Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, Mgr. Vojtěch Loyka, MBA, from the Department of Adapted Physical Activities, completed a staff training mobility at Opole University of Technology in Poland at the turn of October. The aim of his visit was to expand both professional and teaching competences, gain insight into the partner institution’s instructional methods, and lay the foundation for future collaboration between the Faculty of Physical Culture at Palacký University Olomouc and the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at Opole University of Technology. A special focus of the stay was exploring the links between the study programmes Physical Education and Civil Protection (FTK UP) and Sport and Security (Opole University of Technology), which share an emphasis on physical readiness, safety aspects, and practical work with people during emergency and crisis situations.
The mobility was carried out under the guidance of a host academic mentor, who coordinated the programme and provided professional support throughout the visit. Vojtěch Loyka actively engaged in shadowing both practical and theoretical classes, gaining an opportunity to observe different teaching approaches, assessment methods, and ways of involving students during lessons. The practical sessions focused on physical education, sports games, and self-defence, while theoretical parts covered pedagogy, didactics, and safety. According to Loyka, the chance to observe classes from various perspectives, monitor student engagement, and discuss assessment methods with colleagues was extremely valuable. The experience provided a range of new ideas and inspiration that he intends to apply when innovating FTK courses and working with students.
The programme also included a series of professional and organisational meetings aimed at sharing best practices and exchanging expertise. Discussions focused on the organisation of teaching, student support systems, career guidance, project management, and the development of international cooperation. Vojtěch also had the chance to learn about the functioning of the university library, accommodation facilities, and academic centres that connect teaching with practice and support students’ employability. Particularly beneficial was a consultation on upcoming projects, including potential cross-border cooperation within the Interreg programme, and discussions about involving FTK students in international activities and project teams.
The stay in Opole brought not only professional insights but also new contacts and friendly connections. According to Loyka, the university environment feels open, modern, and well adapted to the needs of both students and visiting staff. The city of Opole itself, with its calm university atmosphere, in some ways resembles Olomouc—though not in the historical sense.
“One of the key benefits of my training stay was establishing a foundation for long-term cooperation between our institutions—not only at the level of student exchanges but also among academic staff. We discussed possibilities for joint projects, student placements, and exchange courses that could further strengthen the international dimension of education in the fields of physical education, security, and civil protection. I intend to use the knowledge gained to innovate my teaching, develop active-learning methods, and better prepare students for work in an interdisciplinary and international environment,” said Loyka.
Alongside its personal benefits, the mobility also strengthened FTK UP’s international ties and opened new pathways for involvement in teaching and research activities within the Central European region.
