Other Projects

The group visited a wide range of educational institutions including:  the Community College in Nowy Sacz, the National Louis University - Business College to have a closer look at  the management of the independent, non-state education as well as the Independent Middle and High School "SPLOT" where they observed lessons.  In Krakow they were welcomed at the Tischner European University to learn more about cooperation between universities from various countries and student initiatives in implementing projects abroad.  They were impressed by the Children’s University of Jagiellonian University and private Montessori Preschool.   In Warsaw they had study visits at the Education for Democracy Foundation, the Center of Civic Education and Collegium CIVITAS – a private university. 

There were several workshops to discuss the problems of the education system in Poland and Bulgaria, experience interactive methods of teaching and extra-curriculum programs engaging students in work for the community such as Public Achievement.  Civic education workshops introduced VILLAGE, Street Law programs and the School Plus network.  We also addressed how NGOs and universities can help in building an open, democratic, participatory society and the importance of cooperation between teachers, parents and students.

The touristic program included a Nowy Sacz sightseeing tour, a visit at the Old Salt Mine in Wieliczka, a bus tour around the old city and a visit to the Royal Castle Wawel in Kraków, the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising, the Royal Castle and Palace on the Water, the Old City Square in Warsaw and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Southwestern University in Blagoevgrad for sponsoring this study visit.