Understanding Academy Opens a New Course Location in Kraków

Our New Classroom in Kraków

Our classroom is located opposite Oskar Schindler's Factory and close to MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków. The surrounding area brings together history, culture and contemporary city life, giving participants many opportunities to continue learning beyond the formal course programme.

This setting reflects an important part of our approach: an Erasmus+ course is not limited to the classroom. The host city can also support reflection, conversation and a better understanding of the local context.

Our First Course

A new classroom only comes to life when participants begin using it. During our opening course, the space quickly became a place for discussion, practical activities, group work and the exchange of professional experience.

The teachers brought different questions, perspectives and educational contexts into the room. Their contributions shaped a course week that was practical, international and closely connected to real classroom needs. We are grateful that this group became part of our first course story in Poland.

Why Poland Matters to Us

Opening a location in Poland means more to us than adding another city to the course catalogue. Over the years, we have worked with Polish teachers, schools and educational partners through European training and cooperation.

These relationships helped us understand the value of creating a more permanent base in the country. Kraków allows us to welcome groups from across Europe while also building stronger connections with schools and education professionals in Poland.

Kraków as a Meeting Point for European Teachers

Kraków is well suited to international teacher training. It combines a rich history with an active academic and cultural life, while its compact centre makes it easy for visitors to explore. After a day of training, participants can walk through Kazimierz, visit a museum or discover the historic centre together.

This combination supports both professional learning and international exchange. We want our courses in the city to become a meeting point where Polish educators and colleagues from other European countries can share experience, develop ideas and build new connections.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Cultural learning is an important part of our courses in Kraków. Depending on the course programme, participants may visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Although these are very different places, each offers a deeper connection with the history and heritage of Poland.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a serious educational and commemorative experience, not a typical excursion. It creates space to reflect on memory, human dignity and the responsibility of education in helping future generations understand the past.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine presents another part of Polish heritage. Its underground chambers, sculptures and architecture show centuries of industrial, social and cultural history. The visit gives participants an opportunity to experience this remarkable place together.

Inside Our Kraków Classroom

A Long-Term Commitment to Kraków

Kraków is intended to be a permanent part of Understanding Academy, not a location for an occasional course. We want to welcome Erasmus+ participants from across Europe, work with Polish schools and partners, and offer programmes that respond to the needs of education professionals in the region.

There is more to develop, and this opening course was the first step.

Thank You, Kraków

We would like to thank the teachers who joined our opening course, everyone who helped prepare the classroom, and the Polish colleagues and partners who supported the new location from the beginning.

Understanding Academy is now open in Kraków, and we look forward to welcoming many more educators to learn, exchange ideas and experience the city with us.