On 1st August 2018, for the 28th time, the summer school of Polish language, literature and culture was opened in Cieszyn. Organized by the School of Polish Language and Culture of the University of Silesia, the courses have been running continuously for almost 30 years, and every year there is an increasing number of people interested in learning Polish, the beauty of Polish culture, the richness of literature and the history of Polish country.
The official inauguration of the summer school started on 1st August at 12.30 at the Adam Mickiewicz Theatre in Cieszyn. The event was attended by Vice-Rector for Domestic and International Cooperation, Prof. UŚ Tomasz Pietrzykowski, representatives of the City of Cieszyn and the Silesian Voivodeship, representatives of cultural organizations, public benefit institutions and invited guests, as well as by representatives of two Chinese universities. The inaugural lecture was given by Prof. Andrzej Noras - Vice-Rector for Research of the University of Silesia.
This year's summer school is attended by almost 250 people from nearly 30 countries around the world. Among the participants are scholarship holders of Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, Senate of the Republic of Poland, and students of partner universities of the University of Silesia, including over 40 students from the Beijing University of Technology in Beijing and Southwest University in Chongqing.
Throughout the month of August summer school lets its participants to learn Polish language in classes that are focused primarily on communication skills’ training. The students also take part in lectures, seminars and seminars on history, literature, art, culture, social and economic changes in Poland and on the image of Poland on the international arena. The program also includes language games, poetry meetings, shows, concerts, Silesian feast, meetings with inspiring and interesting representatives of Polish culture.
On weekends, the students may take part in educational trips, which familiarize the students with the region and the specificity of life in Poland. This year’s trips concern the Silesian Beskids trail, visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, visit to the Wawel castle, as well as vocal and dance workshops at the headquarters of the "Śląsk" Song and Dance Ensemble in Koszęcin.
The flagship events accompanying the summer school are are, as always, the test of Polish and the Evening of Nations (both of which took place on August 15). Participants of the summer school, as well as guests from Polish and foreign research centers will face the text of the dictation prepared by Prof. Jolanta Tambor - director of the School of Polish Language and Culture of the University of Silesia, Dr. Marcin Maciołek from the Chair of International Polish Studies at the University of Silesia and Dr. Małgorzata Smereczniak from School of Polish Language and Culture. The winner will receive free participation in next year's summer school in Cieszyn, and all participants will receive books, dictionaries and teaching aids sponsored by leading Polish publishing houses.
During the Evening of Nations, students presented their countries during the gathering on the Cieszyn market. Among the presentations were performed songs, dances, linguistic workshops and tastings of local cuisines from around the world.
The summer school in Cieszyn - thanks to many years of efforts of its creators, lecturers, employees and cooperation of institutions from various sectors - has become one of the best courses for foreigners. It is made up of people who are committed, full of passion, and at the same time have many years of experience working with multinational and multilingual groups.