On February 21, 2024, Orientation Day was held at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, dedicated to incoming Erasmus students for the summer semester. The event was aimed at introducing new students to the academic life, academic opportunities and cultural heritage of the city of Krakow.

The meeting was attended by 10 students from different countries, representing nationalities such as Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Georgia and Ukraine. It was a unique meeting that allowed integration and exchange of experiences between students from different corners of Europe.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Plenipotentiary for International Cooperation - Rev. Prof. Robert Wozniak, Ph.D., and members of the International Cooperation Office - Tomasz Kniaź (International Cooperation Coordinator) and Aleksandra Mirek-Rogowska (Student Exchange Coordinator). Afterwards, participants had the opportunity to watch a film presenting academic life at the Pontifical University of John Paul II and the wide range of majors offered. During the meeting, not only members of the International Cooperation Office had the opportunity to introduce themselves, but also the incoming students themselves, which fostered integration and new friendships. Tomasz Kniaź also shared information on various initiatives organized by the office with Erasmus students in mind, which further increased the interest of the participants. After a short coffee break, the participants returned to the workshop section, where Aleksandra Mirek-Rogowska presented the university's internal systems, how to enroll in classes, and gave a packet of practical advice on how the university operates.

The biggest highlight of the day was the exhibition on the Treasures of the Cracow Chapter, which was guided by Joanna Świtała (art historian, licensed Krakow guide) to the students. During the tour, the students had the opportunity to learn about the history of Krakow and Poland, as well as what role Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow played in the restoration of the cathedral chapter's heritage treasures. In the exhibition space, the course of the restoration work was presented with the help of multimedia, the digitized Chapter House room along with selected relics bearing witness to the activities of the Cracow Cathedral Chapter and the importance of its contribution to the development of Polish and European culture (link to the exhibition: HERE). At the end of the tour, everyone could try on replicas of royal insignias and a cape, which allowed participants to feel like real monarchs of Poland.

The meeting was not only an opportunity to learn about the structure of the university and its capabilities, but also to enrich knowledge of Krakow's cultural heritage and integrate among students. This event was an excellent inauguration of the Erasmus students' stay at the Pontifical University of John Paul II.