Our mission
ASPOL’s mission is to create a dynamic and inclusive community of Polish students in France. The association not only supports its members throughout their education but also promotes Polish culture and traditions on the international stage. ASPOL connects young Polish people in France, providing assistance in navigating French higher education, organizing events for networking and integration, and offering workshops to develop key skills and career opportunities through collaborations with prestigious companies.
ASPOL aims to strengthen the Polish-French relationship through education, networking, and fostering cross-border cooperation. The goal is for every Polish student in France to feel part of a larger community, with real opportunities for both professional and personal development.
Key activities
- Integration Events
Monthly gatherings that bring together Polish students in France, both those studying full-time and on exchange programs. These events provide a chance to meet other Poles, share experiences, and build connections in a casual environment.
- Networking Events
Primarily held at the Polish Embassy in Paris, these events enable Polish students to connect with professionals working in France, often within international organizations and corporations.
- Mentoring Program
This program is aimed at high school students in Poland and promotes educational opportunities within the French university system. Mentors, current students from various French institutions, offer guidance to potential applicants, assisting with course selection, the application process, and student life. ASPOL also organizes presentations at Polish high schools, both online and offline, to broaden awareness of study opportunities in France.
- Workshops
In collaboration with renowned companies and organizations, ASPOL organizes workshops focused on soft skills development, offering students the opportunity to network with professionals from diverse fields. These workshops help participants acquire critical skills for today’s job market, both in France and internationally.
- Promotion of Polish Culture
ASPOL is involved in cultural initiatives aimed at celebrating and promoting Polish history, culture, and traditions in the international community. For instance, in 2024, ASPOL sponsored a series of piano concerts honoring Polish composers, an event held in French and free to the public, with the aim of spreading Polish culture abroad.
Flagship events
Paris Polish Forum
The Paris Polish Forum is ASPOL’s largest annual event, drawing over 250 international participants, including students, professionals, and leaders interested in Polish-French relations. Each year’s theme tackles pressing global issues. In 2024, the focus was on “Navigating Europe’s Security Landscape,” with Michał Kurtyka, former Polish Minister of Climate and President of COP 24, delivering the keynote. The two-day conference included a keynote address at Sciences Po, and further discussions on Polish-French collaboration at the Polish Embassy in Paris on the second day, concluding with a networking reception in the Embassy’s garden. This forum has become a crucial platform for fostering meaningful Polish-French connections and dialogue on future challenges.
New Year’s Event at the Polish Embassy
ASPOL’s New Year’s Event at the Polish Embassy in Paris is a celebrated annual event that brings together around 200 Polish students and professionals to welcome the new year and enjoy Polish traditions. Hosted by the Polish Ambassador to France, His Excellency Jan Emeryk Rościszewski, the event features a conversation with an esteemed Polish guest. In 2024, Sławomir Krupa, CEO of Société Générale and a Sciences Po alumnus, was the honored speaker. The event fosters cultural exchange, professional inspiration, and a sense of community among Polish expatriates in France.