International credit mobility within the Erasmus+ KA171 programme offers unique opportunities for staff and students of our faculty to travel abroad, gain valuable professional experience, and significantly contribute to their personal development. The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia (USB FHSS) has a long-standing tradition of success in international cooperation. For the period 2025–2028, the faculty has secured funding for five sub-projects aimed at cooperation with partner institutions in third countries.

In 2025, the faculty achieved a 100% success rate, with all 5 submitted projects approved.

The projects focus on developing cooperation in the following fields:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Social Work
• Civil Protection

During the upcoming three-year period (2025–2028), these sub-projects will support a total of 124 incoming and outgoing mobilities of both students and staff.

Within these projects, it is possible to carry out:

• student mobilities for study stays and traineeships
• staff mobilities for teaching assignments and training activities

The mobility is funded by the Erasmus+ programme and primarily supports exchanges with countries outside Europe. Priority is given to mobilities directed towards programme countries (Europe). Erasmus+ KA171 international credit mobility projects are approved for a maximum period of 36 months, and applications are evaluated not only on formal grounds but also on the quality of the submitted proposal.

Approved projects for 2025–2028

We sincerely appreciate the excellent cooperation of all partner institutions in preparing these projects. The evaluation results, as well as the number and scope of approved projects, clearly demonstrate the high quality of our partnerships.

Calls for applications for USB FHSS students and staff will be announced in autumn 2025. Information about application conditions and deadlines will be published in due course via the faculty website and communicated through heads of departments and institutes.

Two students from Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand – Hathaikan Wutthimaitrichit and Thanyaporn Rujiworakul, who are in their final year of Nursing studies – were hosted by the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care at the FHSS USB from May 12 to 23. Their professional internship included a rich programme full of professional, educational, and cultural activities.
The students participated in a variety of educational sessions, including simulations, instruction in community health, and the use of modern technologies in nursing education – for example, virtual reality training. They gained practical experience during excursions to České Budějovice Hospital, where they visited the paediatric clinic, neurosurgery, haemodialysis department, traumatology, and internal medicine.
Their stay also included activities at the Centre for Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases and participation in a student research competition. In their presentation for FHSS students, they introduced the Thai community care system and their home university.
“There were also socio-cultural activities – meetings with Czech students, joint cooking, a BBQ with ESN USB Budweis, and evening walks around the city. The mutual exchange of experiences and understanding of different approaches to education and patient care was a valuable and enriching experience for everyone involved,” said Mgr. Hana Hajduchová, Ph.D. from the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care at FHSS USB. She thanked all the teachers and students who helped organize and carry out the programme.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, launching a strategic partnership aimed at advancing refugee integration and social support in Czechia through education, research, and professional development.

The agreement, concluded with the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, will promote academic and practical cooperation focused on social support to refugees and other forcibly displaced populations. The initiative will enhance student engagement, foster research, and build professional capacity in areas critical to refugee reception and integration.

“This collaboration marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to support refugees in their reception and integration process within host, ensuring they have access to specialized social support,” said Ajmal Khybari, Head of UNHCR Czechia. “Together with the University of South Bohemia, we are building a platform for future professionals to contribute meaningfully to inclusive societies and durable solutions for displaced people.”

Through this partnership, students will gain access to guest lectures, seminars, and workshops delivered by UNHCR experts, as well as extracurricular activities such as conferences and public discussions on forced displacement and statelessness. Beyond teaching, cooperation will strengthen academic research on key topics including refugee integration policies, national social protection systems, and social work practices.

“This partnership provides our students with invaluable experience and skills that will prepare them to work with forcibly displaced people in a variety of professional contexts,” said Mgr. Ivana Chloubová, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to foster a more informed, compassionate, and skilled generation of professionals equipped to support displaced people.

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the University of South Bohemia had the honor of welcoming a group of seven students and two faculty members from the College of Health Sciences – Makerere University in Uganda. Their week-long stay in South Bohemia focused on education in healthcare disciplines, particularly nursing, and fostered an inspiring exchange of experiences between our institutions.

The purpose of this visit was to broaden students' educational experiences through international collaboration. They gained insight into teaching methods and healthcare practices at the University of South Bohemia, while discussions explored potential institutional collaboration in research, academic programs, and faculty exchanges.

