Kostroma State University (Russia) has awarded Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Klaus Werner and Dipl.-Lehrer Frank Schneider the title of "Honorary Professor". This is the highest honor a Russian university can bestow. The University of Kostroma thus recognizes the continuous work and, above all, the commitment to international understanding of Klaus Werner and Frank Schneider.
On September 10, 2018, at the opening of the "International Student Week" in Kostroma, the titles were ceremoniously awarded.
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) and Kostroma State University (KGU) have been working closely together for over ten years on the basis of partnership agreements. This applies to the economic science institutes (Prof. Dr. Roland Giese) but also to the natural sciences (Prof. Dr. Bernd Delakowitz). In the latter case, agreements have also been drawn up for a dual course of study, which allows students in the field of "Environmental Management" at both institutions to study at the respective partner university for two semesters (Prof. Dr. Jana Brauweiler).
Within the framework of these contractual agreements, a special offer has developed that has been integrated into an existing series of events at the KGU, but has considerably supplemented and expanded it: the international week with the motto "Culture of Dialogue, Dialogue of Cultures".
These activities were initiated and organized by the head of Studiums Fundamentale - "StuFu", Frank Schneider. Prof. Dr. Klaus Werner, who represents the subject area "Interculturality" at the university, has continuously broadened the content and intellectual basis. Since 2011, a total of eight such "international weeks" have been held at the KGU in Kostroma, which have increasingly been transformed into "international student weeks" at the instigation of the HSZG. In addition to the initiators, ten to twelve HSZG students take part in these international weeks each year, mostly students attending Prof. Werner's lecture, but also other interested students.
The participants overcome intercultural barriers and expand their wealth of experience by preparing and giving subject-specific lectures (topics such as "tolerance", "understanding" or "building bridges" - this year the lectures were on the subject of "The culture of my home town in the context of intercultural communication"), by participating in Russian courses (e.g. at the Institute of Foreign Languages) or in the lectures, seminars and workshops offered during the International Student Week. The week is rounded off by joint sporting events, getting to know fellow Russian students and lively direct exchanges and joint activities, such as visits to cultural events and places of interest.
Students from other countries also take part in the international student week in Kostroma, which considerably expands the breadth of the intercultural spectrum. This year, lecturers and students from nine nations were represented.
In return, an "international student week" takes place at the HSZG every spring, which is attended by Russian lecturers and students. Lecturers from other countries (such as Belarus or Armenia) also take part in these events. The German students are involved and a nice tradition has developed in which some German students take on the role of a "study body" and look after the Russian guests in particular. These meetings are organized by Studium fundamentale (Frank Schneider and Klaus Werner).
On their trips to Kostroma, they have met people who are open and honest, look to the future and are very keen to live together in peace and harmony. In addition, the hospitality of the people is legendary. The mentality of the people impressed both of them very much.
Because they experienced Russia as such an open country, they also want to encourage people to travel there and see for themselves.
Contact:
Frank Schneider
Studium fundamentale - Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Teaching Evaluation Officer
Tel.: 03583 612-4319
Email: f.schneider(at)hszg.de