Authors: Veronika Maťková, Veronika Novotná (International Relations Office)

What is the purpose of Erasmus Days, you may wonder? The goal of these celebrations is to raise awareness of Erasmus+ activities and projects, as well as to inform the public about their opportunities and positive outcomes. This year's Erasmus Days were also noteworthy because Erasmus+ is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Today, 33 countries participate in the program, allowing 12 million people to travel abroad.

Trips abroad and international cooperation are at the heart of the Erasmus+ programme. It promotes education innovation and skill development. Erasmus+ provides assistance to the sectors of higher education, non-formal youth education, vocational education and training, school education, and adult education. The Silesian University is involved in two key program events: Individual Mobility (KA1) and Partnerships for Cooperation (KA2).

The International Relations Office organized a two-day program for students on October 13 and 14, including an information booth in the foyer with the current offer of international mobility. On Thursday, October 13, a workshop was held to inform students about the options for foreign trips and new program features, such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), which are a combination of virtual and short-term physical mobility. SBA students have the opportunity to work on assignments with companies and organizations from various EU countries in collaboration with a group of foreign universities affiliated with the STARS EU (The Strategic Alliance for Regional Transition) alliance. 

MgA. Petr Kantor, the founder of the educational and innovative non-profit organization Petrklíč help, briefly updated everyone on youth trips abroad. Students who have already completed their mobility abroad shared their valuable experiences as well. We organized a volunteer activity on Friday, October 14, in collaboration with Mr. Kantor, which was extremely popular last year as well. We prepared wood supplies for the winter in Janíkovo sedlo near Kopřivnice, which is located in the NATURA 2000 protected natural area, with the help of foreign students from India, Egypt, and Georgia. We were able to stack an incredible 16 tons of wood in less than 4 hours of work!

Finally, we would like to thank everyone involved for their excellent cooperation and hard work. We will see you next year!