During their visit, the students and faculty members participated in a diverse program that provided them with deeper insights into Czech healthcare education and practice. They visited a hospital, where they had the opportunity to tour the blood transfusion department and the emergency department. This was followed by a tour of the university campus, including a visit to the university library, a key resource for faculty students.

At the faculty, they were warmly welcomed by experts from the Institute of Social Work and Special Education, who introduced them to their fields and potential collaboration opportunities. One of the highlights of the program was a visit to the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery, and Emergency Care, where the Ugandan guests became familiar with the curricula of study programs and had the opportunity to experience practical training in the modern simulation center.

The Makerere University students and faculty members came to South Bohemia seeking inspiration, and as they themselves stated, they were thrilled not only by the quality and scope of education but also by the facilities and excellent cooperation with clinical workplaces. They were impressed by the professionalism of the educators and the modern approach to healthcare education. They are returning home full of new ideas and insights that they can apply in their own practice.

Uganda, a country with a rapidly growing population, places great emphasis on developing healthcare and education in both medical and non-medical fields. These international study visits provide them with valuable opportunities to learn from best practices and elevate their healthcare education to a higher level.

We look forward to further collaboration and believe that this visit was just the beginning of a good partnership between our universities!

Earthquakes, floods, fires, pandemics, and other disasters in recent years, often involving extraordinary health emergencies, have highlighted the urgent need for healthcare professionals to be prepared to deliver quality and effective care in crisis situations. Developing key competencies, including improving knowledge and practical skills of nurses in disaster care, is the primary goal of an international project titled Enhancing Practices and Strengthening Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing through the Learning HUB (ECoDN-HUB). This project focuses on creating innovative educational tools and programmes that will benefit not only nursing students but also educators and healthcare professionals on an international scale.

The project is coordinated by Akdeniz University in Turkey, with other consortium partners including Antalya Training and Research Hospital (Turkey), Koç University (Turkey), Abo Akademi University (Finland), West University of Timişoara (Romania), and the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic. On December 12–13, 2024, the project team held its inaugural meeting online. Participants discussed planned activities and priorities to be implemented throughout the project. The meeting was attended by the entire research team from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, including Dean Mgr. Ivana Chloubová, Ph.D., Vice-Dean for Science and Research and Director of the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery, and Emergency Care prof. PhDr. Valérie Tóthová, Ph.D., dr.h.c., Vice-Dean for International Relations Mgr. František Dolák, Ph.D., MBA, and PhDr. Andrea Hudáčková, Ph.D. "I am extremely pleased that our faculty has the opportunity to participate in such a significant and important project. This collaboration not only affirms the expertise of our faculty but also contributes to the development of cooperation and pedagogical and scientific knowledge in this field," stated Dean Chloubová.

The project encompasses a variety of initiatives, including: Developing and implementing simulation scenarios using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to enable realistic and interactive disaster care education. Training project partners in creating simulation scenarios, to be conducted at the Romanian university. Pilot testing of the developed educational programmes, focusing on acquiring essential and advanced skills needed for disaster care. Integrating project outcomes into the nursing curriculum to ensure a lasting impact on the education of future healthcare professionals. Publishing a professional book containing theoretical foundations and practical guidelines, useful for both students and educators in the field of nursing.

The project offers multifaceted benefits: it will provide innovative tools and methodologies for education, thereby enhancing the preparedness of healthcare staff for disaster management. It will raise awareness of the importance of disaster care within the healthcare community and strengthen healthcare workers’ adaptability to crisis situations. Additionally, it will promote international collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participating institutions. “The ECoDN-HUB project represents a significant step forward in educating healthcare professionals. It will better prepare them to face future challenges and provide care in critical situations with a focus on quality, speed, and efficiency,” summarized Professor Tóthová.

.

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia cordially invites you to a unique lecture: Date: 25 November 2024, 10 AM. 

Speaker: Professor Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha

Professor Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha is the founder and executive director of Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna, Austria, where he received his MD degree in 1986 and completed his specialisation in surgery in 1994 in Vorarlberg. After returning to Nepal, he founded Dhulikhel Hospital in 1996, which has become a model of community health care in the country. He served as the Chancellor of Kathmandu University from 2012 to 2020, where he promoted the link between academic education and community services.

Come and hear an expert perspective on the healthcare system in Nepal, learn about the daily practices and unique approach to care at Dhulikhel Hospital. Gain inspiration and new insights into how healthcare works in developing countries.

