From 24th to 28th November 2025, the 26th International Teaching Week (ITW) took place at FTK, attracting twelve international experts to Olomouc. Students and academics had the opportunity to engage in a diverse programme of lectures and practical workshops reflecting current trends in physiotherapy, sport psychology, dance, recreation, and applied physical activities.
A number of distinguished guests took part in the programme. Adam Grinberg from Sweden focused on physiotherapy and sports injuries. Kirsti Pedak from Estonia offered another perspective on physiotherapy through the biopsychosocial model. Genti Pano from Albania presented research findings related to the effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system and posture in children. Topics in sport psychology were covered by Markus Arvaja from Finland. Semir Mašić from Bosnia and Herzegovina addressed static stretching and conditioning training. Canadian guest Steve Holly drew considerable attention, especially among students and lecturers from the Department of APA and Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. As the founder of AdaptABLE Outdoors, he introduced opportunities for selected outdoor activities for people with physical or mental disabilities. The programmes offered include hiking, kayaking, and fishing – activities our students experience during practical placements in Canada.
A major part of the 26th ITW consisted of practically oriented workshops. Aleksandar Pajkić from Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated how to creatively integrate school subjects into physical education classes. Great interest was also shown in Finnish lecturer Kati Kiehinen, who presented nature-based methods in physiotherapy and even delivered part of her instruction on site in outdoor settings. Philip Halpert from Israel shared his expertise in parasport, particularly in strength training and rehabilitation, and led a practical workshop focused on dynamic warm-up methods. Reeda Tuula-Fjodorov from Estonia offered a workshop focused on team games in corporate environments.
We are delighted that dance was once again part of the programme. This time, two dance teachers from Latvia joined us – Kristina Tumakova delivered intensive hip-hop sessions, and Olga Spridzāne enabled students to try various forms of jazz dance.
However, International Teaching Week was not only about academic activities. The accompanying programme included a traditional dinner, a tour of the historical city centre with a visit to the town hall tower, and bowling, which provided a pleasant space for informal networking. A new feature was a charity punch sale at the Olomouc Christmas markets, organised in cooperation with the APA Centre. International guests participated through the “English corner”, giving visitors the chance not only to order in English but also to engage in conversation.
“According to feedback from students and guests, the 26th ITW was exceptionally inspiring – especially thanks to the opportunity to compare different pedagogical approaches and establish professional contacts. Many students also expressed interest in English-taught courses and greater interaction with international students. Visiting lecturers appreciated the faculty’s open atmosphere, and many expressed interest in returning to Olomouc. International Teaching Week thus continues to confirm its importance as an international platform supporting innovation in teaching, professional development, and long-term international partnerships,” commented Michal Kudláček, Vice-Dean for International Affairs at FTK.
You can read what our guests wrote about ITW here.
And if you missed the lectures or workshops, don’t worry – you can already mark your calendar for the spring ITW, which will take place from 13th to 17th April 2026.
