As part of a short-term mobility programme at the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn, Poland, several students from the FHNW School of Architecture, Construction and Geomatics took part in the summer school Traces in the Landscape.
Over the course of a week, they explored the landscape, history, and culture of the region surrounding our ChallengeEU partner university. The experience not only provided new academic insights but also fostered international friendships and connections. Here, they share their experiences.
What motivated you to participate in the Summer School?
Olivia: I had never been to Poland before and was excited about the opportunity to discover the Masuria and Warmia regions. I am also very enthusiastic about hands-on activities such as linocut printing.
Jasmin: I wanted to take the opportunity to experience an exchange programme abroad, meet people from other countries, and get an insight into a different university. Receiving ECTS credits and having part of the travel costs covered also made the decision easier.
Vincent: For me, a trip like this offers the chance to gain a deeper understanding of a new country, a new university, and different ways of thinking and working. At the same time, it allows you to meet new people and exchange ideas.
Timon: I was interested in experiencing an international project in Poland and learning more about the local landscape and history.
Were your expectations met?
Timon: Yes, my expectations were exceeded. What surprised me most was how varied the programme was, combining excursions, group work, and intercultural exchange.
Jasmin: I had expected a stronger focus on landscape architecture. Nevertheless, I found the summer school highly engaging and rewarding because it gave me insights into a completely different field.
How did the Summer School differ from studying at FHNW?
Timon: It was less theoretical and much more practical. We had a lot of freedom to work independently and contribute our own ideas.
Olivia: It was very enriching that students from landscape architecture, architecture, visual arts, and geomatics participated together.
Vincent: The photography course was particularly interesting because we learned about image composition, perspective, and how to stage a subject. My favourite activity, however, was the printing workshop, where we were able to develop everything ourselves, from the initial idea to the finished stamp.
Jasmin: As I have not attended a summer school at FHNW before, it is difficult for me to make a direct comparison. However, the teaching felt somewhat more relaxed than everyday university life. The campus atmosphere was also very different. The university is spread across several buildings, creating a completely different impression from FHNW's Muttenz campus.
Which experiences will stay with you most?
Edda: The region is full of forests and lakes where you can discover all kinds of wildlife.
Olivia: The daily walk through the campus forest park was beautiful. Almost every day there was something new to see, from frogs to a fox crossing the path.
Olivia: The kayaking trip on the Łyna River, partly in the rain, was great fun.
Jasmin: What I will probably remember most are the people and the conversations about our countries, degree programmes, cultures, and much more. I will also remember the traditional red brick architecture, which is truly beautiful. And, of course, the kayaking trip through Olsztyn. It was so green that at times it felt as if we were paddling through a jungle.
Vincent: On the first evening, we went to the lake together, enjoyed the sunset, and got to know each other better. The closing event, featuring an exhibition of our work, a large buffet, and a shared evening in town, was also a very special experience.
How did you experience the international group?
Timon: The group was very open and welcoming. Our shared interest in the topic was clearly at the centre of everything.
Olivia: There was a strong sense of curiosity. Everyone wanted to learn about each other’s cultural backgrounds while working together on the project.
Jasmin: The organisers made sure that nationalities were mixed within the groups, which I thought worked very well.
Vincent: Most participants came from Latvia and Poland. Everyone was friendly and open. Even though we had only known each other for a few days, we became an incredibly harmonious group. Different cultures and perspectives were exchanged with curiosity and respect, which positively surprised me.
Edda: At first, smaller groups formed naturally, but these dissolved over the week through shared leisure activities.
What did you enjoy most?
Edda: The hospitality of the partner university and the kayaking trip.
Olivia: The exchange with other students and the very green, park-like campus.
Timon: The excursions and group work, because they allowed us to learn directly on site.
Jasmin: Honestly, everything. The summer school was a fantastic experience that I would recommend without hesitation. Even though the topic did not fully match my original expectations, I gained many new perspectives and insights. It is always enriching to broaden your horizons and engage with new topics.
