About the program
The Service Learning for Sustainable Futures ERUA Winter School in Kraków is an intensive, project-based program that offers a joint learning experience rooted in service learning methodology, including:
- Foundations of Service Learning and Sustainability: Introductory workshops covering the theoretical framework of service learning, sustainability and urban resilience.
- NGO Collaboration and Field Visit: Presentation of real community challenges by a local NGO partner, followed by a guided field visit.
- Team-Based Project Development: With the support of academic mentors, interdisciplinary teams of students develop response proposals to address the challenge presented during the NGO field visit.
- Guided Reflection and Theory Integration: Structured reflection sessions connecting the service learning experience to academic frameworks (sustainability, civic engagement, social innovation).
- Final Presentations and Closing: Teams present project outcomes to NGO partners and academic staff. Peer and expert feedback is integrated into a final reflective assignment submitted after the seminar.
Post-course online component (December 7, 2026)
During the post-course online meeting, participants will evaluate project outcomes, share lessons learned, and examine the broader societal impact of the student proposals.
Prerequisites:
- CEFR B2 English proficiency certificate or a letter from your dean/university confirming your English proficiency at B2 level
- Service-learning experience (as part of the previously taken course(s))
What will you learn?
During the winter school you will learn how to:
- Apply theoretical frameworks (service learning, sustainability, civic engagement) to real community challenges
- Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary, international teams
- Design and present a community-oriented project proposal
- Engage in structured critical reflection that connects experience with academic theory
- Demonstrate intercultural communication and civic awareness
- Understand the role of higher education in addressing societal challenges
Application Process
Before you start your application process, please prepare the following document:
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Cover letter describing your interest in service learning and sustainability (max. 300 words)
- CEFR B2 or higher English proficiency certificate — we accept all types of official certificates
Travel Funding
Students from ERUA partner universities, other than SWPS University, who are accepted to the program by SWPS University, can apply for travel and accommodation funding at their home university’s ERUA Office.
Application deadline: October 16, 2026, by midnight (CEST).
To apply, follow this link and fill in the application form.
Funding sources
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Contact
SWPS University Office for International Cooperation: erua@swps.edu.pl
