Staff Stories

I recently had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ training week “Finding Your Voice: From Shaking to Making,” organized by Pulse of Mind in Prague. It was a very engaging and inspiring experience that focused on communication, creativity, self-expression, confidence, and public speaking through practical and interactive activities.

During the week, I met and worked with participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Sharing our experiences and ideas with each other helped me see things from new perspectives and also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I especially enjoyed the creative activities, which encouraged us to express ourselves in ways that felt natural and personal.

I completed the training and received a certificate of completion. Overall, the experience was a great opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, meet new people, and learn skills that I can continue to use in my studies and future career. I am very grateful to my university for allowing me to be part of this Erasmus+ experience.

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Taking part in staff mobility at Charles University in Prague, at the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies, was a valuable professional and personal experience.

The programme included 30 hours of practical English classes in an international group with participants from universities in countries such as Italy and Spain. The sessions focused on English used in everyday higher education work, including university-related vocabulary, office etiquette, email and telephone communication, and role-plays reflecting real situations between staff and students.

One of the most valuable aspects was the exchange of experiences with colleagues from other European universities, as well as working with experienced teachers and a native English speaker.

The programme also included afternoon cultural activities, which provided an opportunity to discover Prague and Czech culture while continuing to use English in an informal setting. Overall, the mobility was an inspiring opportunity to improve my language skills, exchange good practices and gain new international experience.

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Erasmus+ Staff Mobility at the University of Prešov

From 10 to 14 August 2026, Ewelina Widerska, Coordinator of the Q-Helix European University Alliance at WSB University, participated in an Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility at the University of Prešov in Slovakia – one of the partner universities of the Q-Helix Alliance.

The mobility focused on strengthening cooperation within Q-Helix and exchanging practical experience in the development of Joint Degree programmes, European University Alliances and internationalisation of higher education. An important part of the programme was dedicated to Slovak experiences related to joint study programmes and their potential use in developing a future Joint Degree within Q-Helix.

Meetings with Vice-Rector Maria Kardis and representatives of the University of Prešov – Ema Fričeková, Jana Homolová and Petra Vaňová – were also an opportunity to plan concrete Q-Helix activities for the coming academic year. Discussions covered researcher mobilities, COIL training and future COIL pathways, international thematic schools, joint projects and participation in upcoming Q-Helix and NAWA events.

Another important topic was the preparation of the Alliance's international presence, including cooperation during EAIE 2026, where Q-Helix partners planned joint networking and promotional activities. The programme also included discussion of the implementation of the funded Erasmus+ PULEMB project and future opportunities for joint educational and research initiatives.

The mobility provided an opportunity not only to exchange good practices but also to translate Q-Helix cooperation into concrete activities involving researchers, students and university management, further strengthening the partnership between WSB University and the University of Prešov.

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From Nice to New Connections: An Erasmus+ Experience at ISIM
Sometimes, an international mobility is much more than a visit to a partner university. It becomes an opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and return home with fresh perspectives.

From 7 to 11 September 2026, I had the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ mobility at ISIM – Institut Supérieur International de Management in Nice, France.

The programme brought together representatives of higher education institutions from different countries and created space for presentations, networking sessions and round-table discussions on current challenges in higher education. One of the topics that particularly attracted attention was the use of artificial intelligence in education and the ways in which universities can respond to the rapid development of new technologies.

A particularly important moment was the international session, during which I had the opportunity to present WSB University, its educational offer and opportunities for cooperation. It was also a chance to discuss potential areas for future collaboration and to introduce our university to representatives of institutions from different countries.

However, the most valuable part of the mobility was the opportunity to exchange experiences directly with international colleagues. Conversations during networking sessions often continued beyond the formal programme, creating new connections and ideas for future Erasmus+ activities and cooperation.

The academic programme was complemented by integration activities and the opportunity to discover the Côte d’Azur. Exploring Nice, Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer provided a different perspective on the region and made the mobility an experience that combined professional development with intercultural learning.

I returned from Nice with new contacts, new ideas and a better understanding of the practices used at ISIM and other partner institutions.

For me, this mobility was not only a professional and academic experience, but also a reminder that international cooperation starts with people, conversations and the willingness to share experiences.

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From 27 to 31 August 2026, I had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme hosted by Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius, Lithuania. It was a truly inspiring experience that brought together university staff from different parts of the world and created a unique space for sharing knowledge, exchanging perspectives and discovering new approaches to working in higher education.

