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

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
• 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 26, 2026, by midnight (CEST).

Meet the course coordinator

Berniak-Woźny, Justyna

Bio

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Permanent employee

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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

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.