We have close working relationships with the following organizations:
APURE
The University College of Tourism and Ecology has been collaborating with the University of Rural Areas Development since 2006, and is now the only branch of this organization in Poland. APURE – a university well-known in the European Union, has been operating in 15 EU countries as well as outside Europe - in Canada. For over 20 years, this international institution has been working for sustainable rural development in Europe. APURE is an international non-governmental organization, whose main objectives are: to exchange knowledge and experience, preserve Europe's cultural diversity, enhance access to employment, support institutions and organizations promoting vocational and social integration of rural communities. APURE also cooperates with the European Commission, assessing and recommending actions to be implemented in rural areas of Europe. This international association boasts many achievements, e.g. it organizes conferences and APURE sessions in member countries, supports international projects, creates a network of institutions working for rural development and fosters ideas of sustainability outside the European continent. APURE also participates in the EU's most important programmes, such as SOCRATES, LEONARDO, LEADER, INTERREG, LIFE.
The Polonia House in France
The University College of Tourism and Ecology cooperates with the Polonia House in France. Every year our students participate in Polonia Days organized by the Polish living in France. This is a splendid opportunity for them to learn about the French culture, meet new people and try their skills while implementing various projects.
The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba
The University College of Tourism and Ecology has entered into cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba, carrying out Polish-Cuban joint projects, research, seminars and lectures. This scientific programme aims to promote tourism and is implemented in cooperation with subordinate agencies of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.
International Conferences
'Central and Eastern Europe towards challenges of the first decades of the 21st century' – this was the subject of the first international symposium held by the University College of Tourism and Ecology in Sucha Beskidzka. The symposium was attended by professors from renowned Polish and Italian universities, e.g. Alessandro Vitale from the University of Milan. We are planning to organize further international conferences.
International Programmes
Our students are involved in the 'Youth' project, which aims to integrate young people with different cultural backgrounds - from Poland, Hungary and other countries. Thanks to this programme, a group of Hungarian students is going to visit our University and our students will have a chance to 'savour Budapest'.
Student Exchange programmes
What our students say …
My impressions on the student exchange programme ...
'For me the main thing in this exchange programme was that I had an opportunity to brush up my English and overcome the language barrier. I met interesting people and within one week I made a lot of friends.
I must admit that it was also hard work for the host of the meeting - to attain everything, to think it over, to divide duties. There were difficult situations, of course, but when everyone was happy, I felt great satisfaction. I especially liked the fact that we could make friends so easily - despite cultural differences, differences in age and attitudes we managed to create a team, we worked as a team - no one was left with any problem alone, together we tried to find a solution. I mean not only our Polish group, but all participants of the exchange programme cooperated with one another. Nobody was a passive participant of the seminar, different people presented their culture, traditions and places of origin. The seminar programme was flexible so we were able to modify it. Open to ideas from the group, we could find out about the expectations of the others and look for the best solutions -this is not an easy task but an art that we learn in our lives. The seminar was a great experience for me because I could try my skills in a new situation.'
Gabrysia, II ORT
Polish-French student exchange programme
My impressions on the student exchange programme …
'”Sports and Tourism" - this is the motto of the meeting of three nationalities, which was held this year. Groups of young people from France, Germany and Poland had the opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure, which they will always remember. Studying together and having fun together, we became one team. All the friends we made, the countries we visited and especially the experience we gained while dealing with our peers from different cultural background – this is something that we will treasure for life. It was also nice to hear a popular Polish pop song “How are you, Honey?” sung by the French and Germans.'
Marcin, II ORT
Polish-Hungarian student exchange programme
My impressions on the student exchange programme …"
'”Jo etvagyat kivanok"- this way you can wish Hungarians a tasty breakfast ... - this and other useful phrases Polish students learnt while participating in the Hungarian-Polish exchange programme between the University College of Tourism and Ecology in Sucha Beskidzka and Szolnok Föiskola in Hungary.
The first seminar was held in the Beskidy Mountains, where for one week we hosted a group of Hungarian students, persenting them our cultural heritage, visiting the most treasured places in Poland, teaching them our regional traditions and customs and exploring traditional Polish cuisine. In the meantime, we developed a joint project on the Polish-Hungarian tourist product. Our return visit to Hungary was like "visiting good friends" - there was a lot of sightseeing and fun ... At the end of the seminar we promised one another, with a tear in the eye, that this is not the end. '
Ania, II PR
International cooperation 
