The University of Silesia in Katowice announces the recruitment of participate in the International Summer School “Between Cultures – Communicate, Understand, Connect”
The International Summer School, organised at the University of Alicante, is addressed to students from Poland and Spain. The programme aims to develop participants’ language and intercultural competences while broadening their knowledge of contemporary culture, society, and academic life in Spain.
The programme includes workshops, team projects, and classes conducted in an authentic linguistic and cultural environment. Participants will develop intercultural communication skills, explore linguistic and cultural diversity, and enhance their ability to use Spanish and English in academic and social contexts.
An important component of the Summer School is the cooperation between students from the University of Silesia and the University of Alicante. Joint workshops, debates, and project-based activities will enable participants to exchange experiences, gain new cultural perspectives, and strengthen their language and intercultural competences through direct collaboration in an international academic environment.
The programme also includes activities carried out in cooperation with other academic communities at the University of Alicante. Participants will take part in a discussion cinema session together with Sociology students, focusing on the analysis of social and intercultural issues from different academic perspectives. They will also participate in a sociological walk around Alicante, observing and interpreting urban space, social phenomena, and elements of the city’s cultural heritage.
An integral part of the programme consists of team projects and field activities conducted in the city and cultural institutions. Participants will explore selected aspects of Spanish social and cultural life, gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Spain, and develop practical language and intercultural competences while working in international teams.
An additional highlight of the programme will be an official visit to the Rectorate of the University of Alicante, where participants will be welcomed by the university authorities and receive commemorative gifts prepared especially for the International Summer School.
When and where:
21–25 September 2026
University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Who can participate:
At least 10 students from the University of Silesia in Katowice
At least 10 students from the University of Alicante
Application deadline:
3 August 2026
Language of instruction:
Spanish and English
Participation fee:
Free of charge
Format:
Classes will be held at the University of Alicante and will include workshops, team projects, debates, field activities, study visits, and collaborative learning with students from the University of Alicante.
The on-site programme may be preceded by online lectures.
ECTS credits and certificate:
Participants who complete the Summer School will receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate specifying the learning outcomes (30 hours of classes).
How to apply — Step 1 (University of Alicante students)
- Complete the application form (Annex No. 1A – Student’s Application for Participation),
including Section 1: Information about the Candidate and Section 4: Substantive Criteria. - Print the completed application form.
- Sign the application form on the last page, indicating the date and place.
- Attach the required certificates/confirmations.
- Obtain the signature of the dean’s office of the relevant faculty in Section 1.
- Obtain the signature of the co-organiser of the support activity (Dr Rafael Alcázar Ruiz) at the end of the application, under the statement confirming the relevance of the requested form of support.
- Send a signed scan of the application form together with the required certificates/confirmations to: transform4europe@us.edu.pl.
Selection criteria:
Applications will be assessed on a points basis according to the following criteria:
Self-assessment of knowledge and competences related to the topic of the Summer School
Language proficiency:
English language:
A1–A2 – 1 point
B1–B2 – 2 points
C1–C2 – 3 points
Second foreign language (including native language)
A1–A2 – 1 point
B1–B2 – 2 points
C1–C2 – 3 points
Language certificates:
Issued by a language school – 1 point
Issued by a university unit – 2 points
External certificates issued by an accredited examination centre – 3 points
A copy of each supporting document must be attached to the application.
Acceptable documents include a certificate issued by a language course provider, a transcript of grades confirming language proficiency, or the applicant’s own statement/declaration confirming knowledge of the given language.
Dean’s opinion confirming the relevance of the requested form of support for the student’s study programme:
No confirmed relevance – 0 points
Confirmed relevance – 3 points
A ranking list and a reserve list will be created based on the total score.
Participation in the project and its implementation — Step 2 (University of Alicante students)
Qualified participants, before the start of the summer school
(deadline: 19 September 2026)
- Register in the NAWA application system as a project participant, following the instructions provided in the file “Registration NAWA – EN” and submit the registration/application.
- Download the application file in PDF format and send it to:
transform4europe@us.edu.pl.
Academic contact (University of Silesia):
Dr Cecylia Tatoj, cecylia.tatoj@us.edu.pl
Dr Aniela Kucharska, aniela.kucharska@us.edu.pl
Academic contact (University of Alicante):
Dr Rafael Alcázar Ruiz, rafael.alcazar@ua.es
Information and administrative contact:
Transform4Europe Office
Rectorate Building
12 Bankowa Street, 3rd floor, Room 3.6
transform4europe@us.edu.pl
