Poland Launches “Poland. Business Adventure” Programme to Attract Young Diaspora and Poland Enthusiasts for Paid Internships
Poland has unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at engaging young members of the Polish diaspora and individuals with a keen interest in Poland to participate in paid internships within the country. The programme, titled “Poland. Business Adventure”, is a collaborative effort between the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH). It seeks to strengthen ties with the global Polish community while fostering international business connections.
The initiative is open to individuals aged 18-35 who are either of Polish origin or have a demonstrated interest in Poland. In its pilot phase, running from July to November 2024, the programme will initially target residents of the European Union, European Economic Area, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. If successful, the scheme is expected to expand to other countries.
Programme Details and Benefits
Successful applicants will be offered three-month internships at selected Polish companies, including state-owned enterprises and Polish branches of international corporations. Participants will also receive financial and logistical support from the Polish government to facilitate their stay in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the programme aims to provide participants with a unique opportunity to integrate into Poland’s business community, build international networks, and gain a deeper understanding of their ancestral homeland. “Thanks to the scheme, recipients will have an opportunity to integrate with the Polish business community, build international connections, and get a better insight into the country of their ancestors,” the ministry stated.
Encouraging Global Poles to Return
Andrzej Dycha, the head of PAIH, emphasized the programme’s broader goal of encouraging individuals with Polish roots or an affinity for Polish culture to consider relocating to Poland. “We encourage Poles, people who feel the Polish gene, who maybe have ancestors [from here] or are interested in Polish culture, to come to Poland – and maybe to stay,” Dycha said.
He also pointed out Poland’s growing prominence as a hub for research and development, particularly in the IT sector. Recent partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft and Google underscore the country’s appeal as a destination for innovation and career growth.
Addressing Poland’s Demographic Challenges
The initiative comes as Poland faces a demographic crisis, with a shrinking population and a growing need for skilled workers. By targeting the Polish diaspora, estimated at 20 million people worldwide, the government hopes to attract talent and reverse population decline. Countries with significant Polish communities include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Ukraine, Belarus, and Argentina.
In recent years, Poland has actively promoted its booming economy and low unemployment rates to encourage members of the diaspora, often referred to as Polonia, to return to their ancestral homeland. The “Poland. Business Adventure” programme is the latest effort to leverage Poland’s economic growth and cultural appeal to attract global talent.