Intercultural Workshops NAWA Welcome to Poland

On 3 and 10 March 2026, in-person intercultural workshops were held for academic and administrative staff of our Academy as part of the NAWA “Welcome to Poland” project.

The training, attended by 12 participants, was delivered by Joanna Wasilewska, an experienced trainer specialising in psychological and soft skills development.

The aim of the workshops was to deepen participants’ understanding of the impact of culture on communication, develop their intercultural competences and increase their confidence when working in an international environment. Participants had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of differences in communication styles, attitudes towards time and authority, and ways of expressing emotions. They also developed skills in responding to challenging situations arising in interactions with international students.

The training programme combined theoretical input with practical activities. On the first day, participants were introduced to the principles of intercultural communication, explored cultural differences through established theoretical frameworks and examined the influence of culture on different ways of thinking.

The second day focused, among other topics, on building psychological safety, managing tensions in intercultural relationships and methods of supporting the integration of international students. An important part of the programme was also devoted to developing the ability to respond effectively to challenging situations in intercultural interactions, as well as fostering openness and empathy towards international students.

The workshops were highly interactive. Participants took part in simulations, case study analyses and group discussions, allowing them to put the knowledge they had gained into practice. The training helped increase participants’ openness and improve their ability to communicate effectively in an academic environment characterised by growing cultural diversity.

Activities carried out under the NAWA “Welcome to Poland” project represent an important part of the Academy’s efforts to support its staff in the process of internationalisation. They contribute to improving the quality of services provided to international students and to creating an environment that encourages integration and mutual understanding. In the longer term, these initiatives strengthen the Academy’s institutional capacity to engage effectively in an international academic environment.

Two further editions of the workshops are planned for the 2026/2027 academic year.