Coffee with Gustav

From 26 to 30 April 2026, students from vocational schools in Mosina, Poland, and Springe, Germany, came together for a five-day exchange project. The aim of the project was to combine intercultural exchange with creative activities and practical vocational experience. Participants were encouraged to discover new perspectives, work creatively together, and connect across language barriers.

The programme centred on three workshops exploring the themes of coffee, hospitality, and art. In the barista workshop, participants gained their first experience using an espresso machine, learned the fundamentals of coffee preparation, and explored topics such as Fairtrade coffee and latte art. Informal “coffee conversations” created opportunities for meaningful encounters, dialogue, and shared learning.

In keeping with the project theme, the group visited the exhibition “Alles Zucker” (All About Sugar) at the German Museum of Technology in Berlin, where they explored topics including food, materials, and energy. This was followed by a visit to the East Side Gallery, where they also learned about the history of Germany’s division.

Another key element of the project was developed in cooperation with the Gustav Seitz Museum. Following a guided tour, the participants took part in creative workshops inspired by Gustav Seitz’s sculptures and drawings. The current exhibition, “Figuracja”, encouraged them to reflect on themes such as the human body, self-perception, expression, and identity.

During the theatre workshop, the young people created short scenes, movement sequences, and improvisations together. Exercises focusing on body awareness, posture, facial expressions, and gestures encouraged participants to explore self-expression and interpersonal communication. The emphasis on non-verbal communication made it easier for many participants to overcome language barriers and strengthened collaborative creative work.

In the creative drawing workshop, participants explored body language, perception, and identity through art while experimenting with a variety of drawing techniques.

Evening activities, including a film night, talent show, and campfire, further encouraged participants to get to know one another and continue their intercultural exchange in an informal setting.

Overall, the project demonstrated how creative and artistic learning, intercultural exchange, and vocational education can be successfully combined, highlighting the importance of shared experiences for intercultural understanding and personal development.

Vocational schools in Mosina (Poland) and Springe (Germany)