Venue: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, J. Boreckého 1167/27, 1st floor, Lector Hall A, 370 11 České Budějovice, CZ

The Institute of Radiology, Toxicology, and Civil Protection (IRT FHSS) gained a new partner this autumn: the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stradins University in Riga. The newly signed Erasmus agreement will allow students to participate in study stays and enable academic staff to establish more intensive collaboration with their foreign colleagues.

“Collaboration between the Czech and Latvian universities will take place in study programmes, research, and publishing activities,” clarified PhDr. Štěpán Strnad, PhD, deputy director of URT and coordinator of international cooperation.

The signing of this agreement expands the list of foreign universities where students of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS USB) can undertake their study stays. Academic staff will also benefit from the new partnership by gaining new insights into their own research, presenting the results of their work, and sharing pedagogical experience.

According to Dr. Strnad, international cooperation is essential for the development of education and research. “I consider international work and study experience indispensable not only for scientific collaboration but also highly beneficial for students’ personal growth,” he explained. Representatives from the university in Riga welcome the new opportunities for cooperation with the Czech partner, and students of FHSS USB can look forward to hosting new guest professors.

Representatives from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vice-Dean for International Relations Mgr. František Dolák, Ph.D., MBA, and the faculty’s Erasmus coordinator Ing. Jana Ředinová, recently visited the University of West Attica in Athens, Greece. During their visit, they met with Erasmus programme coordinators as well as the Vice-Rector for International Relations to discuss possibilities for deepening cooperation.

The discussions led to a successful expansion of collaboration in healthcare fields and the development of opportunities for student and faculty mobility. "This visit will further strengthen the faculty's international relations and provide new opportunities for both students and academic staff," summarized Vice-Dean Dolák.

Charles Murata, a graduate of the European Master in Migration & Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) programme from Zimbabwe, has been honoured with a prestigious award for the most innovative thesis. His research, supervised by Mgr. Ingrid Baloun, Ph.D., from the Institute of Social and Special Education Sciences at the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia (FHSS USB), focused on the experiences of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, specifically families caring for children with disabilities. Among the 28 students in this year’s EMMIR programme, Charles stood out with his innovative work, which earned him the award.

The EMMIR programme is the first Afro-European-Asian Erasmus Mundus master's course in migration studies. It is jointly managed by a consortium of three African, four European, and two Asian partner institutions, with support from a broader network of affiliated partners. EMMIR is a unique programme that addresses migration through an intercultural lens, equipping students with theoretical and methodological skills to carry out fieldwork, primarily in African, Asian, and European contexts. It is a multidisciplinary, two-year master's programme that tackles pressing contemporary issues in the evolving field of migration.

Charles Murata completed his master's studies at the University of Oldenburg in Germany, but his educational journey was not easy. After finishing high school in his hometown of Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, his family could not afford to send him to university. In 2013–2014, he moved to South Africa to work as a miner and save money for his studies. After saving up enough funds, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in development studies at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, graduating with honours.

Following his undergraduate success, Charles worked and volunteered with local and international NGOs, including Plan International, Practical Action, and GOAL Zimbabwe. His volunteer work during and after Cyclone Idai, which devastated his community in 2019, significantly shaped his interest in migration research, particularly climate displacement.

Fortuitously, Charles received a scholarship to study in the EMMIR programme, allowing him to study at the University of Oldenburg from 2022 to 2024. The international environment also led to an internship at UNICEF, which further honed his research interests in transnational social protection for vulnerable displaced populations.

Dr. Ingrid Baloun, in her first year of participation in the EMMIR programme, served as Charles's thesis supervisor. Charles chose her for her relevant experience, as well as her proposed thesis topic. Dr. Baloun remarked "We worked closely on his research for over a year. I am thrilled that Charles received the award for the most innovative thesis. His dedication and effort were truly exceptional."

Through his work, Charles gained invaluable experience in academic research, presenting his findings at international conferences where he focused on issues such as youth irregular migration and the impact of climate change. Charles's journey is an inspiration to those striving to make a difference through education and research.

The full article is avalible HERE

The Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care of the FHSS USB together with two other universities in Turkey, namely AKDENIZ University from Antalya and KOC University in Istanbul, with the University of Romania - West University of Timisoara and ABO Akademi Nursing Faculty from Finland have been awarded an international project on "Improving Practices and Strengthening Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing". This project received financial support under the Erasmus+ programme, KA220-HED Partnership for Cooperation in Higher Education. 

