Collegium Civitas has recently formally recognized SRAS Founder Renee Stillings for her “outstanding contribution in the field of study abroad programs and contribution to enhancing the Polish-American relations in academia.”
Collegium Civitas was founded in Warsaw, Poland, in 1997 under the auspices of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Founded at a time when Poland was still working to rebuild itself after the Communist era, Collegium Civitas was created as a new, forward-looking, modern institution to help create the next generation of Polish leaders. Close ties are kept with the academy today, as well as with a range of respected international partners, making Collegium Civitas a uniquely strong institution.
Housed in Warsaw’s historic Stalinist skyscraper, Collegium Civitas is focused on modern issues of global importance such as security, demographics, social welfare, information security, and new media. The university is active in supporting democratic institutions and nurturing multicultural societies.
SRAS, an independent study abroad organization based in California and with programs throughout Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, began working with Collegium Civitas in 2014 on what would be become the Security and Society in the Information Age (SSIA) program.
SSIA combines courses, taught in English, on security, democracy, international relations, sociology, and diplomacy, drawing on Collegium’s strengths. An optional research internship with the Terrorism Research Centre, affiliated with Collegium Civitas, allows students to engage in research projects leading to publication.
Renee Stillings, SRAS founder, said “SRAS knew early on that our mission overlapped well with that of Collegium Civitas in our shared belief that a better, stronger society can be built through education, travel, and cross-cultural interaction. We are proud to be a bridge between this great Polish institution and American students, helping to develop and maintain such an innovative, practical, and resume building program and benefits all parties and both countries.”
