Kateryna Niedielko, a student at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, who is studying “Light Industry Technologies” at the Education and Research Institute “Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy”, was selected as a winner of the international educational programme “Study Tours to Poland” and took part in a study visit to Poland.
The programme ran from 14 to 23 April 2026 and was aimed at developing the leadership potential of active students, familiarising them with European practices in civic participation, local self-government, academic life and the implementation of initiatives of public importance.
Study Tours to Poland is a joint initiative of the BORUSSIA Foundation, the “Leaders of Change” (Liderzy Przemian) Foundation and the Polish-American Freedom Foundation. The visit to Poland was organised by the Institute for Strategic Studies (Instytut Studiów Strategicznych) in Krakow.
Over the course of ten days, the programme participants took part in a packed programme of educational, cultural and communication activities. They gained an insight into Poland’s academic environment, the work of public organisations, free-market principles, tools for countering disinformation, and practical approaches to environmental responsibility.
A highlight of the programme was a visit to Jagiellonian University, where participants took part in an Oxford-style debate, as well as official meetings with Krakow city officials. During the field trip to Zakopane, the students learnt about local government practices, and in Warsaw they visited the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and the University of Warsaw.
The cultural aspect of the visit included an introduction to Poland’s historical heritage, in particular a tour of Wawel Royal Castle, as well as taking part in a culinary masterclass at the Obwarzanek Museum.
One of the key outcomes of taking part in the programme was the opportunity to work on their own ideas for community development. During the final part of the visit, Kateryna Niedielko presented her work as part of the “My Project for My Small Homeland” session.
Taking part in the Study Tours to Poland provided an opportunity to gain valuable European experience, forge international links with students from Moldova, Poland and Spain, and discover new tools for implementing community initiatives in Kharkiv.
Karazin University and the Education and Research Institute “Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy” congratulate Kateryna Niedielko on her participation in this prestigious international programme and wish her every success in her future academic, professional and community activities.
