On the 8^th of November 2023, in the hall of the first floor of the L building of the University of Bielsko-Biala, the first meeting of the “Meet my culture” series took its place. The series is intended for bring the members of the UBB academic community to more knowledge and understanding about different contemporary cultures – in particular those, which are represented among this community. The first one was the Polish culture, with special emphasis on its local aspects present in the culture of the region of Bielsko-Biała.

After the official opening by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, dr hab. Tomasz Knefel, prof. UBB, the floor was given to dr Dagmara Mika, the Head of the International Relations Office, who presented the project “Internationalisation begins at home”, within the framework of which the “Meet my culture” series happens. Then, mgr inż. Bartosz Dębowski presented the most characteristic elements of the Polish culture from a thematic and historical perspective, including also the most prominent representatives of this culture. After that, Mr. Stanisław Olearczyk, a student of the UBB, showed the presentation about the stereotypes concerning the Poles and the Polish culture, discussing the chosen examples in details. Next point of the programme was a show of the regional culture. Ms. Małgorzata Rojczyk, a student of the UBB, active also in Regional Ensemble Magurzanie from Łodygowice, and her partner from that ensemble, Mr. Wojciech Skoczeń have presented the shepherds’ and festive outfits of the Żywiec Highlanders, as well as three regional dances: Obyrtka, Polka and Hajduk. The last presentation was given by dr Małgorzata Jopek-Bizoń, who talked about the region of Podbeskidzie as a cultural space. The meeting was concluded by a degustation of the regional snacks: cheese, bread, pickled cucmbers and lard.

We hope that the participation of the non-Polish member of our academic community in the event and their meeting with the living culture will significantly enrich their experience of Poland.