International Teaching Week
News
24th International Teaching Week coming in November 2024!
About ITW
Our International Teaching Week (ITW) is a small teaching event with a big impact. During this week, 8–12 incoming guest speakers give lectures or practical sessions for about 500 students in total, counting mostly home students but also the international ones. The ITW guarantees realization of at least 8 teaching hours (usually in 4 teaching units, each of them for a group up to 25 students) per each participating teacher.
The ITW is held twice an academic year: November in autumn semester and April in spring semester. Language of instruction is English.
Participating guest speakers will not only teach, but also have a possibility (if interested) to visit the lectures of their ITW colleagues, to meet their Czech counterparts form the same area of expertise, to network and discuss prospective research and project topics of common interest. Aside from that, they will visit our modern application centre BALUO, experience welcome dinner in a traditional Czech pub and discover beauties of our wonderful historical city Olomouc.
The ITW was developed as a tool of "internationalization at home" and as a motivational feature of English language classes. Once in a semester, students of Bachelor’s degree have, instead of their regular English language class, a lecture/seminar/workshop/class in gym with an international, English speaking teacher. This is the core of the ITW but classes of the ITW teachers are also included in other courses related to their field of expertise according to the teaching topics they offer.
Realization of the ITW is based on support of the Erasmus+ programme. Teachers wishing to participate are kindly recommended to ask at their home institution for the possibility of getting an Erasmus+ grant for teaching mobility. For this purpose your institution needs to have Erasmus+ Bilateral Agreement with Palacký University Olomouc.
We welcome also colleagues for Erasmus+ staff training. The ITW friendly environment offers young academics opportunity to get their first experience in teaching abroad. These young academics can prepare just one teaching topic and repeat it four or five times for different groups of students. To realize staff training, the Erasmus+ Bilateral Agreement is not needed.
Good command in English (at least B2 according to CEFR for non-native speakers) is essential to be accepted as our ITW teacher.
If you wish to participate or get more information, please contact Jitka Martincová (jitka.martincova@upol.cz).
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that a photographic and audio-visual record for reporting purposes of Palacký University Olomouc may be made and subsequently published. A person taking a photo or recording a video for Palacký University Olomouc will be clearly marked and you can get more information from them or ask them not to be captured on the record. You can also inform them any time later.
We look forward to meeting you and experiencing your teaching in Olomouc :-)
Short videos from previous ITW
Reviews
Spring 2024
Pedro Aleixo (Portugal)
“It was a fantastic week. The 23rd International Teaching Week (ITW) was a space for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and culture. It is worth highlighting the human, pedagogical, and scientific quality of all colleagues who participated in ITW. ITW's organization was superb, creating all the conditions for the exchange of ideas to become reality. The social activities were fantastic, creating a group spirit among all participants that is difficult to forget. Thank you very much for the opportunity to be part of this fantastic event.”
Rebecca Hawkins (UK)
“The 23rd International Teaching Week (ITW) was an event with so much more to offer than just the academic and cultural exchange that I had anticipated. Jitka, Marketa, and Michal were fantastic from start to finish. From the organisation leading up to the event, to everything that occurred during and after the week – what a great team! The organised activities were exciting and importantly provided an opportunity to get to know ITW colleagues outside of the classroom – which is really where great collaborations and friendships are formed. An inspiring week. I cannot express enough my gratitude for the opportunity, my appreciation for the various interactions and opportunities throughout the week, and the benefits that will continue beyond the event itself. Thank you.”
Itai Har-Nir (Israel)
“I had a fantastic time at the 23rd ITW. From the warm welcome in the teacher's office to the farewell coffee, everything was just perfect. I want to express my gratitude once again for the great hospitality. I enjoyed all the extra activities, especially the night game, which was a unique and memorable experience. The lake tour was also incredibly beautiful.
Most importantly, I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful teachers and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. The professional experience was welcoming and enriching.
This was my second time at ITW, and the warm and professional experience convinced me and my family to pursue my PhD studies at PU. I am excited to be part of this wonderful faculty and would highly recommend any professionals from the physical education and sports fields to attend future ITW events at PU Olomouc.”
Saša Jovanović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
“Even though daily duties are in full swing now, the positive energy and warm feeling from the 23rd teaching week still make me smile. Even before we arrived, your attitude towards administrative duties hinted that this week would be unique. I appreciate organizing an online meeting before arriving because it helped me feel like we already knew each other the moment we saw each other on the first day. Another positive thing I consider a hit was using a common meeting room to meet, socialize and exchange experiences and ideas.
All the other activities you organized for us were meaningful, well-organized and fun (except for the waitress who served us the first night :( ). They helped us get to know each other better and created a great atmosphere in which the week flew by. Those "bathers" did not manage to reduce the extraordinary impressions of the lake with a gorgeous sunset.
I want to express my special thanks to the local trio who provided us with much more than just business obligations. I felt like I was at home. And for that, I am incredibly grateful. In addition to everything, we have also started some ideas for cooperation, such as writing articles, which I hope will see the light of day as a continuation of this beautiful cooperation. Until then, I wish you all good health, happiness and success.”
Gert-Jan Hospers (Netherlands)
“I felt very welcome and it was great to meet you, your colleagues and the participants (both the international teachers and the faculty’s students). The week was organized very well, I especially liked the guest room for teachers which felt like a ‘home away from home’ with coffee, tea, snacks and relaxing music ;-) Thanks again, I hope to see you again!”
Fall 2023
Javier Brazo-Sayaver (Spain)
"My experience at Palacký University Olomouc was extremely positive. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and interact with great professionals from different parts of the world, which significantly enriched my learning experience. The university's venue was impressive, providing a conducive environment for both academic and social activities. Additionally, the activities organized by the university were meticulously planned, offering a diverse range of experiences for students. I also found that the students actively participated in games and other activities, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community. However, there is a need to improve personal interaction with students during lectures, fostering a more supportive and engaging environment for all."
Peter Bakalár (Slovakia)
"The 22nd International Teaching Week (ITW) at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc in November 2022 brought very positive experiences to my professional and personal life. The participation at the ITW allowed for dissemination of the outcomes of our physical activity-related research projects among the very important stakeholders - future PE teachers and various specialists in the field of physical activity. The subsequent discussions with them were inspiring and obtained feedback very helpful in understanding of their understanding of the presented topics and in improving my teaching skills. The ITW allowed as well for multiple collaborative meetings with colleagues from the faculty and from other organisations which participated in ITW. The social program which was organized for us during the ITW was very interesting. Olomouc is beautiful city, and I can only recommend its visit. To conclude, I would like to thank again for invitation and congratulate the organisers to this successful and inspiring event."
Kasper Salin (Finland)
"ITW was very well organised from the very beginning. The organizers contacted very early and all arrangements were done very well. Very nice and helpful people. The university is a bit far from the city, but easily accessed via tram. The university buildings were impressive and it was nice to see lectures and practical sessions, held by other international teachers. It was a good opportunity to chat with colleagues from the university and from other institutions. Social programs were arranged very well and it was very interesting to hear about the history of city. I have already recommended ITW to my colleagues and I hope that they get the same opportunity to visit in Olomouc as I had."
Mattew Bird (UK)
"I had a great experience attending the 22nd International Teaching Week at Palacký University. My six days in Olomouc provided me an opportunity to see a part of the Czech Republic that I may not have had a chance to visit and was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Teaching a series of lectures at the Faculty of Physical Culture allowed me to pass on some of my ideas and expertise to different groups of current students. The highlight of the week, however, was connecting with and learning from many different educators and researchers from around the globe. Overall, the week was a big success, and I would like to thank everyone at Palacký University for making it possible."
Denis Čaušević (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
"I recently had the distinct pleasure of being an invited speaker at the 22nd International Teaching Week (ITW) hosted by the Faculty of Physical Culture at Palacký University Olomouc, and I am thrilled to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. The event was truly amazing, with seamless organization and an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm for knowledge exchange. What made this experience stand out was the exceptional quality of individuals I had the privilege to meet. The strength of a university lies in its people, and Palacký University is home to an incredibly talented and dedicated staff. I engaged with professionals from various disciplines, fostering connections that I believe will lead to exciting new projects and applications. I must commend the outstanding international relations office team, who played a pivotal role in making my visit exceptional. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine commitment to fostering international collaboration were evident throughout. A heartfelt thank you goes to Jitka Martincová, Marketa Kudlackova, and Michal Kudlacek for their unwavering support and dedication. In conclusion, my time at Palacký University Olomouc was not only professionally enriching but also personally rewarding. I am grateful for the hospitality, the quality of connections forged, and the remarkable individuals who made this experience unforgettable. The university's strength is undeniably a reflection of its staff's strength, and the international relations team exemplifies the commitment to excellence that sets Palacký University apart."
