From 23 September to 28 September 2024, Natolin students of the Jacques Delors Promotion embark upon their first semester study trips under the overarching theme "Borderlands". This year, students set off to three destinations and explore the following topics:
- "Galicia – a laboratory of myths"
- "The many Silesias – identities, memories, transitions"
- "Podlasie-Suwalszczyzna, the Belarusian-Lithuanian-Polish borderlands – coexistence in a multicultural mosaic"
The study trips are an integral part of the academic programme of the Department of European Interdisciplinary Studies. To learn more about the different destinations and topics of the previous study trips organized for Natolin students, click here.
Regular updates on the study trips will be published on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram pages and our Youtube page – look for #natolinontour, #borderlands and #NatolinOnVlog.
Study trips are a dynamic and integral component of the Natolin learning experience, offering students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in the living history of Europe’s borderlands. The concept of Borderlands transcends mere geography, delving into the cultural, political, and historical intersections that shape the identities of people and nations.
By observing and analyzing the complexities of these border regions, Natolin students will gain insights into the processes of cooperation and conflict between peoples and groups, particularly in the contexts of globalization and European integration. Borders, whether physical or social, inherently create divisions, yet rarely do they represent clear, definitive boundaries between one category and another. Instead, borderlands reflect a fluid interplay between cultures and ideas, challenging assumptions and perspectives often shaped from the vantage point of the center.
The phenomenon of "borderlands" is a universal one, with examples found all over the world. Their past, present, and future hold global significance, with diplomatic and military battles often waged over these contested spaces. Here in Poland, at the heart of Europe, we have the unique opportunity to explore three distinct manifestations of this phenomenon as part of the Natolin First Semester Study Trips. From the rich cultural mosaic of Podlasie, where Tatars, Poles, Lithuanians, and Jews have coexisted for centuries, to Silesia, a region that has experienced profound transitions from empire to modernity, and finally to Galicia, a land woven with myth and memory—these trips offer a deep exploration of European history’s complexity.
Throughout these journeys, students will engage with historians, local leaders, and community members in thought-provoking discussions on topics ranging from national identity to the green transition. These trips are not just about witnessing history; they are about experiencing it firsthand and gaining fresh perspectives on Europe’s evolving narrative.
Stay tuned for extensive media coverage, brought to you by both our team and our incredible students. Through our social media channels, we aim to bring you along on the Natolin Study Trips. An exciting learning adventure lies ahead!