From 27 to 29 April 2026, international psychoeducational workshops for students entitled “Wellbeing without borders” were held at the Medicinal Plant Garden of Wroclaw Medical University and in selected locations across Wroclaw. The event was organised under the theme: Rooted in Nature. Grounded in Science. Connected in Community and constituted a project activity “HealConnectUMW” within the programme “Support for European Universities NAWA – call 2024” (European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027, project no. FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23).
The official opening was conducted by Prof. Marzena Dominiak, Vice-Rector of Wroclaw Medical University, inaugurating a three-day programme devoted to mental wellbeing, intercultural integration, and the development of emotional competencies.
The workshops were attended by 35 students from Wroclaw Medical University and partner universities of the EUGLOH consortium, including: Université Paris-Saclay (France) and the University of Szeged (Hungary).
Day 1 – Opening & Experiencing Wellbeing
The opening lecture entitled “Loneliness and the Need for Connection – A Psychiatric Perspective” was delivered by Prof. Błażej Misiak, introducing the issue of loneliness and the need for relationships from a psychiatric perspective.
Following a networking break, the workshop “Meaningful Connections – Guided Speed Conversations” took place, led by Prof. Dorota Szcześniak and Dr Adrianna Senczyszyn from the Department of Psychiatry at Wroclaw Medical University, focusing on developing relationship-building skills and reflective communication in an international group.
The afternoon programme included a relaxation session “Sound & Gong Relaxation Session”, conducted by Paulina Partyka and Szymon Chrobak, incorporating deep relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
The day concluded with a networking dinner at Stara Biblioteka.
Day 2 – Wellbeing of Body & Mind
The second day began with a morning meeting and an introduction to the day’s theme.
Dr Rafał Bugaj (University School of Physical Education) delivered a lecture “Introduction to Tai Chi”, followed by practical Tai Chi sessions in the garden space, aimed at developing psychophysical balance.
Subsequently, Julia Karska – a physician in psychiatry residency – and Dr Maria Błaszkiewicz conducted the workshop “Mind–Body Integration & Restorative Practices”, including exercises in body awareness, integration of experiences, and regeneration.
In the second part of the day, participants engaged in integration activities such as a mindful walk, time for regeneration in urban spaces (Pergola and the Four Domes Pavilion), and a boat cruise on the Odra River, fostering reflection and informal intercultural conversations.
Day 3 – Resilience & Integration of Experience
The final day of the workshops began with a mindfulness and breathing session led by Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska, serving as an introduction to the workshop “Cultivating Empathy Within Ourselves and Across Cultures”. This session was conducted by Magdalena Szymków-Cieniawska and Miłosława Witkowska from the International Cooperation Office of Wroclaw Medical University and focused on developing empathy towards oneself and others, relationships, and intercultural cooperation.
The lecture “Healing Power of Gardens” was delivered by Klemens Jakubowski, presenting the importance of contact with nature in supporting mental health.
Next, Prof. Dorota Szcześniak and Dr Adrianna Senczyszyn led an evaluation session summarising participants’ experiences in the context of developing resilience during academic life (“Resilience in Academic Life – Shared Experiences”).
The workshops concluded with a certificate award ceremony and the official closing.
The “Wellbeing without borders” workshops constitute an example of a comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, combining scientific knowledge with practical tools and creating a space for relationship-building and exchange of experiences in an international environment.