Accommodation
You will stay at WOW Hostel Kraków in the Old Town (Westerplatte 8/2, 31-033 Kraków). Rooms are shared with other participants, and check-in starts at 14:00 (with a 24-hour reception and luggage storage if you arrive earlier).
Welcome to
Rock Solid Soft Skills
Master Real-World Communication and Team Dynamics
7-day intensive training in Krakow, Poland for young leaders and team players (ages 19–30). Fully funded accommodation and meals. Only 26 spots available — first come, first served.
Forget generic slide presentations and dry theory. Join an international team in Krakow to test your leadership, navigate team friction, and handle tough conversations through live simulations and urban challenges.
- Dates:
- 13–19 December 2026
- Location:
- Krakow, Poland
- Costs:
- Accommodation and meals covered by Erasmus+
- Format:
- Experiential learning, simulations, field challenges
Only 3 participants per partner organization. Applications are processed in order of arrival.
Why this course
Working with People Is More Than Just Assigning Tasks
Most of us end up leading projects or working in teams without ever learning how groups actually function:
- 01
You want to lead effectively, but you are not sure how to guide people without micromanaging them.
- 02
Team roles get blurry, misunderstandings happen, and simple tasks take twice as long as they should.
- 03
It is hard to know when to step forward as a leader and when to give the group space to work things out on their own.
Being a good leader and team member is not about having all the answers.
It comes down to understanding group dynamics, recognizing different roles, and knowing how to communicate so everyone stays engaged and aligned.
The method
Learn How Teams Really Work Through Direct Action, Not Slides
Rock Solid Soft Skills is a 7-day Erasmus+ training course built entirely on non-formal education and the David Kolb learning cycle. Instead of sitting through long lectures on leadership models, you test group processes in real time.
- Step 1
Concrete experience
You step into live simulations, team tasks, and an urban challenge across Krakow with an international team.
- Step 2
Reflective observation
You step back with the group and trainers to look at what just happened, how people reacted, and what dynamic formed.
- Step 3
Abstract concepts
You connect your observations to clear leadership and communication models (like the von Thun communication square).
- Step 4
Active experimentation
You immediately apply those conclusions to the next challenge and adjust your leadership style on the spot.
You leave with a clear sense of how groups form, what roles team members take, and how to lead people with clarity and empathy.
Program
Real Skills and Frameworks You Take Back Home
Across seven days, every session focuses on a specific challenge that comes up when leading or collaborating with people:
Group Dynamics & Team Stages
Understand how groups naturally evolve from initial forming to high performance, and identify the unspoken roles people step into.
Communication That Actually Lands
Use the Schulz von Thun four-ears model to see why messages get misinterpreted, and practice active listening to hear what someone actually means.
Handling Difficult Conversations
Learn how to address uncomfortable situations early, state boundaries directly, and keep the focus on solving the issue rather than attacking the person.
Conflict Management in Practice
Work with practical frameworks (including the SPORT model and conflict wheel) to resolve friction before it breaks team trust.
Practical Leadership
Test how to guide a group, coordinate tasks during field exercises, and give constructive feedback that helps others improve.
Practical information
Clear Logistics With No Hidden Costs
Thanks to Erasmus+ funding, the core costs of your participation are fully covered:
Meals
Breakfast is served at the hostel or training venue. For lunch, you choose between meat and vegan options at a local bistro, and dinners are catered. Your first meal is dinner on arrival day (13 December).
Location & Transport
The hostel is about a 10-minute walk from Krakow Main Railway Station (Kraków Główny) and just a few minutes on foot from the Main Market Square. The nearest tram stop is Poczta Główna, right next to the hostel. From Krakow Airport, take the train directly to Kraków Główny (approx. 20 minutes).
Travel & Extra Days
Participants are advised to arrive at Krakow Airport or the central railway station. The Polish National Agency allows you to stay up to 2 extra days in Poland before or after the project at your own expense.
What you need to arrange
You cover your own personal spending and travel/accident insurance. If you are an EU citizen, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Getting there
From the airport to the hostel
Step-by-step directions from Krakow Airport (KRK) by train, bus or taxi.
Getting there
From the railway station to the hostel
Kraków Główny → WOW Hostel · approx. 10 minutes on foot
Show directions ↓Hide directions ↑
- Follow the signs to the exit towards the Old Town (Stare Miasto) and the square in front of the historic station building.
- Walk to the Basztowa / Lubicz junction at the edge of the Planty park.
- Continue straight onto Westerplatte street, with the park on your right.
- WOW Hostel is at Westerplatte 8/2, before the Poczta Główna tram stop.
Who can apply
Participation Criteria and Selection
To ensure focused teamwork and equal representation across all participating countries, the group is limited to 26 people.
Age
You are between 19 and 30 years old.
Affiliation
You are nominated by or actively involved with one of the project's partner organizations (each partner has exactly 3 spots).
Language
You can communicate comfortably in English during workshops and team activities.
Commitment
You are available for the entire duration of the course from 13 to 19 December 2026 and ready to take part in all daily sessions.
Selection rule
Places are filled strictly on a first-come, first-served basis among candidates who meet the criteria. Once the 3 spots for your country's partner organization are confirmed, registration for that partner closes automatically.
Join us in Krakow
Ready to Level Up Your Team and Leadership Skills?
Join 25 other participants in Krakow from 13 to 19 December 2026 for a week of experiential learning and practical workshops.
Remember: each partner organization has only 3 allocated spots, and applications are accepted in order of submission. Once your national quota is filled, the form closes.
Complete the Registration FormAfter submitting the form, your sending organization will contact you to confirm your spot and share practical travel preparation steps.
Contact
Have Questions Before Applying?
Get in touch directly with the coordination team at Stowarzyszenie POLITES: