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The use of artificial intelligence in various types of enterprises, in manufacturing, and in logistics formed one of the central themes of the 29th edition of the joint course organized by the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year’s program focused primarily on the impact of modern technologies. The April visit to the United States enabled students from Pilsen to gain insight into American business practice and the university environment, following on from the March program attended by American students in Czechia.

The Czech-American teams continued their joint project work, attended classes at Marquette University, and compared differences between Czech and American approaches to university education. „Comparing teaching at our faculty with teaching at Marquette University has been an interesting experience for us and may contribute to broadening our perspective on university education,” said student Tereza.

Company visits represented another major component of the program. At the Krones branch in Franklin, participants learned about the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and logistics. At Harley-Davidson, they gained insight into a fully automated facility focused on engine production. Further inspiration came from a visit to Pilot Project Brewing, a brewing incubator that helps smaller producers of beer and other beverages bring their products to market.

The course concluded with presentations of the joint Czech-American projects. Teams composed of students from the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia and Marquette University focused mainly on the application of artificial intelligence in different types of enterprises. One of the topics also included a practical guide for American citizens applying for a long-term visa in the Czech Republic. The teams will continue developing the project outputs in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago, including preparing an informational video for prospective applicants from the United States, particularly students.

The visit to the Czech Consulate in Chicago was also among the notable moments of the April program. The students met with Consul General Jakub Utěšený and with Jan Váně, UWB Vice-Rector, who was in the United States at the same time for negotiations on cooperation with other American universities. „I appreciate that you found the courage to participate in an international course and to gain experience beyond conventional study abroad stays in university classrooms,” Vice-Rector Váně said, acknowledging the involvement of the Czech students.

The joint semester-long course organized by the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia and Marquette University will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in 2027. The organizers intend to reflect this important milestone in the program of the next course. The faculty also plans to involve alums and former course coordinators in the celebrations. „We value the fact that the Faculty of Economics has been able to maintain this long-standing tradition. We hope that this achievement will be appropriately celebrated next year,” said Jiří Preis, one of the former course coordinators. He will oversee the events marking the thirtieth anniversary. Preparations have already begun this year, with the first meeting planned for mid-November 2026 as part of the Business Trends conference.