Staff Week

The Division for International Cooperation of Palacký University Olomouc, in collaboration with the Support Centre for Students with Special Needs and Fair University, is delighted to invite you to participate in the 10th Erasmus+ International Staff Week, dedicated to inclusion in higher education. It will consist of a virtual part on 19 May 2025 and a physical part taking place on 2 - 6 June 2025. 

The five-day program will focus on practical and interactive workshops to foster greater understanding and inclusivity in higher education. Together, we will delve into critical aspects of inclusion, such as:

• Support for individuals with disabilities (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, reduced mobility, neurodivergence, and mental health challenges)
• Religion, ethnicity, and cultural diversity
• Equal access for international students and staff
• Gender equality
• Opportunities for parents on parental leave etc.

 Participants will have the unique opportunity to experience life from the perspective of those with disabilities or from minority groups, as well as to see how these issues are approached at our university—highlighting our successes and identifying areas for improvement.

Apart from the official programme, participants can expect entertaining activities to explore the city of Olomouc and its surroundings, Czech gastronomy, and culture.

Our primary goal is to foster the exchange of best practices in inclusion. We are particularly interested in welcoming participants from EU and non-EU countries who are experts in inclusion in higher education or work on these topics at their institutions.

We will also welcome and give space to anyone willing to share their expertise or best practices through a presentation or workshop. 

This event promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience for all participants. We encourage you to join us in shaping a more inclusive future for higher education.

Fee: none

Number of participants: 30

To ensure as diverse group as possible, the number of participants per institution should not be more than 2.  

In case of interest, please complete the registration form by 18 April 2025 (midnight). The results of the selection process will be communicated by 23 April 2025.

The preliminnary programme is available here.

For more information and to register, please contact us at anna.prilucikova@upol.cz.

If you need help with decision-making, look at the feedback and photos from the previous year below.

Olomouc (pronounced ollo-moats) has it all, including UNESCO-protected architecture, great museums and energetic, student-oriented nightlife. It (or as the Czechs say: she) had always been among the most important cities of the Kingdom of Bohemia. With its convenient location, ancient university and spiritual, cultural and craft traditions, Olomouc has been for centuries a natural centre of Moravia, attractive to artists, intellectuals and businessmen.

The tourist guide Lonely planet ranges Olomouc among the best-kept secrets in Europe. 

Established in 1573, Palacký University Olomouc is the oldest university in Moravia and the second-oldest in the Czech Republic. It is a modern institution providing high quality teaching combined with research and supported by state of the art facilities – libraries, computer facilities, laboratories, etc. With 8 faculties, the university covers fields from health sciences and medicine through modern and classical languages, philosophy, teacher training, sciences, law, and theology. Palacký University has about 23.000 students and over 1800 members of teaching staff, which is the highest density of university students in Central Europe and it makes Olomouc a truly university city.

"You have made us feel comfortable since the very beginning, combining the workshops with cultural activities was a brilliant idea. I also want to thank you for your hospitality. It was a 10 out of 10 for me."

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in your staff week. It was good to learn how your university works.."

"Thank you so much for this amazing week! Despite the weather, it was warm, friendly, and insightful! Your team is amazing!"

"Thank you again for a perfect organization and all your help during the week."

"I'm very impressed and hope to visit your university again."

"The organization was good. Please continue on the same path."

"Thank you for all exciting events like city game, trip to Kromeriz, Czech language course, tour around the Olomouc and others. These all gave me the feeling that you are best team to organize staff weeks."

"It was great meeting colleagues from other universities, establishing new networks, learning more about how mobilities are carried out at European Universities."

"Thank you so much! This is definitively an addition to my professional and life experience. Keep up the great work!"

"Everything was well-organised, great thanks to the International Relations team :) I enjoyed it a lot!"

"I was able to obtain tips and information very useful for the internationalization of my university."