Erasmus+ Staff Mobility at Zessko – Reflections from an EDUC Colleague

Going on Erasmus is always a treat for me; it breaks the routine of the semester with its numerous tasks and obligations, allows me to travel, see new places and meet new people, get inspired, and above all, it offers a fresh perspective of my own job. The five days I spent at Potsdam University, teaching and observing English classes run by Zessko, proved my point beyond a doubt.

I visited the Am Neuen Palais and Griebnitzsee campuses, met students of different study programs, and was well looked after by friendly and helpful colleagues, who showed me around and shared their classes with me. We discussed the content of our courses, their requirements and outcomes, and also tried to brainstorm possibilities for a future project (perhaps within EDUC) for our respective students.

My short stay at the University of Potsdam has once again reminded me that although there are differences (well, how many universities are located at a UNESCO World Heritage site?), the things that really matter remain the same: the creative atmosphere of a place, students who are inquisitive and want to learn, and teachers who wish to share their knowledge and pass it on. Together we form a close-knit community, whether we are in Potsdam or Brno, but sometimes it’s good to look at it as an outsider to be able to fully appreciate it.

Contact: Irena Headlandová Kalischová, Ph.D., Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Published on June 26, 2025