With nearly 110 applications for only 24 available spots, the recent ERUA intensive course, "Organizing Self, Others, and Environment," proved to be a highly sought-after academic initiative. Hosted by SWPS University in Wrocław, the program featured three days of workshops led by a team of 14 instructors. During the course, we hosted students from all eight ERUA partner universities, representing Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, and Spain.
Human-centered Design
During the course, the Wrocław campus of SWPS University served as a hub for intellectual exchange, bridging the fields of psychology, communication and modern spatial design. The curriculum featured workshops on:
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
- The psychology of decision-making
- The impact of architecture on human behavior
Under the guidance of experts, students analyzed several key concepts, including:
- Self-determination theory
- The dynamics of interpersonal space
- Modern approaches to work organization, such as the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), which is focused on reducing digital overload
The program focused on the relationship between individuals and their physical surroundings. Thanks to the hospitality of the UPM Wrocław Business Hub, students were able to apply theoretical concepts to a professional setting. A visit to the company’s offices illustrated how modern spatial design supports work organization, providing a practical look at the intersection of architectural theory and psychology.
Students' vision of a better world
The course concluded with students presenting original projects focused on architectural modifications to university and urban environments. The creativity and maturity of these proposals highlight the potential for further dialogue on how modern design can enhance the well-being of both students and local residents.
Particpants of the ERUA intensive course "Organizing Self, Others and Envirionment" attend a workshop.
Wrocław – a great place for new friendships and integration
The intensive workshops were complemented by an engaging social program, allowing guests to experience Wrocław both through its historic landmarks and from a local perspective. In addition to visiting the Old Town and attending a history lesson at The Depot History Centre (Centrum Historii Zajezdnia), participants enjoyed a group dinner of traditional Polish cuisine. An evening on Słodowa Island and an English-language pub quiz at the Browar Stu Mostów brewery—organized by local students—offered further opportunities to build lasting international connections.
Record interest and top quality education
The “Organizing Self and Others” intensive course enjoyed the highest level of interests out of all ERUA courses offered by SWPS University to date. The high student interest in the topic, resulted in the exceptional quality of the workshop outputs.
The organizational success of the program was driven by a dedicated team:
- Aleksandra Penza, M.A. – Course Coordinator, Faculty of Psychology in Wrocław
- Dominika Bzoma – ERUA Ambassador
- Kamil Godawski – ERUA Ambassador
- Tomasz Frączak – member of the Student Government in Wrocław
- Jagoda Szklarczyk – member of the Student Government in Wrocław
- Martyna Turzańska – member of the Student Government in Wrocław
ERUA Member Universities
Funding