The aim of the project is to develop and strengthen essential skills in disaster nursing through innovative educational tools based on AR/VR. All this will be implemented based on the results of research on the current state in the participating countries. The main coordinator of the project for the FSS USB is prof. PhDr. Valérie Tóthová, Ph.D., dr.h.c. Ivana Chloubová, Ph.D., Mgr. František Dolák, Ph.D., and PhDr. Andrea Hudáčková, Ph.D.

"I am very glad that the project has received financial support, as its topic is very current. Disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and fires, which have increased in number worldwide in recent years, affect many people and cause deaths and injuries, thus causing a serious threat to public health. Nursing and the work of nurses play a key role in disaster management, whether it be natural disasters, pandemics or other crises. Nurses are often the first responders to the needs of the injured and sick, providing life-saving care while also ensuring psychological support for those affected. Their ability to react quickly, coordinate care and work in challenging conditions is invaluable," said Prof. Tóthová, the Director of the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care at the FHSS USB.

The 6th International Symposium on the Ethics of Environmental Health was held on the campus of the University of South Bohemia from Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 September. This edition of the event, which has been a tradition since 2011, brought together experts from 13 countries. They discussed moral principles and values that play a role in assessing the effects of environmental factors on human health. The main organiser was Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Friedo Zölzer, DSc., Professor of Environmental Sciences at the Institute of Radiology, Toxicology and Population Protection, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, JU.

This year the symposium was held in conjunction with a workshop on the ethics of environmental health in war situations. The Faculty is one of 13 partners in the European consortium RRADEW („Resilience for radiological events in wartime“), which is funded by the European project PIANOFORTE ("European Partnership for Radiation Protection Research"). The University of South Bohemia is the work package leader for ethical issues, but will also participate in so-called "case studies" in which the preparedness for emergencies involving radiological and nuclear facilities is examined among the people, the Intergrated Rescue Services and the authorities in different countries. The principal investigator of the project on the part of ZSF is Štěpán Kavan, PhD, who works simultaneously at the Fire Brigade of the South Bohemian Region and at the ZSF.

The last event of this kind took place in 2022, also in České Budějovice. The 25 participants this year, during their meeting in the premises of the Academic Library, looked at important topics related to current events from a different angle than usual. "There was not so much discussion about exactly how high the health risks are, but rather how these risks are to be assessed when people are confronted to them in an already difficult situation, namely in an armed conflict," said Prof. Zölzer. For example, participants addressed questions such as: how can the different risks - radiation, toxic, war related - be compared? How can they be communicated to people in a way that is understandable, open and yet does not cause panic? What are the special challenges when dealing with an emergency, for example, at a nuclear power plant when it happens in a war zone?

Experts from Canada, the USA, Japan, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and other European countries, not least Ukraine, came to the České Budějovice symposium. The language of the meeting was English. Details of the event can be found at www.iseeh.org.

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia (ZSF JU) has received a grant of EUR 33 197 from the International Visegrad Fund for the project " Physical Activity Patterns Among High School and University Students in the V4 Countries – A Comparative Study " (ID 22420149) in cooperation with institutions from the Visegrad Group countries. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the University of Pécs in Hungary, John Paul II University in Biala Podlaska in Poland and Paul Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia. Mgr. Věra Logan Kuchařová, Ph.D. and Mgr. Iva Šafaříková, Ph.D., from the Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Urgent Care.

The project, which will start on 1 October 2024 and run until 31 March 2026, builds on a joint research initiative from 2015 and aims to track changes in physical activity among 3,200 students in the V4 countries using surveys and the ActiGraph GT3X device. The project will compare the new data with findings from a decade ago and examine the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and health-related quality of life. The results will be disseminated through publications and a scientific conference will be held at the end of the project to honour the legacy of Professor Jozef Bergier, who initiated this long-term collaboration. 
More information can be found on the project website: https://www.etk.pte.hu/physicalactivity/  

The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the University of South Bohemia (FHSS USB) has successfully collaborated with the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) since 2019. These partnerships are crucial for the exchange of knowledge and experience between academics and students of both institutions. In 2023, the second follow-up project, Erasmus KA171, commenced, focusing on developing cooperation in the fields of social work, physiotherapy, and nursing. This project runs until 2026 and emphasizes teaching mobility for academic staff and study stays or internships for students. These activities are key to enhancing the academic and professional skills of participants and deepening international cooperation.

