One University – Three Cities
My Erasmus+ teaching assignment in Brittany took place primarily at two of the three campuses of the Université Bretagne Sud (UBS), in Lorient and Vannes.
My time there coincided with “International Week,” which took place from March 9 to 13, 2026. During this International Week, colleagues from various European countries were on site. This provided many opportunities—including during the numerous (including cultural) activities—to initiate and facilitate exchange processes.
In addition to my own lectures and courses, which were primarily integrated into the Spanish Studies program at UBS, I also had the opportunity to attend panel discussions and lectures by other scholars.
I was particularly impressed by the many opportunities to connect with other European colleagues; but also by the chance to learn new things about, among other topics, the (conflict-ridden) history of Franco-German relations, since monumental submarine facilities were built by the German occupiers in Lorient during World War II, which can still be seen today. Another special highlight was the bouldering wall, which is available to students and staff and was used as a warm-up on the first day to help everyone get to know each other.