Universities in Pilsen and Amberg Join Forces to Address Inclusion, Mental Health, and Cultural Dive

Five days of sharing experiences, developing intercultural skills, and exploring ways to foster greater openness in academic environments, that was the focus of an international gathering of European university staff held at the beginning of June in Pilsen and Amberg.

Nearly 30 participants from eight European institutions and six countries met at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and the German Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden for the fifth edition of the Czech-German Staff Week. This year's theme was "Mindful Internationalisation and Inclusion", highlighting a conscious approach to internationalisation and inclusion in higher education. Alongside long-term partners, new potential collaborators also attended, such as representatives from the Zealand Academy of Technologies and Business in Denmark and Kastamonu University in Turkey.

The five-day program took place at both host universities — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were hosted by OTH in Amberg, while Tuesday and Thursday took place at UWB in Pilsen. Participants took part in thematic workshops, shared best practices, and discussed effective ways to support the diverse needs of both students and staff across European universities.

The Pilsen part of the event opened with a presentation and workshop led by Adéla Klimková from the UWB Information and Counselling Centre and ombudsman Petr Šimon. They focused on social safety at UWB, the current situation, future vision, and how to strengthen a safe space at the university through the collaboration of various stakeholders. Another workshop, led by Michal Vaněk from the Institute of Language Preparation, focused on language inclusion. In an interactive session, international participants were introduced to the basics of Czech and gained inspiration on how language courses can be used to foster cultural understanding.

The core of the UWB program consisted of interactive workshops led by Professor and Rector of the Netherlands Business Academy, Jan von Zwieten. He focused on the development of intercultural competences, mental and physical well-being, and strengthening resilience within academic settings. The workshops included interactive activities with deep reflection, helping participants become aware of their work habits and personal values. Each participant received a worksheet to note down key ideas, insights from the lectures, and specific steps they intended to implement in their daily practice.“It was incredibly inspiring. I didn’t expect that this week would focus so much on ourselves and what we need in order to work and collaborate well. This workshop changed my perspective,” shared one participant. “Only here did I realize that internationalisation starts from within — with our ability to be present, to perceive others, and to collaborate openly across differences,” she added.