From the school desk straight to university

22.12.2022 | DIT Public Relations

An early Christmas present awaited the pupils of the Gymnasium Pfarrkirchen (GymPan). They visited the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen on 20 December and were allowed to attend lectures in English, just like normal students.

The grammar school students of grades 11 and 12 were welcomed at ECRI by Prof. Dr. Michelle Cummings-Koether, who, together with GymPan teacher Kerstin Hofstett, guided them through the day. The students attended a total of four lectures from different subject areas. Each lecture lasted about 30 minutes and was rounded off with a discussion afterwards. The fact that these, like the lectures, were held in English was not a hurdle for the participating high school students, but a welcome change.

The main theme of the visit to the campus was interculturality. Therefore, this aspect was discussed in depth by all participants after the attended lectures. Particularly exciting was the question of how the various topics of the lectures can trigger intercultural interaction or even complications and how one can become aware of them. This was lively discussed by the high school students.

The cooperation between ECRI and GymPan, which allows high school students to attend lectures, was initiated by Prof. Dr. Cummings-Koehter and Kerstin Hofstett and will now be held every semester.

Bild (DIT / ECRI): The students during Prof. Dr. Michelle Cummings-Koether's lecture.