
10 June 2024
"Something you will remember for the rest of your life"
Applications are now open for the STINT Teaching Sabbatical, an opportunity for teachers who are passionate about education and want to develop their teaching role by spending time abroad. Meet Andrzej Cwirzen, who spent the fall of 2023 in Ohio and encourages others to take the chance.
Hello Andrzej, tell me about what you're doing at Luleå University of technology!
"I am a professor in structural engineering and head of the building materials research subject."
How is it being a professor at Luleå university of Technology and working in Sweden?
"Sweden without a doubt is one of the best (if not the best) countries in the world. It is very safe, people are very open, friendly, and supportive. It is very easy to make really good friends. I also love the Fika tradition and the famous life/work balance principle."
You took a technical sabbatical and went to Ohio, tell us about that!
"I spent 5 months as a visiting professor at Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio in the USA. I was teaching two courses one on advanced concrete technology and one on nanomaterials in concrete. I also attended regular meetings of various committees within the department."
What were your best experiences with taking such a sabbatical?
"The experience of living in a foreign country was very interesting. Especially since I could speak and understand the language without taking additional courses. Getting to know the American academic system and the positive attitude of students towards learning, were very motivating and refreshing from the teacher’s perspective."
Finally: what would you say to people thinking about this but not taking the final step to do so?
"I would say that not trying is a wasted opportunity to experience something one will remember until the end of his/her life or until dementia/Alzheimer’s takes over memories."
STINT Teaching Sabbatical
Deadline to apply: August 15, 2024. For more information on internal procedures, please speak to the education officer at your unit.
Read more here:STINT, The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher External link. Education
https://www.ltu.se/medarbetarwebben/utbilda/internationella-mojligheter External link, opens in new window.
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