20th Polish-German Student Seminar “Managing Cultural Diversity in Europe” Gets Underway at GMU
8 May 2025 saw the start of the Polish-German 20th Polish-German Student Seminar entitled “Managing Cultural Diversity in Europe”, organised by Gdynia Maritime University and Hochschule Bremerhaven under the patronage of the Rectors of both universities.
The seminar is due to last two weeks in total, with students from the University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Bremerhaven visiting GMU during the first week, from 7 to 14 May. The second week will take place at the German university from 26 until 2 June 2025, with the involvement of GMU students.
The 20th Polish-German Student Seminar was opened by the Deputy Rector for Education, Professor Sambor Guze, who, after welcoming our guests and all participants, reminded those present of the long-standing cooperation between the two universities.
As in previous years, more than ten students from each university are taking part in the event. This year, the University is also happy to welcome two professors from the German University, Professor Gerhard Feldmeier and Professor Hans Rummel.
The seminar’s programme of events includes lectures in English given by the teaching staff at both universities, meetings with leading university staff and student organisation representatives, as well as visits to Polish and German companies.
The first part of the seminar in Gdynia will include the following interesting lectures:
- Artificial intelligence in science – presented by Professor Ireneusz Czarnowski
- Managing Cultural Diversity in Europe – presented in two parts by Professor Gerhard Feldmeier
- The role of interpersonal communication in business (interactive lecture) – presented by Agnieszka Czarnecka,
- Energy transition and decarbonization of maritime transport & seaports – requirements, solutions, and effects – presented by GMU Associate Professor Dr Maciej Matczak.
- Generating electricity from water waves - presented by Karol Listewnik.
Apart from its academic and educational objectives, the seminar aims to familiarise Polish and German students with how both universities operate and to encourage them to undertake studies at partner institutions as part of the Erasmus+ programme. It also offers an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of both regions – Pomerania and the state of Bremen.
Various attractions have been prepared to support the integration of those taking part from the two universities, including:
- An integration event in the GMU Sports and Recreation Centre
- An integration event in Teatro Gdynia (Muszla Gdyńska) music club, founded by the GMU Student Parliament
- A visit to Malbork Castle
- A canal boat trip from Elbląg to Buczyniec
- A visit to the seal sanctuary in Hel (Stacja Morska im. prof. Krzysztofa Skóry)
Time spent exploring the monuments in Gdańsk, and more.
