Faculty from University in Poland Study SHU’s Methods

Representatives of the Hugo Kollataj University of Agriculture gain insights on teaching and learning in the United States

Sacred Heart University recently welcomed two faculty members from the Hugo Kollataj University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland, for a month-long exchange program.

Izabela Piech and Aneta Dacko, faculty from the university’s department of agricultural surveying, cadastre and photogrammetry, arrived at SHU in September. Their stay was made possible by an externally funded project called “raising qualifications and competencies of teaching staff and doctoral students to enhance the quality of teaching,” which focuses on advancing innovative classroom education methods. The European Fund for Social Development Program and the professors’ home university also sponsored the visit.

During their time on campus, the visiting scholars observed a variety of classes to gain firsthand insights into faculty-student interactions in a U.S. classroom setting. Beyond the classroom, they met with faculty members and SHU administrators to better understand the wide range of resources and initiatives SHU has in place to support student success and faculty development.

Amanda Moras, SHU’s associate provost for teaching & learning, and Kristof Zaba, executive director of graduate & international student life, organized and led the visit. They ensured the visitors were provided with a variety of learning and engagement opportunities on campus.

“The purpose of their visit was to observe teaching techniques in our classrooms, learn, and go back and improve their teaching methods at their home university,” Zaba said. “They were fascinated with engaged learning methods, as they are most familiar with lecture-style teaching: engaged learning techniques are new to them. In their observations, their focus was not necessarily on the content of the class but more on the teaching methods that are utilized by SHU faculty to engage students. Additionally, they were fascinated by how students interact with their professors and how they work in groups and participate in role plays.”

In addition to class observations, the visitors met with staff from various SHU offices, attended training courses for faculty delivered by SHU’s Center for Teaching & Learning and participated in campus events. During their free time, they visited New York City and explored Fairfield and the surrounding area, using the SHU shuttle to get around locally. They also enjoyed meals at Sacred Heart in the 63’s dining hall, where they got a real feel for student life.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering global perspectives and meaningful academic exchange,” said Moras. “Hosting international colleagues provides mutual opportunities to share best practices and strengthen connections that benefit students, our faculty and the broader academic community. We are thankful to our departments and faculty who opened their doors to host the visiting faculty in their classes.”

International faculty visits are a great chance for participants to experience firsthand teaching and learning in an American classroom, and to learn and adapt some of the teaching methods in their own practices back at their home universities, Zaba said.

“For SHU faculty, students and staff, these exchanges are a great opportunity to engage in conversations and learning experiences with the visiting faculty,” Zaba added. “Having international faculty taking an interest in visiting SHU and wanting to learn from SHU faculty only speaks to the quality of teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms and the quality of student experience that SHU delivers to our students.”

The initiative also highlights SHU’s ongoing efforts to build bridges across borders, preparing students and faculty alike to thrive in an interconnected world. By hosting international scholars, the University not only enriches its own academic community but also contributes to the global exchange of knowledge and teaching innovation.

“Our visit to Sacred Heart University will be an unforgettable experience for us,” said Piech. “We not only learned about the education system, teaching methods and ways of working with students, but we also had the chance to see how much care and support students receive. The kindness of the staff and faculty and the culture of the students allowed us to overcome all barriers and made us feel like part of the academic community. We sincerely thank everyone who dedicated their time to us, and especially our program coordinator, Dr. Kristof Zaba, for the professional preparation of our stay. Working and studying are truly a pleasure here at Sacred Heart.”

SHU is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a host institution for short-term visiting professors under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. This designation allows SHU to welcome international faculty for teaching and academic collaboration, enriching the campus community while fostering global exchange of ideas and expertise.

Pictured: Polish faculty Aneta Dacko (left) and Izabela Piech on campus