From August 18 to 22, 2025, the Goethe Centre at the University of South Bohemia hosted another edition of the SGUN Summer Academy 2025, a series of intensive educational seminars organized by the Association of Germanists and Teachers of German (SGUN). The event was aimed at German language teachers, German studies students, professionals, and others interested in modern language education from all over the Czech Republic.
The diverse program combined practical seminars, language refreshment with native speakers, inspirational workshops, and an excursion to Linz. In total, around forty participants engaged in topics such as the use of artificial intelligence and online tools in teaching German, motivating students for more effective German learning, and common mistakes in German and ways to avoid them. The entire week was imbued with creativity, sharing experiences, and professional growth.
The Wednesday program included a professional visit to the Directorate for Education for Upper Austria – Bildungsdirektion Oberösterreich in Linz. The goal was to establish contacts, exchange experiences, and explore cross-border cooperation opportunities in the field of language education and exchange programs for students of our schools. Participants were welcomed by representatives of Austrian educational institutions, school inspectorates, the city magistrate, and regional and European cross-border programs. Discussions focused on cooperation opportunities for the upcoming project of the Goethe Centre USB, which connects education with the cultural dimension of regions, also considering the title of European Capital of Culture 2028, which the city of České Budějovice will hold.
The cultural-educational part of the program continued in the center of Linz. Participants visited the Adalbert-Stifter-Haus, a literary monument dedicated to the renowned Austrian writer, educator, and philosopher. This was followed by a tasting of the traditional Linzer specialty Linzer Torte at the renowned Jindrak confectionery, which offered not only a gustatory experience but also insight into local tradition. The day concluded with a thematic city tour with a professional Linz guide. She led participants through the history of Linz, emphasizing women's personalities and their influence in culture, technology, and science. This unique tour offered an inspiring view of the city as a space for innovation, education, and equal opportunities, while also fitting into the Goethe Centre USB's autumn program, which is being prepared for the first half of the 2025/2026 school year in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut and the Berlin Foundation Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur, focusing on the reflection of women's stories in history, education, and cultural dialogue.
The SGUN Summer Academy 2025 supported not only the professional development of teachers but also the cross-border dialogue between educational institutions and contributed to strengthening cooperation in the region.
