News
Celebrating 40 years of International Collaboration and Friendships
November 06, 2015
International relations major Nicolaus Solecki visited the Padnos International Center (PIC) two years ago with the thought of studying abroad for a semester. He had in mind going to London or maybe Oslo, Norway. With an open mind and after a few email exchanges, Solecki ended up spending a year in Krakow, Poland. When he graduates next year, Solecki will have a dual degree from Grand Valley and the Cracow University of Economics.
“I started thinking of a semester study abroad program but PIC emailed me about the opportunity to go to CUE,” said Solecki, a native of Flushing. “When I’m done I will come away with two degrees for the price of one.”
Solecki is participating in the Studies in Trans-Atlantic International Relations (STAIR) program, which was established in 2008 with funding from the U.S. Department of Education and the European Union. Although STAIR is no longer fully funded, it is one example of the many collaborative programs and exchanges between Grand Valley and Cracow University of Economics. The two institutions are celebrating a 40-year partnership this year; festivities began in Poland in May when President Thomas J. Haas received an honorary degree, and will end in December when CUE Rector Andrzej Chochol is honored at Grand Valley’s commencement.
CUE is Grand Valley’s oldest international partner. President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers signed the initial partner agreement with CUE officials in 1975.
Polly Diven, professor and director of the International Relations program, has visited CUE several times and presented lectures there. “It’s a beautiful, historic city,” Diven said. “The campus is easy to get around and the faculty are easy to get to know.”
CUE faculty members have visited Allendale, and Diven said that has added to the globalization of Grand Valley. “We have had many faculty members teach classes here, so even if students don’t travel, it makes for a more international classroom, hearing their ideas and learning about their backgrounds,” she said.
Solecki will return to CUE next year to defend his thesis on trans-Atlantic trade and investment partners. “Going abroad to study and learn shows that you are willing to work with other cultures, and you are going beyond your comfort zone,” he said.
Check out the full story with these two links:
https://www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine/international-education-fall-2015-356.htm
https://www.nxtbook.com/gvsu/GVmagazine/2015FallGVMagazine/#/34