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The impact of technology on companies and institutions - for example, a comparison of the breweries Pilsner Urquell and Miller Brewing Company and the use of AI technologies on production, efficiency, quality and sustainability, specific approaches to the management of logistics centres and supply chains in e-commerce using the example of Alza and Amazon, or the differences in the use of AI chatbots to support customer needs and their different needs in our country and overseas: these are some examples of topics addressed by students from the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FEK UWB) and the American College of Business Administration Marquette University, who concluded a joint semester course in Milwaukee with presentations of case studies focused on the use of artificial intelligence. The Czech students thus followed up on their American colleagues' March visit to UWB.

"The partnership with the University of West Bohemia has been a defining element of our program for almost three decades. The friendships and cross-cultural learning created through this program are truly exceptional," said the course coordinator Andrew Goldstein. This year's course coordinators Olga Sojková Martinčíková and Jan Tlučhoř added to their American colleague: "The students highlighted the differences in American education, cultural differences, and the friendly atmosphere of the campus. They agree that the week spent at the American university brought them new experiences and contacts and a broader perspective on education, teamwork, and international cooperation."

A rich academic and cultural program awaited the Czech students in the USA - participation in lectures and workshops, excursions to companies such as Harley-Davidson or Miller Brewing Company, as well as a visit to the American Family Field baseball stadium, where the local Brewers Major League Baseball (MLB) play.

There was also space to learn about everyday student life on the university campus, meet with the rector, or discuss with former US ambassador to the Czech Republic Rick Graber. He surprised the Czech group with his detailed knowledge of the Czech environment, which he continues to follow 15 years after returning from the Czech Republic to the USA. This was followed by a lecture by Michael Korpela, a participant in the first exchange in the 1996-97 academic year, who explained the functioning of logistics in American companies. The program also included visiting the Chicago consulate, where students and teachers discussed with Czech consul Jakub Utěšený the role of the diplomatic institution in building successful inter-university cooperation between the Czech Republic and the USA.

"I had a lot of great moments with American students - a great group and energy. Together, we presented projects focused on AI and technology, and we inspired each other," said Veronika, one of the course participants. Student Jakub added: "Everything seemed more relaxed, open and different than what we are used to in the Czech Republic. It was a new perspective on studying, collaborating or spending free time. It makes you realize how much the environment in which we live influences us."