PROM – Short-term academic exchange | WSB Merito Gdańsk University

Project objectives

The project introduced innovative teaching methods, supported the development of students’ and lecturers’ language skills, improved the quality of academic publications and enabled knowledge transfer between academia and business. The knowledge gained through cooperation with international institutions was applied in teaching and business practice. Particular emphasis was placed on developing skills in logistics, new technologies, transport management and sustainable development.

Through their involvement in the project, participants gained experience of working in an international environment, enhanced their intercultural competence and developed their language and professional skills. PROM 2025 contributed to improving the quality of teaching and research, strengthened international cooperation and raised the international profile of WSB Merito University in Gdańsk.

The total project value was PLN 376,375.00.

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PROM – Short-term academic exchange | WSB Merito Gdańsk University: PROM programme

Project implementation

The project involved 44 participants – 31 students and staff from WSB Merito University in Gdańsk and 13 participants from partner universities abroad. Women accounted for 72.7% of participants (32 people), while men accounted for 27.3% (12 people).

The project ran for one year, until September 2026.

New experiences, international opportunities

The PROM project strengthened the international dimension of education and teaching, enabled participants to develop their skills and deepened cooperation with international partners. Through the involvement of representatives from different faculties, the mobility activities provided opportunities not only to gain new experience but also to develop international cooperation across the university.

PROM – Short-term academic exchange | WSB Merito Gdańsk University: PROM

From Spain to Finland

Student mobility activities were planned to reflect the specific focus of each faculty, ensuring that international experience made a meaningful contribution to students’ development. Students from the Faculty of Business, supervised by Marek Szymański, students from WIiNT, accompanied by Przemek Kitowski, and female students from WSH, supervised by Piotr Mielcarek, took part in mobility activities in three different locations in Spain. Faculty of Health representatives Dalia Woźnica and Michał Sokół participated in a mobility visit to Finland, which included a study visit exploring Finnish healthcare and education. The Faculty of Law and Administration undertook a mobility visit to Czechia.

The project also supported the professional development of academic staff. Lecturers travelled to Italy, Belgium, Portugal and other countries for placements, conferences and other activities focused on sharing experience. These mobility activities enabled them to explore new working methods, exchange good practice and establish contacts that could lead to further joint initiatives.

Incoming mobility was also an important part of the project. WSB Merito University in Gdańsk hosted students from Ukraine and Italy, as well as academic staff from Italy, Monaco and Slovakia. Meetings and joint activities provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, experiences and perspectives, and to build relationships between academic communities from different countries.

Student explores intercultural learning in Helsinki

WSB Merito University psychology student Marika Oliwia Pieronek visited Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland in Helsinki to explore international volunteering, cultural exchange and personal development.

The visit formed part of the PROM programme, financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

A Visit to Maailmanvaihto - ICYE Finland

PROM – Short-term academic exchange | WSB Merito Gdańsk University: Marika Olivia Pieronek

International exchange can be much more than simply spending time abroad. It can become an experience that develops independence, challenges assumptions and creates a deeper understanding ofboth other cultures and our own.

Marika Olivia Pieronek

Understanding the volunteer experience

Marika met Minna Räisänen, Communications Officer at Maailmanvaihto, to learn about the organisation’s activities and its support for young people volunteering internationally. Maailmanvaihto welcomes volunteers to Finland and helps Finnish participants access volunteering opportunities abroad.

Their conversation covered placements commonly lasting between six and twelve months, introductory activities and ongoing support. Volunteers may also have access to a local buddy who helps them become familiar with everyday life in Finland.

Language was another topic: volunteers are not expected to know Finnish before arriving, and English can be used for communication, with Finnish courses available for those interested in learning.

Culture, communication and well-being

As a psychology student, Marika was particularly interested in the challenges of entering an unfamiliar cultural environment. The discussion explored how differences in communication styles can lead to misunderstandings, including situations in which reserved behaviour may be mistaken for distance.

She also learnt about support for volunteers who feel overwhelmed or experience difficulties adapting to their surroundings. A brief conversation with a newly arrived volunteer from Italy added another perspective on starting an international placement.

Connecting study with experience

Reflecting on the visit, Marika described a deeper interest in the psychological aspects of international volunteering and in the opportunities available. The experience also encouraged her to consider volunteering abroad in the future.

Her account highlights how a meeting with an international organisation can connect academic interests with practical experience and encourage reflection on cultural differences, personal assumptions and future opportunities.

PROM – Short-term academic exchange