During the month of April we had the pleasure of hosting tourism students from the Hungarian school Sárvári Turisztikai Technikum for Erasmus+ VET programme. Their stay in Rzeszów became a valuable opportunity to combine learning with real-life experience, as they explored the tourism sector through practical activities, cultural exchange, and everyday interactions.
From the very beginning of the first week, the focus was on building connections. Through team-building workshops, students discovered what they have in common, creating a strong sense of group identity. A guided city tour then introduced them to both the historical and modern sides of Rzeszów, from old trading routes to key landmarks, offering a first insight into the city’s cultural and social landscape. During the weekend students had the opportunity to explore Kraków, one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life. This was an occasion to immerse themselves in a city where the rich history blends with the vibrant atmosphere.
At School Complex No. 3, Rzeszów students explored the Dairy Museum and took part in English lessons, experienced the local education system and exchanged ideas and perspectives with Polish peers. In the afternoon, a workshop on sustainable tourism encouraged them to reflect on responsible travel, highlighting the importance of respecting local cultures, supporting small businesses, and protecting the environment.
Students were also invited to reflect on their personal goals. After being introduced to the concept of SMART goals, they created their own “bucket lists” for the three weeks in Rzeszów. Sharing these goals with the group became a motivating moment, revealing common ambitions such as improving English skills and discovering more of the city.
The second week was focused on interaction and practical learning. Workshops like “Time to Move” combined knowledge, reflexes, and imagination challenging students to use both their minds and their bodies, for example to show various activities and states. At School Complex No. 2, they practiced their knowledge of tourism through hands-on experiences, such as understanding how student dormitories are managed. Meetings with Polish students created space for open dialogue, where participants compared their studies, habits, and perspectives.
A visit to the City Transport Departments showed how public transport in Rzeszów is organised and managed, from digital systems to maintenance facilities. This was complemented by presentations at the Marshal Office, where students discovered the tourism potential of the Podkarpackie region. Team-building activities such as the “Building Bridges” workshop continued to strengthen cooperation, while discussions around sustainable development goals connected their local experiences to global challenges.
On Saturday the students had the chance to go to the Asseco - Resovia Volleyball match to experience closely what teamwork, collaboration and connection mean in a real life sporting context.
The final week was centered on communication, reflection, and creativity. A visit to Łańcut Castle allowed students to explore the cultural heritage of the region, from the castle and the garden to the orchid house and royal bathrooms. Workshop on non-violent communication taught students how to communicate effectively and empathetically as well as how to handle difficult situations in a non-violent manner. While the professional communication workshop helped students improve the way they interact in English in customer-facing situations. They practiced clear and polite communication, active listening, and adapting their expressions to different types of tourists.
Students also took part in an outdoor city game, discovering Rzeszów through challenges that combined exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. A visit to the local library offered insight into how cultural institutions function as spaces for learning and community engagement. The workshop on EU opportunities introduced participants to programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. It highlighted opportunities for mobility, volunteering, as well as the importance of discovering and promoting local territories, showing how these experiences can enhance cultural awareness, language skills, and professional competences in the tourism sector.
A central part of the experience was the collaborative project carried out at INPRO. Working in teams, students designed and created a “journey” around Rzeszów, producing a short documentary and a TikTok video to present their experience in an engaging and fresh perspective. This activity encouraged creativity, storytelling, and digital skills, while also allowing them to reflect on their time in the city and share it from their own perspective.
The programme concluded with a final moment of reflection, goodbyes, and the awarding of certificates. Beyond the diplomas, students left with new skills, stronger connections, and a deeper understanding of both the city and each other. For many of them, Rzeszów became more than just a place they visited, it became a place they experienced, explored, and probably will remember as a place of growth.
We are happy that we could be part of this experience.The project was funded by the budget of the European Union.
