One of the manifestations of a modern university is the ongoing internationalization process. We can analyze it from the perspective of the number of international conferences, publications with articles by foreign specialists, or students coming from abroad. Another important factor is the number of outgoing and incoming exchange students. This also applies to academic staff.

The Erasmus + program has proved many times that thanks to the exchange of students and staff, it is possible to build permanent relationships that result in numerous joint projects. Strategic partnerships within Erasmus + are extremely important. Thanks to building a network of connections, the scientific world gets closer to each other from every corner. Modern technologies, so important in the era of the coronavirus pandemic, have also created many opportunities.

Let’s not forget, however, that the majority of contacts are built up during face-to-face meetings. The employees of the College of Social and Media Culture in Toruń in Poland did not forget about this aspect and as soon as the restrictions on flights to Spain were reduced, they took advantage of the opportunity.

The lecturer and the head of the Inter-University and International Cooperation Office, Dr. Krystian Chołaszczyński, and Dr. Jan Wiśniewski (WSKSiM lecturer and coordinator of the Regional Center for International Debate in Toruń) went to Tarragona, where they underwent training at the headquarters of the Polish School, led by the Director, Ewa Hojna.

The study trip was aimed at strengthening cooperation with an educational unit whose activities are aimed at the Polish diaspora living in Catalonia. The Polish School in Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona and Castelldefels successfully carries out the tasks of educating young Poles who live in this part of Spain. At the same time, it is a popular place for internships under the Erasmus + program for students from Toruń in Poland.

During the study trip, not only the place of internships for students was evaluated, but also a number of activities were undertaken to strengthen cooperation. There are plans to organize the next Catalonia Days within the walls of the College of Social and Media Culture in Toruń. The first edition took place in 2019 and turned out to be a huge success. During them, young people have the opportunity to listen to music, taste dishes or listen to interesting local traditions.

Moreover, courtesy of the Headmistress Ewa Hojna, there was a meeting with representatives of the proprietary La Salle school in Tarragona. Ms Alícia Fernandez Sivill – principal of the La Salle Tarragona school; and Professor Jordi Gomà Cortès, teacher at La Salle Tarragona; they presented the institution and expressed their willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The meeting at La Salle school was extremely important. His rank is evidenced by the presence of Ms Karolina Cemka, who is currently the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Barcelona. Relations between universities in Toruń and the Catalan Polish School, as well as with Catalan educational units are becoming more and more important.

Everything took place in a sanitary regime, as no one has forgotten that the coronavirus / COVID-19 is still dangerous and you should remember about security measures.
Strengthening relationships and joint planning of future activities is possible thanks to the wonderful Erasmus + program.
We would like to thank Ms. Ewa Hojna for help in organizing the trip and great cooperation.
Dr. Jan Wiśniewski
Dr. Krystian Chołaszczyński