Service Learning for Sustainable Futures

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:

1. Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
2. Cover letter describing your interest in service learning and sustainability (max. 300 words)
3. CEFR B2 or higher English proficiency certificate — we accept all types of official certificates

Application deadline: October 16, 2026, by midnight (CEST).

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.

Meet your Faculty

Course Coordinator

Berniak-Woźny, Justyna SWPS University

Bio

Tak

Permanent employee

Tak

First and last name

Justyna Berniak-Woźny

Academic degree or title

Ph.D. / Assistant Professor

Email

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

City

krakow

Position

adiunkt

Role in the Faculty

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Specialization

business trainer, CSR expert, business process manager

Discipline

management-and-quality-studies

Role in the Department

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Role in the Institute

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Institute

Institute of Social Sciences

Faculty

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Role in the Research Center

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Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Justyna Berniak-Woźnybusiness trainer, CSR expert, business process manager

Lecturers

Bozhkova, Magdalena

Bio

Nie

Specialization

lecturer in French language and literature

Permanent employee

Nie

First and last name

Magdalena Bozhkova

Academic degree or title

New Bulgarian University

New Bulgarian University Magdalena Bozhkova 

Castro Alonso, Pedro Luis

Bio

Nie

Specialization

lecturer in French language and literature

Permanent employee

Nie

First and last name

Pedro Luis Castro Alonso

Academic degree or title

University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Pedro Luis Castro Alonso 

Kowalska-Jarnot, Katarzyna SWPS University

Bio

Nie

Permanent employee

Tak

First and last name

Katarzyna Kowalska-Jarnot

Academic degree or title

Ph.D. / Assistant Professor

Email

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

City

krakow

Discipline

management-and-quality-studies

Position

adiunkt

Role in the Faculty

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Role in the Department

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Faculty

Array

Role in the Institute

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Role in the Research Center

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Ph.D. / Assistant Professor Katarzyna Kowalska-Jarnot 

Llorca, Eva

Bio

Nie

Specialization

architect

Permanent employee

Nie

First and last name

Eva Llorca

Academic degree or title

Director of University of Las Palmas the Gran Canaria, Spain

Director of University of Las Palmas the Gran Canaria, Spain Eva Llorca 

Niagolov, Georgi

Bio

Nie

Specialization

lecturer and researcher in English literature, culture and theatre

Permanent employee

Nie

First and last name

Georgi Niagolov

Academic degree or title

New Bulgarian University

New Bulgarian University Georgi Niagolov 

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.