In May 2024, representatives from FHSS USB visited the University of Sarajevo. Associate Professor Adéla Mojžíšová met with Sanela Bašić and Sanela Šadić, the Vice-Dean for International Relations at the Faculty of Political Sciences, where she gave several lectures to social work students. The Director of the Institute of Physiotherapy and Selected Medical Disciplines, MUDr. et Mgr. Marcela Míková, Ph.D., and Mgr. Tomáš Hrdý met with the Vice-Dean for International Relations, Jasmina Mahmutović, and Dr. Bakir Katana and Dr. Eldad Kaljič from the Faculty of Health Studies. They delivered lectures to students of Physiotherapy and Sanitary Engineering. Besides delivering expert lectures, the aim of this visit was to motivate UNSA students to participate in mobilities at FHSS USB. An interesting experience was gained through excursions to both public and private physiotherapy facilities, where FHSS USB students will also begin their internships.

In the first week of July 2024, Ing. Jana Ředinová from the International Relations Office of FHSS USB attended the prestigious 11^th International Staff Week held in Sarajevo. The event attracted 45 participants from various European and non-European countries and offered a diverse programme focused on various aspects of Erasmus cooperation. During the week, participants engaged in the following key topics:

• Erasmus Cooperation: Discussing new opportunities and strategies within the Erasmus programme
• Erasmus Gone Wrong: Sharing experiences and challenges faced by various participants during their Erasmus mobilities
• Networking: Opportunities to establish new contacts and collaborations between institutions
• European Alliances: Presentations and discussions about alliances of European universities
• Communication and Mental Health: Raising awareness about the importance of communication and mental health in the academic environment
• Best Practices in Erasmus: Sharing best practices and successful projects within the Erasmus programme

Participation in this event contributed to expanding knowledge and skills in international cooperation and communication. Discussions and presentations on best practices in Erasmus and mental health were particularly beneficial for further development of programmes and projects at our university. This event also provided a platform for exchanging experiences and inspiring new projects and initiatives that can enrich both students and academics.

From the academic year 2024/2025, student exchanges from UNSA for internships in the study programmes of Social Work, General Nursing, and Physiotherapy will also take place., The arrival of two students for study stays in the field of social work is expected. Two places for a two-month professional internship in the summer semester of 2024/2025 will be offered to second- and third-year students of Physiotherapy and Social Work.

Vice-Dean for International Relations, Mgr. František Dolák, Ph.D., MBA, visited the Faculty of Nursing at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This visit was a significant opportunity for both institutions, as it marked an important step towards strengthening cooperation and supporting mutual learning not only in the field of nursing. The collaboration between the institutions has been ongoing for 10 years, and this was the first visit between the two institutions.
During his stay, Vice-Dean František Dolák met with faculty members and students of the Nursing programme and shared his knowledge and insights on a wide range of topics related to nursing. The Vice-Dean summarised: "In addition to visiting the faculty, I also had the opportunity to visit local healthcare facilities where our faculty's students are doing internships, and I also had the chance to engage in discussions with healthcare professionals. This practical experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the healthcare sector in Thailand. At the same time, I had the opportunity to share my own experiences with nursing in the Czech Republic."
This business trip provided not only a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in the field of nursing but also laid the foundation for future cooperation and partnerships between the two institutions. The exchange of ideas and experiences will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on students and teachers on both sides. During the visit, further possibilities for cooperation were discussed, not only in the field of nursing but also in other fields and programmes.

Trnava University conferred honorary doctorates on two distinguished foreign experts on Monday, May 13, 2024. The first of these honorary doctorates was awarded to the Vice-Dean for Science and Research and Director of the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery, and Emergency Care, Prof. PhDr. Valérie Tóthová, Ph.D. She became the first professor in the Czech Republic in the field of nursing and is recognized in the scientific community as an expert who influences the development of nursing in the Czech Republic.

The acting rector of Trnava University, Prof. Miloš Lichner, SJ, also presented an honorary doctorate to Professor Michael F. Kolarcik, SJ. This Canadian Jesuit of Slovak origin, emeritus rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum), served in the 1990s at the Theological Institute of St. Alojz in Bratislava, which later transformed into the Theological Faculty of Trnava University, and at several research institutions worldwide. He is particularly interested in the Old Testament, specifically in wisdom literature. Trnava University has conferred the honorary title of doctor honoris causa on 53 distinguished scientific authorities in its history. Among its recipients are already 23 individuals from abroad.