Koichi Nakazato (Japan)
"The ITW at the Palacký University Olomouc was an excellent experience. The cordial and friendly reception by Palacký University Olomouc staff, the exchange of opinions and participation in lectures with professors from EU countries, and the exchange of views with undergraduate and postgraduate students from Palacký University Olomouc were all meaningful for my future education in Japan. Our university, Nippon Sport Science University, can also refer to the positive approach to international exchange at Palacký University Olomouc. I want to express my sincere thanks to all the participants in the ITW. I want to participate again if I have a chance."
Fall 2019
Anat Farkash (Israel)
"Not only did I make professional contacts but also personal ones. The receiving staff at Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, went out of their way to enable a very high level of professional and personal experience. The interaction with the students was perfect and the interaction with fellow foreign lecturers was simply wonderful. I personally met a fellow local colleague in my field. This already led to a professional cooperation and my personal development in means of possible further Ph.D. studies. I would like to thank all staff of Faculty of Physical Culture for their efficient professional collaboration and their personal warm welcome."
Gord Inglis (Canada)
“The International Teaching Week at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic in November, 2019 was a tremendous educational and cultural experience. This multi-national teaching and knowledge exchange brought together inspiring faculty from 6 countries and the result was an empowering week. The very high level of professionalism, expertise and engagement at all levels, from the planning and hosting arrangements, to the staff and faculty support for us as visiting faculty, to the engaged students during the lecture presentations, the cultural activities and the rich interactions and connections with both the host faculty and staff and the other visiting faculty, created a truly very valuable and fulfilling venture. Thank you sincerely for this most wonderful time at your great institution.”
Previous ITWs
ITW has a long tradition at the Faculty of Physical Culture, which has in the framework of this event hosted over 80 international guest teachers from all around the world. Check out the details of previous ITWs, including gallery, timetables and the teachers’ profiles.
23rd ITW
We are excited to announce that the 23rd International Teaching Week (ITW) will be held at the Faculty of Physical Culture from 8th to 12th April 2024!
Teachers and their topics
- Pedro Aleixo, Universidade Lusófona, Portugal
- Amber Mosewich, University of Alberta, Canada
- John Telford, Camosun College, Canada
- Saša Jovanović, University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Igor Vučković, University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Rebecca Hawkins, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Gert-Jan Hospers, Radboud University, Netherlands
- Itai Har-Nir, Wingate College, Israel
- Jia Lin, Palacký University Olomouc, Tibet / Czech Republic
22nd ITW
ITW Schedule
TW List of Topics
Teachers and their topics
- Kasper Salin, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Javier Brazo-Sayavera, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain
- Léa Mekkaoui, University of Lille, France
- Matthew Bird, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Thomas Carter, University of Brighton, United Kingdom
- Denis Čaušević, University of Sarayevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Koichi Nakazato, Nippon Sport Science University, Japan
- Reza Abdollahipour, Palacký University Olomouc, Czechia / Iran
- Peter Bakalár, University of Prešov, Slovakia
21st ITW
17th to 21st April 2023
Teachers and their topics
Orly Kayam, Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Israel
Itai Har-Nir, Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Israel
Michael Pratt, University of California San Diego, USA
Ainhoa Bores Arce, European University of the Atlantic, Spain
Adrian Rodriguez García, European University of the Atlantic, Spain
Milla Reponen, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Lars Bojsen Michalsik, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
Aneta Demidas, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Poland
Simona Fagaras, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
Peter Gelius, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Germany
Rasoul Yaali, Kharazmi University, Iran
20th ITW
7th to 11th November 2022
Teachers and their topics
Reza Abdollahipour, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic/Iran
Peter Bukhala, Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology, Kenya
Andy Hunt, University of Lincoln, UK
Magdalena Kwiek, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland
Magdalena Lelonek, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Poland
