#INTERLAB+ 2025 INTERCULTURAL WORKSHOPS AT JDU

Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa has been selected as one of 36 institutions from across Poland to participate in the 2025 edition of the #INTERLAB+ project, implemented by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). The selected institutions represent 22 cities from 10 regions, making this project one of the most prestigious and wide-ranging initiatives in the field of intercultural competence development in Poland.

As part of the project, intercultural workshops were held at Jan Dlugosz University on October 30–31, 2025, for the university’s administrative staff. The aim was to broaden knowledge and skills related to functioning in a multicultural environment, as well as to develop attitudes of openness and sensitivity to diversity.

Participants were welcomed by prof. Marcin Sosnowski, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Internationalisation, who emphasised in his address the importance of developing intercultural competencies in the university’s day-to-day operations.

The two-day programme included, among others: understanding the influence of culture on individuals; developing intercultural competencies with a focus on openness and sensitivity to diversity; analysing phenomena occurring at the intersection of cultures, such as stereotypes and prejudices; discussing the process of cultural adaptation and acculturation strategies; creating methods to support individuals in the adaptation process, especially during the cultural shock phase; mapping challenges and developing strategies for responding to cultural differences within the university environment; and improving communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal) when working with people from different cultures.

The workshops were well received by the participants, who highlighted their practical nature, friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to exchange experiences related to working in an international environment.

The participation of Jan Dlugosz University in the #INTERLAB+ 2025 project is another step towards developing a culture of openness and intercultural dialogue at the university, further strengthening its position as a modern, welcoming institution open to international cooperation.