Erasmus+ in Warsaw: Students discuss migration and security!

Erasmus+ in Warsaw: Students discuss migration and security!

Special education and social work students took part in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) at the Collegium Civitas in Warsaw in May. They were accompanied by Prof. Dr. Jessica Köpcke and Christian Schütze. The event was focused on the topic “Migration and Internal Security of the European Union” and aimed to shed light on relevant aspects such as migration, internal security, social perceptions and political strategies. The central point of the exchange was the discussion of discrimination, stigmatization and social exclusion and their effects on integration, identity formation and possible radicalization.

The program included an online preparation phase in April 2025, followed by an on-site phase in May in Warsaw. This included technical inputs, study visits, cultural activities and interactive formats. The participants not only dealt with the topics scientifically, but also had the opportunity to get to know the culture and history of Warsaw. One of the highlights was a lecture by Köpcke and Schütze entitled: “Refugees with and without disabilities in inclusive housing – opportunities and experiences.” The choice of venue in the Kulturpalast not only offers an impressive setting, but also highlights the city's cultural offerings.

Inclusion and barriers in the Erasmus+ program

Erasmus+ pursues a comprehensive concept of inclusion that aims to facilitate access for people with barriers. These barriers can come in various forms, including mental, physical or sensory impairments, health problems such as chronic or mental illness, and economic difficulties such as long-term unemployment. Social obstacles that result from family circumstances or a limited social environment also play a crucial role. Independent characteristics such as discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation are also taken into account.

These obstacles must be addressed to ensure effective participation in programs such as Erasmus+. Refugees in particular receive support, for example through measures to integrate people from Ukraine into new learning environments. The initiatives focus in particular on people who usually have fewer opportunities to gain experience abroad, e.g. students with unfavorable learning profiles. This is in line with the program's objectives to address a broader target group in order to enable these young people to take part in educational opportunities in other European countries.

Conclusion and future outlook

The Erasmus+ program not only offers a platform for intercultural exchange, but also strengthens the participants' ability to work in a team and language skills. The initiative by Medical School Berlin together with Collegium Civitas and Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu to promote interdisciplinary dialogue is a further step towards more inclusive education.

Thanks go to the organizers and partner universities who made this exchange possible. Such programs not only promote understanding of complex topics such as migration and internal security, but also raise students' intercultural competence to a new level. Further progress towards a more open and inclusive society is in sight.