Photo: KUL

More than 2,200 participants from nearly 50 countries — from Peru to Ecuador — are taking part in the fifth edition of the online courses offered by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). The program includes, among other subjects, the History of Poland in English and Spanish, as well as Artificial Intelligence in the Work of Polish Journalists Abroad, attracting new generations of Poles abroad and combining education with inspiring international encounters.

In 2022, KUL proposed harnessing the potential of its academic staff and experts who collaborate with the university to create an online learning offer for Poles abroad. In 2025, the university launched the fifth edition of the program, and participation has reached record levels.

At present, more than 2,200 people from nearly 50 countries around the globe are enrolled, including from as far away as Peru and Ecuador. During the last weekend alone, 1,000 people took part in the sessions. “These are absolutely record-breaking meetings in the history of the KUL Polish Community Center,” said Dr. Wojciech Wciseł, director of the center, in an interview with Family News Service. Each new edition expands the university’s training offer for Poles living abroad.

This year, two new courses were added: The History of Poland in English and Artificial Intelligence in the Work of Polish Journalists Abroad. The idea for an English-language history course arose from the needs of those who do not speak Polish but wish to learn about their ancestors’ history. These are often second-, third-, or even fourth-generation migrants, and KUL aims to present the key events that shaped the Polish state through modern times in an engaging way. It is a generation born abroad, for whom English is the everyday language.

There is also the course ¡Historia de Polonia en español!, which has attracted over 200 registered participants, mainly from South American countries. “We are running this course in cooperation with Spanish-speaking lecturers from KUL’s Institute of History, as well as the Asociación Cultural Argentino-Polaca and Universidad del Salvador (USAL),” emphasized Dr. Wciseł. “Those interested can still join by completing the registration form at https://polonia.kul.pl/curso-de-historia-de-polonia,111841.html.”

“Our programs are the result of listening to the voices of Poles abroad from all over the world,” notes Rev. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, Rector of KUL, who frequently visits Polish community schools, associations, and institutions abroad.

But the courses are about more than just learning. They also foster integration among Polish community leaders, helping them network and launch various initiatives. There are stories like that of Ania from London, who now lives in Poland again. “During the media courses, I was inspired by one of the lecturers’ stories. I realized that I had a lot to offer and accomplish in Poland. I returned because I didn’t want to spend my life just running a household in England and doing odd jobs,” Anna shared.

A good example of how such inspiration and cooperation can transcend geographical borders is the summer camps for Polish children and youth organized by KUL in recent years. Among the teaching and leadership staff running activities for the campers are several former course participants.

Since 2022, nearly 4,500 people from more than 50 countries — including the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, the United States, and Canada — have taken part in the four editions of KUL’s Study Program for Poles Abroad and Polish Communities.

Family News Service