Kostroma State University (Russia) has conferred the title of “Honorary Professor” on Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Klaus Werner and Diplom-Lehrer Frank Schneider. This is the highest honor a Russian university can bestow. In doing so, Kostroma University honors Klaus Werner and Frank Schneider for their ongoing work and, above all, their commitment to international understanding.
On September 10, 2018, during the opening of “International Student Week” in Kostroma, the titles were formally conferred.
For over ten years, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) and Kostroma State University (KGU) have been working closely together on the basis of partnership agreements. This applies to the economics departments (Prof. Dr. Roland Giese) as well as to the natural sciences (Prof. Dr. Bernd Delakowitz). In the latter case, agreements have also been drawn up for a dual degree programme that allows students majoring in “Environmental Management” at both institutions to study for two semesters at their respective partner university (Prof. Dr. Jana Brauweiler).
Within the framework of these contractual agreements, a special program has developed that has been integrated into an existing series of events at KGU, while significantly complementing and expanding it: International Week, with the theme “Culture of Dialogue, Dialogue of Cultures.”
These activities have been initiated and organized by Frank Schneider, the director of the “Studium Fundamentale” (StuFu) program. Prof. Dr. Klaus Werner, who represents the field of “Interculturality” at the university, has continuously broadened the program’s content and intellectual foundation. Since 2011, a total of eight such “International Weeks” have taken place at KGU in Kostroma, which, at the instigation of HSZG, have increasingly been transformed into “International Student Weeks.” Each year, in addition to the organizers, ten to twelve students from the HSZG participate in these international weeks—mostly students enrolled in Prof. Werner’s course, but also other interested students.
Participants overcome intercultural barriers and broaden their experience by preparing and delivering subject-specific presentations (on topics such as “tolerance,” “understanding,” or “building bridges” —this year’s presentations focused on the theme “The Culture of My Hometown in the Context of Intercultural Communication”), by participating in Russian classes / courses (such as those at the Institute for Foreign Languages), or in the lectures, seminars, and workshops offered specifically during International Student Week. The week’s program is rounded out by joint sports events, opportunities to get to know Russian fellow students, lively direct exchanges, and shared activities, such as attending cultural events and visiting local attractions.
Students from other countries also participate in the International Student Week in Kostroma, which significantly broadens the scope of the intercultural exchange. This year, faculty and students from a total of nine countries were represented.
In return, an “International Student Week” is held each spring at the HSZG, attended by Russian faculty and students. Faculty from other countries (such as Belarus or Armenia) also participate in these events. German students are involved, and a wonderful tradition has developed in which some German students take on the role of “Study-Body” and specifically look after the Russian guests. These meetings are organized by Studium Fundamentale (Frank Schneider and Klaus Werner).
On their trips to Kostroma, they met people who are open and honest, look to the future, and are deeply committed to peaceful and harmonious coexistence. Furthermore, the people’s hospitality is legendary. Both were very impressed by the people’s mindset.
Because they have experienced Russia as such an open country, they also want to encourage others 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