Zofia Czarnecka, a student at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism, AMU, spent a month at the turn of May and June 2025 at the University of Liberec, Czech Republic, as a CEEPUS scholarship holder.
"During the exchange program, I gained valuable experience and developed numerous skills related to academic work, international collaboration, and functioning within an academic environment. I had the opportunity to conduct an analysis of the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Nysa Euroregion (Neisse-Nisa-Nysa) during the years 2014–2020. This analysis focused on funds such as: the Microproject Fund under the INTERREG V-A Czech Republic–Poland Cooperation Programme 2014–2020, the Small Projects Fund under the Saxony–Czech Republic Cooperation Programme 2014–2020, and the Small Projects Fund under the INTERREG Poland–Saxony Cooperation Programme 2014–2020. The study included, among other things, the identification of the most active NGOs within each program and their respective fields of activity. It also contained detailed data on each participating NGO, including project implementation dates and thematic categories assigned to them. This work allowed me to deepen my understanding of cross-border cooperation—its mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges. I also participated in numerous lectures which enriched my knowledge in the field of public administration in Poland as well as the historical context and mentality of Russian society. My stay at the Technical University of Liberec (TUL) also contributed to the development of my competencies in the area of international cooperation. Through interactions with students from various countries, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange views—including on political and social issues—which significantly broadened my horizons and enhanced my knowledge in areas I do not usually encounter in my daily environment. I also noticeably improved my language skills. Thanks to the inspiring academic environment, I was able to acquire new insights and practical advice that proved useful in the process of writing my bachelor’s thesis. Participating in the exchange in Liberec was an extremely valuable experience that significantly contributed to my academic and professional development. The knowledge and skills I acquired will undoubtedly be beneficial in the future stages of my career." - Zofia Czarnecka.