Arash Mirifar, Technical University of Munich, Germany/Iran and Leibniz University Hannover, Germany/Iran
Jeffrey Pagaduan, Palacký University Olomouc, Philippines
Michael Pratt, University of California San Diego, USA and Palacký University Olomouc
Laura Victoria Rivera Amézquita, Universidad del Rosario, Columbia and Palacký University Olomouc
Shira Robbins, Levinsky-Wingate Academic Centre, Israel
Sarit Shalev, Levinsky-Wingate Academic Centre, Israel
19th ITW
April 4th to 8th 2022
Teachers and their topics
Michael Pratt, University of California San Diego, USA
Nikolas Dickerson, University of Lincoln, UK
Jeffrey Pagaduan, Palacký University Olomouc (Philippines)
Dorota Groffik, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland
Nigel Green, International Physical Literacy Association; North Western Countries Physical Education Association, UK
Uroš Marušič, Alma Mater Europea University, Science and Research Centre Koper, Slovenia
Cristina López Villar, University of A Coruña, Spain
Philip Halpert, The Academic College At Wingate, Israel
Alan Ringland, Munster Technological University, Ireland
18th ITW
November 8th to 12th 2021
Teachers and their topics
Kwok Ng, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
Jorge Mota, University of Porto, Portugal (Download presentation)
Nenad Stojiljković, University of Niš, Serbia (Download presentation)
Pierre Jallow, WeBridge Oy, Remode Oy, HNMKY; Finland
Ulrich Gunter, Modul University Vienna, Austria
Sunwoo Lee, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech republic/ South Korea
Reza Abdollahipour, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech republic/ Iran
Simona Šafaříková, Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Czech republic
17th ITW - ONLINE
May 2021
Teachers and their topics
Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere, University of Alberta, Canada:
Unfinished: Inclusion in Adapted Physical Activity
John Spence, University of Alberta, Canada:
An Evolutionary Perspective on Physical Activity and Inactivity
Sharon Tsuk, Academic College at Wingate, Israel:
Physical Activity for Patients after Stroke Part one & Part two
Bojan Mašanović, University of Montenegro, Montenegro:
Application of Advanced Information Technologies in the Field of Sport Sciences
Dragan Radovanović, University of Niš, Serbia:
Physiotherapy in Prevention and Rehabilitation of Ski Injuries
Milovan Ljubojević, University of Montenegro, Montenegro:
Specific Methods in Developing Basketball Players in Montenegro
Danilo Bojanić, University of Montenegro, Montenegro:
Morphological Characteristics and Body Composition of Elite Volleyball Players
Hossein Akbari Yazdi, Khazarmi University Tehran, Iran:
Barriers of Successful Implementation of Strategic Plans in Sport Organizations
Rasoul Yaali, Khazarmi University Tehran, Iran:
Teaching Creativity in Sport
Ali Abbasi, Khazarmi University Tehran, Iran:
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Lower Extremity Coordination Variability during Roundhouse Kick in Female Taekwondo Players
16th ITW - ONLINE
December 2020
Teachers and their topics
Amber Mosewich, University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada:
Athlete Coping and Development During COVID-19
Cora Burnett. University of Johannesburg, South Africa:
Gender in Sport Through a Lens of Human Justice
James Richards, University of Central Lancashire, UK:
Understanding Clinical Subgroups and Targeted Treatments for People with Patellofemoral Pain
Michael Pratt, University of California San Diego, USA:
The Challenge of Implementing Physical Activity Policies and Guidelines
Sandra Mandic, Auckland University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand:
Setting up and Running a Research Project: A Look Behind the Scene
Marija Rakovac, University of Zagreb, Croatia:
Determinants of Thermoregulatory Responses During Physical Activity
Mojtaba Kaviani, Acadia University, Canada:
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sleep during Pandemic
Jo Roberts, Wilderness Foundation, UK:
Introduction to Wilderness Therapy: Theory and Practice
Miriam Palomo Nieto, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain:
Clumsiness and Motor Competence: How Can We Deal With These Children in PE Lessons?
Shira Robbins, Wingate College, Israel:
Advertising and The Brain Chemicals
15th ITW
November 4th–8th 2019
Teachers and their topics
Manuel A. Janeira, University of Porto, Portugal
Gord Inglis, Camosun College, Canada
Sigalit Dasa, The Academic College at Wingate, Israel
Anat Farkas, The Academic College at Wingate, Israel
Ratko Stanković, University of Niš, Serbia
Saša Milenković, University of Niš, Serbia
Donald Roberson, Palacký University/University of Georgia, Czech Republic/USA
Ali Abbasi, Khrazmi University of Teheran, Iran
Faezeh Pakravan, Khrazmi University of Teheran, Iran
14th ITW
April 1st–5th 2019
Teachers and their topics
Araki Tatsuo, Nippon Sport Science University, Japan
Faezeh Pakravan, Kharazmi University of Tehran, Iran
Chalak Majidi, Kharazmi University Tehran, Iran
