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Erasmus+: Sustainability as an Integral Part of International Experience at Charles University

Under the auspices of Charles University’s European Office, a five-day blended intensive program titled Sustainability as an Integral Part of International Experience took place between 26–30 May. The event brought together 24 representatives from 22 partner universities across 15 countries to share best practices in sustainable internationalization, one of Erasmus+’s key priorities.

The program began with a presentation introducing Charles University and its sustainability strategy. Discussions focused on promoting environmentally friendly travel among students, designing a “Green Guide” for incoming internationals, and enhancing international cooperation in sustainable mobility.

The in-person presentation session was co-organized with CU’s department for Sustainable Development. Its Manager Nikola Rusová, and her team composed of Alexandra Kocúriková and Samuel Sámel, presented the university’s sustainability agenda. They introduced participants to the wide scope of CU’s sustainability initiatives - spanning communication and awareness-raising, sustainable construction, third role, and both local and international cooperation. She emphasized how students and staff are actively involved in these areas, reflecting CU's holistic approach to embedding sustainability across all operations.

The second day focused on sustainable travel, with interactive workshops addressing:

- How to plan environmentally friendly events

- Encouraging staff to consider alternatives to air travel

- Making sustainable travel accessible to students with fewer opportunities or special needs

Vojtěch Máca from CU’s Environmental Center presented research data on sustainable behaviors among CU students and staff, and offered practical advice for replicating such studies at partner institutions. Petra Šmídová, the lead organizer, introduced the Sustainable Erasmus+ Travel (SET) project, which CU has co-developed with leading European universities since 2023.

In the following days, participants explored student-led sustainability efforts, including:

- CU’s elective Course on Sustainable Development, available across faculties

- Visits to Hybernská Campus to learn about initiatives such as Gratis Market, Studentská Hybernská, and the “Sustainable Charles” podcast

They also toured the Faculty of Humanities, where they visited the student-run Hofmanka garden, a green space with eco-friendly warré beehives, maintained by the Pučmeloud student association. Other presentations included Udržitelná FHS, a faculty sustainability group, and ESN CU Prague, which organizes values-based activities for Erasmus students, including those focused on sustainability.

Miroslava Hurdová, head of CU Dormitories and Canteens, discussed the university’s efforts in sustainable accommodation and food services such as energy-saving measures, composting, eco-cleaning products, vegetarian/vegan meal options, and improved bike infrastructure.

To close the program, Nikola Horáková from CU’s European Office shared tips on engaging exchange students in local volunteering opportunities through CU’s Volunteer Center.

Participants also enjoyed a guided tour of CU’s Botanical Garden, gained insights into the 4EU+ university alliance, visited the Great Hall of Karolinum, and shared sustainability strategies from their own institutions.

Quote from organizer Petra Šmídová:

“It was inspiring to see how many practical sustainability initiatives exist at European universities. Sharing experiences and concrete examples opened our eyes to new ideas. The workshops and group discussions helped us build meaningful connections and reflect on how we can expand our own sustainable efforts at CU.”