Studying abroad — in beautiful Poland

Arts student Renée Hartwig is taking advantage of UFV’s exchange agreement with the University of Arts Poznan (Uniwersytet Artystyczny w Poznaniu) to spend a semester abroad studying in Poland. Here she is in Poznan (at the old market). Instructor Aleksandra Idzior and UFV International helped arrange a memorandum of understanding between our two universities that enabled the exchange.

Here’s a letter from Renée: “I chose to study abroad through UFV at the University of Arts in Poznan (UAP) Poland for the main reason of wanting to immerse myself in visual arts. I thought, where better to do so than in a place that has a deep respect and value of art woven into their culture and history? Poland is full of beautiful architecture, museums, and galleries that display a number of works both historic and contemporary. In fact, directly across the street from UAP is the National Museum. I’ll be taking five classes here that seem challenging but rewarding (screen printing, lino printing, offset, information design, and poster art).

From viewing student art work and talking to professors, I sense there are definitely great expectations of students to produce technically sound works that are backed with critical thinking and artistic depth and knowledge. The courses are set up so as to allow for freedom and more relaxed time to develop ideas and projects. Essentially, I expect that this opportunity will help me grow as an artist and return to UFV with a greater respect and understanding of European art, history, and Polish culture. Additionally, I hope to be a positive representative of UFV and share aspects of Canadian culture.”

Renée Hartwig