Between June 2 and 7, 2025, I participated in an international mobility under the Erasmus+ KA171 Staff Mobility for Teaching programme at the University of New York in Tirana, Albania. The main objective, in line with the goals of the project, was to conduct academic lectures on leadership patterns in the context of social change and systemic transformation in Europe, with particular emphasis on the Central and Eastern European region. An additional objective was to establish new contacts and strengthen cooperation between the universities, which will positively influence future academic and teaching activities. The stay at the University of New York in Tirana also enabled the exchange of experiences and good practices related to the topic, as well as the enhancement of teaching methodology.
All the above objectives were successfully achieved.
Firstly, as part of the programme, I conducted a series of lectures entitled “The Paradigm of Leadership in Europe in the Context of Social Changes and Systemic Transformation.” The lectures addressed the following issues: the contemporary meaning of leadership; leadership versus other management models; types of leadership (political and organizational); the impact of social change and systemic transformation in Europe on leadership models (including the experiences of Central European countries); the paradigm shift in leadership during the transformation period; the constitutive elements of value-based leadership; and the distinction between project and process approaches. The lectures were attended by students of International Relations and International Law. Both during and after the sessions, an engaging discussion took place, and participants asked numerous questions.
Secondly, the visit supported to strengthen mutual relations through discussions with the university authorities and the Erasmus programme coordinator. The talks focused, among other things, on enriching the teaching offer of both universities by incorporating the issues discussed during the lectures, while taking into account political, geographical, and cultural contexts. The mobility also facilitated cooperation with academics from the University of New York in Tirana, which may prove useful in preparing courses for a newly established study programme – European Public Diplomacy. This programme will include subjects related to the experiences of other European countries. Presenting the case of the Balkans will broaden this perspective and may attract future students from various states.
Thirdly, the stay at the University of New York in Tirana provided an excellent opportunity to develop teaching skills in the context of cultural diversity and conducting classes in English. This experience will have a direct impact on my teaching activities for Erasmus students at my home university.
Dr Piotr Zakrzewski
Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw (UKSW)
03 October 2025
