From 8 to 12 December 2025, 25 students and academic staff members from Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) participated in the ERUA (European Reform University Alliance) travelling seminar “Strengthening Understanding through the Observation of Cultural Diversity,” hosted by European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. This academic visit became a significant example of international cooperation, intercultural learning, and the experience of European values, culminating in the ceremonial celebration of ERUA Day on 12 December.
The seminar was led by MRU Assoc. Prof. Miglė Černikovaitė and Prof. Dr. Giedrė Valūnaitė-Oleškevičienė, who, together with students, explored the topic “Intercultural Communication and Entrepreneurial Mindset.” The programme focused not only on theoretical knowledge but also on the practical observation of cultural diversity in real-life environments – at the university, in the city, in public spaces, and within international institutions.
Academic Foundations and Intercultural Dialogue
The travelling seminar began with an official meeting at European University Viadrina, during which the objectives, tasks, and working methods of the seminar were presented. Students were introduced to the main assignment of the visit: working in small international teams to identify real-life issues arising in contexts of cultural diversity, observe them, analyse them, and reflect on them using theories of intercultural communication.
On the second day of the seminar, an “Ask Me Anything” session was held with Ulrike Kaefer, a business creator from Viadrina University. This meeting provided students with first-hand insights into entrepreneurial experiences in a multicultural environment in Frankfurt, the challenges faced by international teams, and the impact of cultural differences on communication and decision-making. This experience strengthened students’ understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset in a global context.
The City as a Learning Space
A key part of the seminar was an exploration of the city of Frankfurt (Oder) together with a guide from European University Viadrina. The city, located on the border between Germany (Frankfurt (Oder)) and Poland (Słubice), served as a living example of how historical, cultural, and social experiences intertwine in everyday life, and how a border-city context shapes interpersonal relationships and initiatives. Students observed public spaces, compared communication styles, behavioural norms, and cultural symbols on both sides of the border, which were later analysed in team-based assignments.
On the third day of the seminar, the programme moved to Berlin. A visit to FUTURIUM – the Museum of the Future encouraged discussions on the interaction between society, technology, and culture, as well as future scenarios in a globalised world. Later, students visited the Reichstag Dome Museum, where they became acquainted with the history of German parliamentarism, the principles of democracy, and architectural solutions symbolising transparency and openness.
European Dimension and the Celebration of ERUA Day
On the fourth day of the seminar, students visited the European Parliament in Berlin. This visit strengthened their understanding of European identity and provided deeper insight into the functioning of European Union institutions, decision-making processes, and the importance of intercultural dialogue in the European political context.
On the same day, ERUA Day events were held at European University Viadrina and were organised by the students themselves. This was a special opportunity to celebrate the sense of community, diversity, and shared values of the ERUA alliance. The programme included creative workshops, discussions, and cultural activities that further strengthened inter-university connections. The celebration of ERUA Day on 12 December became a symbolic highlight of the seminar, emphasising the shared European academic space.
Student Work, Reflections, and Outcomes
On the final day of the seminar, students presented their group projects – short presentations focusing on selected cultural diversity issues, real-life examples based on observation, applied intercultural theories, impacts on individuals or groups, and existing approaches to addressing these challenges. Special attention was given to reflection on team diversity and collaboration.
MRU students analysed topics such as different communication styles, variations in perceptions of time, stereotypes, challenges of international student integration, and cultural misunderstandings in public spaces. These projects demonstrated a high level of critical thinking, practical application of theory, and intercultural sensitivity.
Long-Term Value
The ERUA travelling seminar at European University Viadrina provided MRU students not only with academic knowledge but also with a unique experience fostering openness, empathy, and the ability to operate in a multicultural environment. Such initiatives strengthen the goals of the ERUA alliance by contributing to the development of a shared European university space based on cooperation, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.
Mykolas Romeris University takes pride in its active participation in ERUA activities and will continue to support international initiatives that contribute to the development of students’ competencies and the strengthening of the European academic community.