Premiere for the traditional study trip to Amiens in northern France: for the first time, six Bachelor's students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts took the opportunity to take part in an exciting block week in Dortmund's twin city alongside eight Bachelor's students from the Faculty of Business Studies.
The excursion from May 3 to 8, 2026 was once again all about intercultural exchange, discoveries and getting to know each other as part of the strategic partnership between Fachhochschule Dortmund and the Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT) at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV).
The program included a visit to the "Laboratoire de Réactivité et de Chimie des Solides" (LRCS). This is part of the network for electrochemical energy storage. Research is being carried out there on new-generation batteries. Other visits included the Musée de Picardie and the cathedral. The Dortmund guests were welcomed at the town hall by Thomas Lhermitte, Vice-Président of the Métropole Amiens.
Subject-specific workshops
The participation of the jury in a "Technology Olympics" for school pupils provided interesting variety during the block week, as well as subject-specific workshops on the carbon footprint and the gender pay gap and an entrepreneurship escape game especially for the economists.
The student UAS group was accompanied by lecturers Prof. Dr. Vincent Marciniak (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. Dr. Claus Vormann (Faculty of Business Studies). Also present was Prof. Dr. Theresa Kotulla from the Faculty of Architecture, who was able to make initial contacts for future collaborations.
Thanks for excellent organization
"The week showed how important European university cooperation is for learning together, exchanging perspectives and creating sustainable connections," Claus Vormann sums up. And Vincent Marciniak adds: "A big thank you goes to our French partners for the warm welcome and the excellent organization."
The excursion, which resulted in certificates of participation for all 14 students, including accommodation and meals, was made financially possible by Fachhochschule Dortmund, the City of Dortmund and the Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW).
The next return visit by the French side to Dortmund is planned for November 2026.