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to meet colleagues from European universities as well as academic institutions from Africa and Asia. These conversations offered a fascinating insight into the different challenges faced by university administration across various cultural and educational contexts. Comparing our everyday experiences made it clear that, despite differences between institutions and countries, many of the challenges we face are surprisingly similar — while the ways of addressing them can be very different.

A particularly enriching part of the mobility was getting to know the organisation and day-to-day work of Mykolas Romeris University. Direct conversations with members of the university staff allowed me to see familiar tasks from a fresh perspective and learn about practical solutions and good practices used in another academic environment. Such first-hand exchange of experience is one of the greatest strengths of international staff mobility.

The programme was also much more than a professional experience. Staying in Vilnius gave me the chance to explore Lithuania’s rich history and culture and to better understand how the country’s historical and cultural heritage has influenced the development of its higher education system. As a Polish participant, I found this particularly meaningful, given the deep and centuries-old connections between Poland and Lithuania.

The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme was therefore both professionally enriching and personally inspiring. It broadened my perspective on international cooperation, university administration and the diverse realities of higher education around the world. Most importantly, it reminded me of the value of stepping outside our usual professional environment, meeting people with different experiences and being open to new ideas.

I am confident that the knowledge, inspiration and good practices gained during this mobility will become a valuable asset in my everyday work at WSB University (Akademia WSB) and will contribute to further developing international cooperation within our academic community.

Sometimes the best way to improve the way we work is simply to see how others do it. Erasmus+ Staff Mobility makes that possible.

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From 4 to 8 May 2026, we had the pleasure of participating in the International Staff Week "Inclusion at the Core", organised by the Universidade de Vigo in Spain as part of the Erasmus+ programme. It was a unique experience that allowed us to meet representatives of higher education institutions from different European countries and exchange experiences related to working in an international academic environment.

The programme focused on inclusion, intercultural competences and modern solutions supporting international mobility. We took part in workshops, presentations, panel discussions and bilateral meetings, which provided an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge, learn about good practices and establish contacts with representatives of other universities.

An important part of the visit was the opportunity to explore the campuses of the Universidade de Vigo in Vigo, Pontevedra and Ourense. The cultural programme also allowed us to learn more about Spanish culture and integrate with other participants of the event.

Participating in the Staff Week "Inclusion at the Core" was a valuable professional and personal experience for both of us. The mobility allowed us to broaden our knowledge of building an inclusive academic environment, develop our intercultural competences and establish relationships that may serve as a foundation for future international cooperation.

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The Academic Mobility Coordinator took part in a Staff Week organized by the University of Eastern Finland, focusing on the theme of Lifelong Learning.

During the visit, she participated in workshops, training sessions, practical activities, and meetings with university representatives and participants from different countries. The programme provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, learn about good practices in the internationalisation of higher education, and establish new professional contacts.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the mobility was learning about the Finnish higher education system, which is based on a high level of trust in students and supports their independence and responsibility for their own learning process. This approach provides valuable inspiration for implementing good practices at our university as well.

The stay in Finland also provided an opportunity to learn more about the country's culture and unique character. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes", Finland impresses with its beautiful nature, tranquillity, and harmonious combination of modernity and the natural environment.

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Jako że był to mój pierwszy wyjazd na Staff Week, nie mam możliwości odniesienia się do innych wydarzeń. Niemniej jednak był to bardzo intensywny i ciekawy tydzień spędzony na terenie University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, poświęcony tematyce zrównoważonego rozwoju i edukacji. Głównymi założeniami tego tygodniowego wydarzenia było pozyskanie i/lub poszerzenie wiedzy na temat wdrażania zasad zrównoważonego rozwoju w szkolnictwie wyższym oraz wymiana dobrych praktyk między uczestnikami z różnych krajów europejskich.

Ze swojej strony mogę potwierdzić, iż:

• pozyskałam wiele informacji na temat zrównoważonej edukacji w kontekście akademickim oraz poszerzyłam swoją wiedzę w zakresie zrównoważonego działania i metod stosowanych w środowisku pracy, które – wraz z rozwojem mojej kariery w AWSB – będę mogła sukcesywnie wprowadzać, tym samym wpływając na pozycję i wizerunek Uczelni,
• nawiązałam nowe, wartościowe znajomości akademickie z osobami z różnych krajów, m.in. Portugalii, Bułgarii, Hiszpanii oraz – oczywiście – Chorwacji i Polski,
• uczestniczyłam w zaplanowanych w programie wykładach, warsztatach, zajęciach grupowych, a także w międzynarodowej konferencji (ReECON) organizowanej m.in. przez University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić,
• poszerzyłam swoją wiedzę dotyczącą krajów bałkańskich – zarówno w teorii, jak i w praktyce – dzięki wydarzeniom przygotowanym przez organizatorów, takim jak warsztaty kulinarne czy wycieczka po Dalmacji.

