. Pasta, dumplings, and pieces of fruit are visible. Small Philippine flags are placed on the dishes.
One adult and two children sit at a table and draw. Crayons and sheets of paper are spread out on the table. In the background, tents and people walking around the event can be seen.
A large group of several dozen people stands in a square between stalls. Flags from various countries hang above them. Trees and buildings are in the background.
About 14 people stand in a row in front of a tent, posing for a group photo. A stall and decorations are visible in the background.
Two people talk at a stall with decorations and tableware. One person is holding a child. Cups, a pitcher, and plates with snacks are on the table.
A cake with the inscription “Medical University of Warsaw” is placed on a large tray. Various sweets are arranged around it.
Colorful animal figurines and glasses with the words “WUM” and “INDIA” lie on a metal tray. A cup with a drink stands nearby.
Five people stand close together, taking a photo with a phone. One person is holding the phone with an outstretched arm. A crowd and tents are visible in the background.
Six people stand side by side and pose for a photo. They stand close together with their arms around each other. Buildings, tents, and strings of flags from various countries are visible in the background.
Three people sit at a table and draw on sheets of paper. Crayons, brushes, and cups of water are on the table. In the background, a crowd and stalls set up in the square can be seen.
A golden sculpture depicts a human head with an ornate headdress and jewelry elements. The sculpture stands on a pedestal. The background is plain and blurred.
Three people stand close together, holding a large photo frame. They pose for a picture. In the background, the flags of the United States and Canada and stall decorations are visible.
A metal teapot with a long spout and decorative details stands on a table. Next to it, there is a painting on an easel as well as fabrics and decorations. Everything is under a tent.
Five people stand at a table preparing food. One person serves a portion from a pot. A bowl of salad and food containers are on the table.
A group of about 10 people stands in a circle and dances. They raise their hands and move to the rhythm of the music. Stalls and event participants are visible in the background.
An open cardboard box stands on a table and contains several dozen pieces of a sweet snack dusted with powdered sugar. Inside, there is a small Turkish flag on a stick. The table is covered with a red-and-white checkered cloth.
Three people stand side by side at a stall and pose for a photo. One person is holding a plate of food. Behind them hang decorative fabrics and the Iranian flag. Elements of the stall and tableware are visible in the background.
A string of flags from various countries stretches between trees. Among them are the flags of Denmark, France, Cameroon, and South Korea. The background shows the sky with clouds and green tree canopies.