About the program
Our intensive course, organized by SWPS University in collaboration with the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), explores the concept of mental health literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health issues across diverse cultural settings. The goal of the course is to develop a clear understanding of mental health, mental disorders, and the myths and stigma surrounding these issues.
What will you learn
During the program, you will learn how to:
- Promote mental well-being
- Provide initial support to individuals in psychological distress
- Navigate help-seeking behaviors.
A special emphasis will be placed on the role of cultural values, traditions, and systemic factors in shaping perceptions of mental health and access to care.
Through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, students will critically examine the intersections of culture, language, gender, and race in mental health contexts, which will prepare them for approaching mental health issues with cultural sensitivity and practical knowledge.
Review detailed program
Application Process
Before you start your application process, please prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Cover letter describing why you would like to participate in the course (max. 1 page)
- Grade Point Average (GPA) transcript or a written confirmation of the GPA for the last semester signed by your home university authorities
- CEFR B1 English proficiency certificate, for example, we accept TOEFL, CAE, IELTS, or FCE (B2). Alternatively, a letter confirming your English skills, printed on your home university’s letterhead, signed by one of your university lecturers.
Application deadline: June 30, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: Students from SWPS University are subject to an internal admission procedure. Watch this space for the relevant regulation – coming soon. Interested parties should contact Professor Anna Gabińska at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Funding
Students who are accepted to the program, can apply for travel and accommodation funding at their home university's ERUA Office.
Meet your lecturers
Borawska-Charko, Magdalena
Specialization
psychologist
First and last name
Magdalena Borawska-Charko
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Role in the Faculty
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Role in the Department
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Role in the Research Center
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Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Magdalena Borawska-Charkopsychologist
Gabińska, Anna
Specialization
psychologist
First and last name
Anna Gabińska
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Role in the Faculty
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Role in the Department
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Role in the Research Center
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Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Anna Gabińskapsychologist
Kierepka, Małgorzata
Specialization
lecturer in Polish
First and last name
Małgorzata Kierepka
Academic degree or title
M.A.
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M.A. Małgorzata Kierepkalecturer in Polish
Mazurowska, Karolina
Specialization
cross-cultural psychologist
First and last name
Karolina Mazurowska
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Associate Professor
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position
profesor uczelni
Role in the Faculty
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Role in the Department
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Role in the Research Center
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Ph.D. / Associate Professor Karolina Mazurowskacross-cultural psychologist
Porębiak, Marta
Specialization
psychologist, specilizing in psychotherapy EAP and psycho-oncology
First and last name
Marta Porębiak
Academic degree or title
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor
Role in the Faculty
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Role in the Department
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Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Role in the Research Center
[]
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Marta Porębiakpsychologist, psychotherapist, and psycho-oncology
Online Guest Speakers
Zoja Ghimire, M.A.
Stiftelsen Mangfold i Arbeidslivet (MiA), Norway
holds an M.A. in Psychology and has a professional background in cross-cultural psychology and social diversity. Originally from Poland, she has worked extensively with children and adults affected by illness, disability, and life crises in Poland, India, the UK, and Norway. Since 2000, she has been active in the non-profit sector, where she continues to volunteer. She also studied non-profit organization management and currently works as a project manager at the Norwegian foundation Stiftelsen Mangfold i Arbeidslivet (Diversity in the Workplace). There, she leads Polish Dialogue and other initiatives dedicated to supporting the Polish community—Norway’s largest migrant group. Zoja is a member of the Expert Council on Immigrant Health at the Norwegian Directorate of Health. From 2021 to 2023, she served as a member of the Multicultural Council in Viken County, Norway. She is deeply committed to promoting equal opportunities and inclusive communities, particularly for minority groups.
Shue Ling Chong, Ph.D.
University of Nottingham, Malaysia
is an assistant professor and developmental psychologist, who is currently working at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. She works with young populations (children, adolescents, and youth). Her research interest include studies on ecological factors that impact children, adolescents, and youth development (e.g., parents, peers, schools, and culture), positive developmental outcomes, digital behavior, social issues, and psychometric studies. She is also an expert in Structural Equations Modelling, mediation, and moderation analyses. Aside, she is a regular guest in the media and columnist who writes about adolescents and youth topics.
Surabhi Roy, M.A.
University of Nottignham, Malaysia
is a dedicated psychology professional with a blend of clinical and academic expertise. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Management from Heriot-Watt University and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from SWPS University. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, she is expanding her research in mental health. Surabhi’s career spans roles as a Mental Crisis Advisor and Counsellor, alongside academic contributions including publications in Inspire the Mind, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the International Journal of Indian Psychology. She has also served as associate faculty at Westford University College. Committed to continuous growth, she holds certifications such as Adolescent Mental Health First Aid and has completed several internships. Her work bridges practice and research, with a special focus on adolescent and adult mental health.
Speaker TBA
De La Salle University, Phillipines
Organizers
Funding sources
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Contact
USWPS Office for International Cooperation: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.