Podsumowując, udział w tego typu wydarzeniu, którego początkowo nieco się obawiałam, finalnie pozwolił mi rozwinąć kompetencje międzykulturowe, zdobyć nową i poszerzyć obecną wiedzę w zakresie zrównoważonej edukacji, a także zainspirował mnie do wdrażania podobnych działań w naszej instytucji. Staff Week organizowany przez University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić stanowił cenne doświadczenie zawodowe i osobiste, które z pewnością przełoży się na jakość mojej dalszej pracy w AWSB. Nie ukrywam, że tego typu forma przyswajania wiedzy jest dla mnie bardzo komfortowa i znacznie bardziej wartościowa niż klasyczne szkolenia online czy offline. Z przyjemnością uczestniczyłabym w podobnych wyjazdach pracowniczych w przyszłości, jeśli tylko byłoby to możliwe.

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It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity, thanks to the support of the Erasmus+ programme, to visit beautiful Azerbaijan, and in particular the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC).

With the support of the International Relations Office, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in logistics during lectures for local students. At the same time, I gained valuable experience myself through inspiring and highly productive discussions with university staff and participants of the event.

I also had the opportunity to participate in the 6th International Scientific Conference of Economic and Management Researchers (ISCEMR 2024). The excellent organisation of the event deserves particular recognition, as does the opportunity to visit the impressive Heydar Aliyev Center.

UNEC and Azerbaijan – you are doing a truly great job! Keep it up!

I definitely recommend taking part in the Erasmus+ programme. I am convinced that this was neither my last visit to Azerbaijan nor my last Erasmus+ mobility. See you on more international adventures!

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Thanks to Erasmus+ mobility, we are able to effectively cooperate with partner universities in Algeria. I personally had the opportunity to visit Mila University, where I established wonderful contacts and made friends with whom I hope we will carry out various interesting projects in the future.

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In July, Dr Karol Kujawa visited the University of Constantine 2 in Algeria as part of an Erasmus+ training mobility under the cooperation with partner countries, KA107. During his visit, Dr Kujawa held meetings with staff from the Faculties of Management and Computer Science. The discussions focused on continuing cooperation in the exchange of academic staff and students, joint publications and research projects, including those carried out under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education action.

Thanks to this mobility, work was initiated on a joint study programme in the field of Management.

Cooperation with the University of Constantine 2 is gaining momentum, and in the new academic year, WSB University will welcome staff members and students from this university as part of the Erasmus+ KA107 project.

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Prof. dr hab. Ryszard Szynowski, Head of the Doctoral Seminar in Security Studies, completed an Erasmus+ staff training mobility at the Armed Forces Academy of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia. During his visit, Professor Szynowski held meetings with staff members of the Department of Security Studies and the International Relations Office, where they discussed academic and research cooperation as well as joint publications, including contributions to the academic journal of WSB University – Security Forum.

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The experience gained during the mobility significantly enhanced our professional skills, particularly in the areas of neuromarketing, marketing research, intercultural academic communication, international project management, and the use of digital tools in research and teaching.

The visit also contributed to the development of new ideas for joint academic publications and opened up prospects for further cooperation within initiatives funded by the European Union.

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The course “Stress Management through Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation” was organised as part of the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme by the training institution Learning Together in Porto, Portugal, from 22 to 27 June 2025. Nine teachers from Italy, Finland, Hungary, and Poland took part in the course.

The course had two main objectives. The first was to analyse stressful situations in the workplace, particularly those related to teacher-student relationships, and to identify areas requiring improvement and more effective communication. The second objective was to acquire practical body-mind skills useful for coping with stress and strengthening personal and professional competences.

The course was delivered using active learning methods, including instruction, practical exercises, discussions in small and large groups, and numerous hands-on activities. In addition to the organised sessions, it provided an opportunity to exchange experiences related to teaching in different educational systems and to explore the differences and similarities in the challenges faced by teachers today.

The personal and professional benefits of participating in the course included greater awareness of stress triggers in the workplace, improved ability to manage emotions through specific techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, better self-care skills and the ability to develop effective strategies for dealing with challenging situations, greater awareness of the specific characteristics of the education sector in different European countries, and the opportunity to practise English language skills throughout the course.

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