Polish cooking sessions, nature hikes, and a Witcher-themed outdoor game set the stage for AEGEE-Kraków’s latest Summer University “Slavic Sparks: Ignite Your Inner Witcher!” from 18 to 30 July 2026. 20 participants experienced 13 action-packed days discovering southern Poland.
GT: What was your Summer University about?
AEGEE-Kraków: Our Summer University’s theme was Slavic Sparks: Ignite Your Inner Witcher. It centered around connecting with nature, exploring Slavic mythology, and discovering the history and culture of beautiful Kraków.
Please name a few programme highlights.
Highlights of our programme included:
- A hike through Bielańsko-Tyniecki Park, followed by a Witcher-themed outdoor game, “Trial of Herbs”
- Polish food workshops – making delicious pierogi and obwarzanki
- The Polish Wedding role-play party
- Three final days in Wierzbanowa with private cottages, jacuzzis, and a sauna – full relax mode on!
How many participants and organisers were at the SU?
We welcomed 20 participants, with a team of eight organizers and more than ten part-time helpers.
What were the funniest or most exciting moments?
Energylandia amusement park was definitely a highlight, full of adrenaline! Participants also loved kayaking on the Vistula River and nights out like European Night, the Pub Crawl, and karaoke. One thing that didn’t go according to plan: a window in the gym broke, but our fantastic organizers handled it very well, clearing the scene and securing the hole in no time.
How important was the gossip box?
The gossip box – like all of us – lived in the yellow submarine and was terrified of a round piece of bread. It stirred up the atmosphere with a few revelations and some drama, but it also became a space for secret admirers to shower everyone with compliments!
How was your group of participants?
The group was wonderfully diverse in every sense. A mix of vibes and characters that came together as an energetic, adventurous pack, which made the event truly unforgettable. Everyone talked with everyone, and no one was left out. We hope many of them stay friends for a long time!
How would you evaluate the SU overall on a scale from 0 (very bad) to 10 (excellent)?
A lucky 7 out of 10 – there were a few stumbles along the way, but we bounced back each time and did our best to make the experience awesome regardless.
Which impact did the event have on your antenna?
It was a great opportunity to bring our more experienced and newer members together and teach them how to organize longer European events. It also let us show local people the benefits of being part of an international network. And it even convinced some of them to become official AEGEE-Kraków members and start attending events across Europe!
Will you organise an SU next year again?
That remains to be seen. But if we do, we’d like to build more free time into the schedule and do a better job with communication and task delegation.
Anything else you’d like to share about your SU?
This SU wouldn’t have happened without the incredible dedication of our organizing team and helpers, who put their hearts into every single detail. If there’s one thing we want people to take away, it’s that even with a few bumps along the road, the Slavic Sparks spirit brought together a group of strangers who left as friends. Kraków’s door is always open for the next adventure!
