Students from Pilsen and Salzburg Connected Literature, Film, and Language in a Golem Workshop

Students and teachers from the University of West Bohemia and the University of Salzburg spent three days in Pilsen exploring the Golem theme in Jewish tradition, Prague German literature, and film. The event also featured a visit from the Austrian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Bettina Kirnbauer

From 8 to 10 October, the Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FPE UWB) hosted the Czech-German workshop The Golem Myth, which brought together students and teachers from the University of Salzburg. On this occasion, Austrian Ambassador Bettina Kirnbauer visited UWB, where she met with Rector Miroslav Lávička and Dean of the Faculty of Education Pavel Mentlík. “As a faculty located in a region neighboring German-speaking countries, we consider building these connections essential. They allow us to develop teacher training in the German language, open new opportunities for our students, and strengthen their international experience,” said Pavel Mentlík.

According to him, personal meetings and joint projects demonstrate that internationalization has a tangible impact. “It’s not an empty phrase, but a real experience that moves both our students and academics forward. It’s also a chance to show that the university in Pilsen is a natural partner within the European area,” he added.

The Golem Myth workshop brought together German studies students from Pilsen and Salzburg. Over three days, they discussed the myth rooted in Jewish tradition, Prague’s German-language literature, and film. The program also included a public lecture by Professor Eidher from the University of Salzburg titled The Golem and Jewish Tradition, which was interpreted into Czech.

“The aim of the meeting was to connect students from two cultural environments with shared historical roots and to discuss a theme that has shaped Central European culture,” said event organizer Dana Pfeiferová from the Department of German Language at the Faculty of Education, UWB. According to her, students not only gained new insights but also established contacts that they can later use when applying for scholarships to work on their theses in Austria.

UWB currently cooperates with 14 Austrian partner institutions, and in the past five years alone, hundreds of student and academic mobilities have taken place. Alongside the Faculty of Education, other faculties are also involved in joint projects, including collaborations with the University of Vienna and the Kirchliche Pädagogische Hochschule Wien/Krems.

The event, focused on connecting literature, film, and cultural history, was supported by the AKTION Czech Republic – Austria program.