Shahab Parvinpour, Kharazmi University Tehran, Iran
Fiona Ling, Northumbria University, UK
Katherine Baker, Northumbria University, UK
Thomas Jones, Northumbria University, UK
Slawomir Winiarski, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland
Nemanja Stankovic, University of Niš, Serbia
Petar Mitić, University of Niš, Serbia
Noa Choresh, The Academic College at Wingate, Israel
Orly Kayam, The Academic College at Wingate, Israel
13th ITW
November 5th–9th 2018
Teachers and their topics
Reza Abdollahipour (Iran), Palacký University Olomouc
Carolina Casado Robles, University of Granada, Spain
Suzete Chiviacowsky, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
William Land, University of Texas at San Antonio, USA
Chunyan Long, Beijing Sport University, China
Laura Victoria Rivera Amézquita, Del Rosario University, Colombia
Donald Roberson (USA), Palacký University Olomouc
Simona Šafaříková, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
Qin Zhen, Beijing Sport University, China
12th ITW
April 9th–13th 2018
Teachers and their topics
Ali Abbasi, Kharazmi University, Iran
Pia Simona Făgăraș, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Târgu Mures, Romania
Malgorzata Fortuna, Karkonosze College in Jelenia Góra, Poland
Farhad Ghadiri, Kharazmi University, Iran
Patricia Jackman, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
Neda Khaledi, Kharazmi University, Iran
Malcolm MacLean, University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Haydn Morgan, University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pezhman Motamedi, Kharazmi University, Iran
Franky Mulloy, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
Donna Windard, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
11th ITW
November 6th–10th 2017
Teachers and their topics
Reza Abdollahipour (Iran), Palacký University Olomouc
Alex Carre, Centre for Sport and Exercise Education, Camosun College, Canada
Lenka Dušková, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc
Fan Gaosheng, Beijing Sport University, China
Sevim Güllü, Istanbul University, Turkey
Simona Šafaříková, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc
Gregory J. Welk, Iowa State University, College of Human Sciences, USA
10th ITW
April 3rd–7th 2017
Teachers and their topics
Adela Badau, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu Mures, Romania
Dana Badau, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu Mures, Romania
Marie Biermann, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Germany
Cora Burnett, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Billy Graeff, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Brasil
Debbie Hellerstein, Academic College at Wingate, Israel
Anastasyia Khomutova, University of Brighton, UK
Engela van der Klashorst, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Geoff Kohe, University of Worcester, UK
Yael Netz, Academic College at Wingate, Israel
Graham Spacey, University of Brighton, UK
Sima Zach, Academic College at Wingate, Israel
9th ITW
November 7th–11th 2016
Teachers and their topics
Marko Aleksandrovic
Lenka Dušková
Bojan Jorgic
Petar Mitic
Yael Netz
Marzena Pelczynska
Ignacio Ruiz Perez & Shaheera Ajmal
Dragan Radovanovic
8th ITW
April 8th–14th 2016
Teachers and their topics
Justyna Cieplik: Railway Heritage Tourism – Polish and Czech Perspective
Jonathan Hughes: Monitoring Neuromuscular Performance in Team Sport Athletes; Neuromuscular Readiness to Perform in Fileld Based Sports
Jolanta Jablonkowska: Backpacking – A Comtemporary Form of Travel
Bilal Karakoc: Sport Ergonomics; Sport Marketing
Geoffery Kohe: Advertures in an Olympic State; Finding Unexpected Plaesure in Physical Activity Obsession: Geocaching, Healthy Lifestyles and Global Participatory Communities
Malcolm McLean: Developing Community Health & Physical Activity Interventions: What Are We Trying to Achieve?; Assessing Comunity Health & Physical Activity Interventions: How Do We Know They Work?
Kwok Ng: Using International Classification of Functioning (ICF) as a Part of Physical Activity Assessment
Ahmet Haktan Sivrikaya: Do You Know HEMSBALL?
7th ITW
November 2nd–6th 2015
Teachers and their topics
Jeff J. Martin: Disability Sport and Exercise Psychology: From Paralympics to Physical Activity Participation
Mary-Grace de La Peña & Shaheera Ajmal: Reliability of Breathing Assessment and Chest Expansion Measurement in Children
Nuala O'Donovan: Irish Dancing
Eliza Souza: Forró: A Brazilian Dance
Ilse Hemmelmayr: Table Climbing
Reza Abdollahipour: Sport Tourism in Iran
Milena Vagaja: Inclusive Education in Serbia
Peter Rehor: Academic and Professional Opportunities in the US, Canada & Australia in Sport Science and P.E.
Donald N. Roberson, Jr.: Research in Leisure Time
Shuang Chen: Tai Chi
6th ITW
April 13th–17th 2015
Teachers and their topics
Alessandra Maria Pinto Pereira (Spain)
Irem Uz (Turkey)
Nilay Arman (Turkey)
5th ITW
November 3rd–7th 2014
4th ITW
April 7th–11th 2014
3rd ITW
November 4th–8th 2013
2nd ITW
April 15th–19th 2013
1st ITW
November 5th–9th 2012