This past week, the Moscow students went to Poland for a unique learning experience. Along with Dickinsonians currently studying abroad in Germany and Italy, they participated in a program created by Edward Piszek, who played an integral role in establishing contemporary relations between the U.S. and Poland. The students visited several notable museums, including the European Solidarity Centre, which is dedicated to the history of the concept of solidarity (Solidarność) and the meaning of solidarity as a social phenomenon today. The Centre was recently awarded the Council of Europe Museum Prize for 2016.
In Warsaw, the students visited the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which relayed the history of Poland from the Jewish minority perspective. Later, in Krakow, they visited the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
During their visit the students attended lectures on Polish history, economics, and the role of the Roman Catholic Church in society. They spent their time outside of the classroom exploring the cities of Warsaw and Kraków, meeting Polish students, and enjoying Polish cuisine.
For Aubrey Cearley’17, Patrick Kennaly’17 and Genevieve Veres’17, this was a valuable opportunity to learn about Russian-Polish relations. The students also enjoyed being part of a collaborative cultural and learning experience with other Dickinsonians studying abroad.
