At the end of May and the beginning of June, our website took part in an international educational project that brought together students from India and Europe through a series of academic and cultural activities. The new initiative included six participants (two professors and four students) from the Pune area and featured lectures and visits introducing them to the city of Opole in Poland, The Hague in the Netherlands, and Mittweida and Dresden in Germany.
The project began with a visit to the Indian Embassy in Warsaw on May 28, 2025. From there, the group continued to the University of Opole, where the next day a short presentation about the region was followed by the official signing of official Memorandum of Understanding documents establishing the Indo-European Educational Foundation’s local efforts. The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Hab. Jacek Lipok, the Rector, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar – the founder and president of IEEF, as Elżbieta Szymańska-Czaplak, PhD, Assoc. Prof., Dean of the Faculty of Philology served as the event’s coordinator.
This strategic partnership aims to enhance global employability and innovation by bridging schools and companies with internship and placement opportunities across both countries. Over the following days, the attendees participated in various lectures and meetings, including a session with a local Law Firm of Paweł Tyłan and Krzysztof Tyła. They also had the opportunity to explore various parts of the city, learn the story of our region, and joined the 2025 Opole Science Festival, particularly through the Namaste Opole cultural event, during which they have given a memorable dance performance.
Before a departure for Germany, the group made a stop in The Hague to visit the International Criminal Court, where they gained additional insight into international legal institutions. In Germany, the Blended Intensive Programme titled Global Mindset, Local Impact was held at the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Mittweida, and with it the finalization of a second MoU. This coincided with the local hosts’ International Week, which increased the variety of side events and exchanges. As Team IEEFusion, the group participated in the live international episode of the CF Music Clash quiz show, securing its first place. After returning to Poland, the group continued their exploration with visits to regional sites, including Moszna Castle and Kraków.
On June 10, 2025, the foundation, with both the aformentioned University of Opole and Law Firm of Paweł Tyła and Krzysztof Tyła, organized the first-ever legal exchange bringing Indian legal experts to the District Court in Opole. The visit, as a part of IEEF’s own Academia-Industry Experience in the European Union initiative, included some court observation, discussions with judges, and historic engagement with the Opole Bar Association, paving the way for future Indo-Polish cooperation in these fields.
The project concluded with an official summary event, during which traveling students and lecturers received diplomas and certificates acknowledging their participation. The over two weeks long major initiative provided participants with opportunities to engage with both academic and outside institutions, explore three different cultures, and experience full international cooperation. Its participants are eager to return to our area, citing a thirst for more Polish experiences.
(photo: OPOlink.pl)
