On September 4, 2024, a meeting took place at the Regional Employment Office in Rzeszów, marking the beginning of a new chapter in efforts to integrate foreigners in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Adam Reich, met with the Director of the Regional Employment Office, Tomasz Czop, to sign an agreement regarding the organization and delivery of Polish language courses for foreigners. 

The aim of the project "Podkarpackie Center for Foreigners Integration II" is to support citizens of third countries in adapting to life in Poland through learning the Polish language. As part of this initiative, the University of Rzeszów, in collaboration with the Regional Employment Office, will offer language courses from levels A1 to C2. These courses, which will end with a certified TELC (The European Language Certificate) exam, are designed not only to develop language skills but also to prepare participants for everyday life in Poland. 

“The university must engage in educating not only students but also all the personnel needed in our region. [...] We have the appropriate staff, individuals educated to be able to teach others,” emphasized Prof. Ph.D., D. Sc., M.D., Adam Reich, Rector of the University of Rzeszów. 

The course program will accommodate 600 participants and will be implemented until November 15, 2025, in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Participants will gain essential communication skills for organizing life in Poland, traveling, and handling administrative matters. Additionally, they will learn to write both formal and informal texts, as well as understand written and spoken content. 

“There is an increasing number of residents in Podkarpacie coming from outside the European Union, and mastering the language is crucial for starting a professional life here. [...] These courses must be conducted at the highest level, so we are pleased that they will be led in collaboration with the University of Rzeszów, as it guarantees a certain quality,” says Tomasz Czop, Director of the Regional Employment Office. 

Each course will be tailored to the participants' proficiency levels, from basic A1 to advanced C2. The curriculum includes topics related to grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, as well as pronunciation and intonation, allowing participants to communicate fluently in both official and informal contexts. 

“We are working together to ensure that citizens of third countries not only master the Polish language but also gain confidence in navigating Polish society. I am convinced that these courses will be crucial in building intercultural bridges and facilitating integration in our region,” emphasizes Oskar Kaczorowski, Head of the Postgraduate Education Department. 

The signing of this agreement is an important step in the integration process for foreigners in the region, as well as in promoting the Polish language and culture among the new residents of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship.