Vizja: Openness – Connecting Worlds, Creating the Future
The project is funded by the European Funds under the European Social Development Fund 2021–2027 (FERS), within the NAWA project “Support for Higher Education and Science Institutions in Serving Foreign Nationals and Polish Citizens Going Abroad”, project no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24 (Beneficiary – Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange).
The project is implemented from 01.10.2025 to 30.09.2027.
Project objective:
The main objective of the project titled The main objective of the project „Vizja: Openness – Connecting Worlds, Creating the Future” is to strengthen VIZJA’s capacity for internationalization and to enhance the university’s competitiveness in the international education market by achieving the following specific goals:
1. Improving English communication skills
2. Fostering understanding and respect for diverse cultural norms
3. Building positive relationships with international students and staff
4. Facilitating the handling of formal and administrative matters
5. Increasing awareness of global standards for international cooperation
6. Establishing and equipping a dedicated space for serving international students
The project’s objective will be achieved by 30.09.2027.
Target group:
The target group of the project „Vizja: Openness – Connecting Worlds, Creating the Future” consists of 70 academic staff members teaching in English-taught programmes (both teaching and research-and-teaching staff) and 40 administrative staff members working in the International Center or cooperating with it in providing services to foreign nationals (students and academic staff) employed at VIZJA University.
Main project tasks:
1) Task 1 – Training to enhance the internationalization competencies of academic staff.
This task focuses on developing the university staff’s competencies, enabling effective collaboration with international students and scholars, as well as the professional handling of participants in international exchange programmes. It supports the development of staff competencies in working with individuals from abroad.
2) Task 2 – Training to enhance the internationalization competencies of administrative staff.
These activities support the professionalization of administrative services, ensuring that procedures and regulations are followed in accordance with international standards.
3) Task 3 – Study visits to foreign academic institutions.
The visits enable the adaptation of best practices and global standards, increasing the university’s competitiveness in the international market. The knowledge and experience gained strengthen the potential for cooperation with foreign partners.
Participation in international academic environments also provides an opportunity to present the university’s own offer and to build its image as an institution open to international collaboration.
4) Task 4 – Establishing and equipping a dedicated space for serving international students and academic staff.
The designated space and new service points will enable the professional support of international exchange participants and individuals with special needs.
Creating a dedicated office contributes to the development of facilities for international exchange services, fostering the university’s internationalization and enhancing its image as a welcoming institution for foreign students and staff.
Project results:
1. Development of administrative and academic staff competencies – improved language and intercultural skills of employees will enhance support for international students and facilitate cooperation in a multicultural environment.
2. Improved quality of services for foreign nationals – streamlined administrative procedures and the creation of a modern, professional space dedicated to serving international stakeholders.
3. Internationalization of the university – increased number of international students and staff through improved conditions and the implementation of best practices in international cooperation.
4. New infrastructure for serving international stakeholders – including the establishment of dedicated offices and the provision of information materials in multiple languages.
5. Improved efficiency of organizational processes – implementation of faster procedures and creation of additional positions, reducing administrative workload and improving service delivery.
6. Increased attractiveness of the university in the international market – enhanced competitiveness will result in a higher number of international applicants, supported by an appealing educational offer and effective promotion.
7. Strengthened international cooperation – development of joint projects with foreign universities and building the institution’s prestige in the international arena.
8. Sustainable project outcomes – the organizational and infrastructural solutions developed within the project, including the new service space and the enhanced staff competencies, will ensure lasting, high-quality support for students and academic staff.
Project value (total project cost): PLN 535 122,00
Planned schedule of participant support:
(The current schedule will be published during the project implementation)
Rules regarding recruitment and use of project support services:
(Publication of materials will occur before the launch of the support services)
Architectural Accessibility:
The project support site and the Project Office are located on the campus of VIZJA University at ul. Okopowa 59 in Warsaw. The building has no architectural barriers that negatively affect project implementation and includes numerous adaptations for persons with disabilities. Key accessibility features include:
1. Accessible entrance – appropriately wide front doors, level surface transitions, a doorbell before the entrance, and assistance available from reception staff.
2. Accessible elevators – wide, spacious, equipped with Braille buttons, audio announcements, and capable of bringing wheelchair users, cane users, visually or hearing‑impaired individuals, and others with health challenges to every floor.
3. Barrier‑free interior space – corridors, stairwells, exercise rooms, lecture halls, the library, the cafeteria, and administrative offices are free from horizontal and vertical obstacles. Persons using wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or other orthopedic aids, seniors, and parents with strollers can move around without difficulty.
4. The University allows entry for individuals accompanied by a guide dog.
Detailed and continuously updated information about architectural accessibility is available on the VIZJA University Office for Persons with Disabilities website. The Office for Persons with Disabilities coordinates activities across all areas of accessibility at VIZJA University (office address and contact information: Okopowa 59, 01‑043 Warsaw; 2nd floor; Room 233; email: bon@vizja.pl; phone: 22 536 54 12). VIZJA University also implements the project titled “Vizja Home – A University for Everyone” (from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2028). The project enhances accessibility at the university for persons with special needs, including those with disabilities. More information about this project can be found on its website.
Information about the accessibility of the sites where the project’s training sessions will take place.
Training sessions conducted on-site will take place in classrooms on the VIZJA University campus at ul. Okopowa 59, Warsaw.
1. Accessible parking – underground parking (levels –1 and –2) provides spaces for people with disabilities that are clearly marked, free of barriers, and allow direct access to any floor of the building. Detailed and continuously updated information about architectural accessibility is available on the VIZJA University Office for Persons with Disabilities website.
2. The building is well connected via Warsaw Public Transport. The nearest bus and tram stop to the entrance is the “Niska” stop. Both stops support low‑floor access. On the route from the stops to the building entrance there are no architectural obstacles such as stairs, bridges, or high curbs. Along the sidewalk adjacent to the university’s premises, guide lines for visually impaired or partially sighted people enable safe travel from VIZJA University to the nearest city transport stop. Information on public transport accessibility for people with disabilities can be found on the “Barrier‑Free Communication” website operated by Warsaw Public Transport.
Detailed information about the training sessions will be provided directly to participants well in advance of the project’s support services going live.
Additional information about the project can be obtained from the Project Office:
The Project Office is located in the European Projects Department (6th floor, room 614 on the VIZJA University campus at ul. Okopowa 59, Warsaw). According to the architectural accessibility statement, the office has no barriers that negatively affect project implementation. Communication channels with project staff:
1. Direct contact: staff are available for direct contact Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2. Telephone: +48 22 536 54 53.
3. E-mail: projektyeuropejskie@vizja.pl
If you have special needs related to participating in the recruitment process for project participants, using the project’s support services, accessing information about the project, communicating with project staff, or any other specific requirements for its implementation, please report those needs to the Project Office. You may contact the office through an authorized representative.
Project documentation is prepared in accordance with the guidelines for electronic documents set out in the document titled “Appendix 1 to the Manual: Accessibility Standards – Examples of Application If you encounter difficulties reading, understanding, or otherwise need assistance with the content of the documentation, please report those needs to the Project Office.
This project is carried out under the National Academic Exchange Agency (Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej [NAWA]) Program titled “Welcome to Poland – Recruitment 2024.” The recruitment funding source in the program comes from European Union funds from the European Social Fund 2021–2027. It is part of the NAWA project “Support for Higher Education and Research Institutions in Serving Foreign Nationals, as well as Polish Women and Men Traveling Abroad,” Project No.: FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24). Detailed information about the NAWA program can be found on the NAWA website. Detailed information about the NAWA project can be found on its website.
Brief project description – easy‑to‑read text
What is the project?
1. The project titled “Vizja Otwartości – Łączymy Światy, Tworzymy Przyszłość (Vizja: Openness – Connecting Worlds, Creating the Future)” is a set of actions designed to achieve a specific goal.
2. The project is carried out by VIZJA University, which offers higher education and conducts scientific research.
3. The project’s aim is to better prepare VIZJA University for welcoming foreign students and staff.
4. The project receives financial backing from the European Union.
5. This support is provided by the National Academic Exchange Agency (NAWA).
6. The National Academic Exchange Agency supports Polish science and higher education through international exchange and collaboration.
Who does the project aim to help?
1. The project aims to assist VIZJA University staff in collaborating with foreign individuals.
2. It seeks to expand the University’s collaborative opportunities with various people and institutions abroad.
What actions will be carried out under the project?
1. The project has four tasks that encompass various types of activities.
2. The main activity categories are:
– training for VIZJA University staff;
– study visits to foreign universities for VIZJA University staff;
– creating a single location at VIZJA University where foreigners can receive assistance.
3. The total cost of the activities will be 535 122, 00 PLN (over half a million zloty).
What will be the main outcomes of the project?
1. VIZJA University staff will be better prepared to assist foreign individuals.
2. The university will be more equipped for collaboration with a variety of people and institutions abroad.
3. Foreign visitors who come to study or work at VIZJA University will receive improved help and support.
4. A single location will be available where foreigners can obtain the assistance they need.
5. VIZJA University will become more recognizable internationally, helping attract students to study there.