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Wiktoria Ptak, a medical student studying in English (English Division), received the Special Award in the "Helping with Passion" category in the prestigious Interstudent 2026 plebiscite, organized by the Perspektywy Education Foundation. The awards ceremony took place on January 29, 2026, during the annual Study in Poland conference, this year held in Cracow. This is the 19th edition of the event, which brings together the academic community around the topic of internationalization of Polish higher education institutions.

In this year's Interstudent 2026 Best International Student competition, eight winners were selected from various parts of the world, including Mexico, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Germany, Italy, and the United States. While each was recognized for different achievements, all unanimously emphasized that studying in Poland was one of the best decisions of their lives. Many plan to stay here permanently after graduation.

The competition jury also recognized MUB student Wiktoria Ptak for her unique combination of international experience, community involvement, and a genuine passion for helping others. Wiktoria grew up in the United States but decided to return to Poland for her studies, returning to her hometown of Białystok, even though she also received admission to the Jagiellonian University.

Today, she supports international students at our university, and she is a co-founder of the student organization EDSA (English Division Students Association), which aims to integrate Polish- and English-speaking students. It was her initiative, among other things, to create a dynamic space for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual inspiration within the organization.

Her activities extend beyond the university walls. Wiktoria regularly visits patients in hospitals and participates in charity events and preventative care events organized by the Medical University of Bialystok.

During her speech at the awards gala, Wiktoria emphasized that it was the Medical University of Białystok that "gave her the wind in her sails," supported her development, and created a space for action. She noted that she couldn't imagine a better place to live and study. She thanked the university authorities for their support and openness. She also declared that she would continue to do everything in her power to ensure that international students feel even stronger ties to the Medical University of Białystok.

"I was born in Poland, but at the age of nine, I moved to the USA. I know how difficult it is for anyone to find their way in a new situation, a new country, and a new culture. I've experienced it myself. That's why I deeply admire all the international students who have chosen to study in a foreign country, Poland. I know how difficult it is, especially when you don't speak the language and there's no one here. That's why I want to help you feel at home. And I'm grateful for the support I receive from the Medical University of Białystok, which allows me to develop, not only as a student and a future doctor, but also on a purely human level," said Wiktoria.

The Rector of the Medical University of Bialystok, Professor Marcin Moniuszko, who attended the conference, added: "It is a great honor to support our students and accompany them as they receive their well-deserved awards, but also to be with them every day – to encourage them to feel at home at the university, to feel strongly connected to it, to want to get involved, to work for their colleagues, and to participate in events important to the entire academic community. I sincerely congratulate Wiktoria on this attitude and on today's award."

The 19th Study in Poland conference in Krakow (January 29-30, 2026) is attended by 100 Polish universities and institutions.

The conference is organized as part of the "Study in Poland" program, jointly run by the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland and the Perspektywy Education Foundation. The theme of this year's edition is "Internationalization in the Face of New Challenges."

Representatives of the MUB International Cooperation Department are also participating in the proceedings.