Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, UMCS

Talha Bin Shams: Tales from Bangladesh.
A digital exhibition of Talha's works.

Talha Bin Shams: Tales from Bangladesh An exhibition of art pieces by Talha Bin Shams, a student of the 2nd year of MA programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace at Mari...

We are deeply devastated and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our graduate, Talha Bin Shams from Bangladesh.

Talha was a valued member of the academic community at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, where he completed the programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace at the Institute of Cultural Studies. During his studies and after graduation, the Institute had the honour of organising several of his art exhibitions showcasing his artistic talent and profound cultural sensitivity.

Born in Sayedpur, Bangladesh, Talha graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at his home university, where he studied painting and graphics. He moved to Poland in 2019 to continue his education and artistic development. His creative work was deeply rooted in the rich folk traditions of Bangladesh, a multicultural country shaped by diverse religions, languages, and communities. Talha skillfully incorporated elements of these centuries-old traditions into his artistic expression.

Painting, drawing, and graphic arts were his greatest passions. He was particularly fascinated by folk art and modern cultural forms, often blending them in unique and meaningful ways. His work was inspired by renowned Bengali folk artists as well as by the everyday lives of Bangladeshi village women - their strength, simplicity, and daily rhythms were a constant source of inspiration. Beyond his personal artistic practice, Talha contributed to communities by creating wall paintings in schools, cultural centers, and private spaces. He also specialised in designing traditional Bengali garments such as sarees, kurtis, and salwar kameez, indicating his dedication to preserving and celebrating his cultural heritage.

Talha was not only a remarkable artist but also a kind, warm, and generous person who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his life and work.

Open Doors Day took place at Maria Curie‑Skłodowska University in Lublin, providing prospective students with an opportunity to explore the university’s academic offer. During the event, the English-language MA programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, run by the Institute of Cultural Studies at The Faculty of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, was presented at several levels.

Throughout the day, students of the programme represented it at the official Institute stand, where they answered questions from prospective candidates and shared insights into studying in a multicultural academic environment.

In addition to the information stand, two special events were organised with future candidates in mind. The first was a lively dance workshop led by second-year students: Melkizedeck Saera from Tanzania, Zeynep Özdemir from Turkey, and Maina Badin Bortoluzzi from Brazil. During the workshop, high school students had the opportunity to learn basic steps of African, Turkish, and Brazilian dances.

The second event was a lecture/workshop titled “Cultures in Action: From Azerbaijan to Chinese New Year.” It was conducted by first-year students Maryam Abdulova from Azerbaijan, Myat Noe Nyinyi and Zun Maung Maung Lwin from Myanmar. The presenters introduced participants to elements of their countries’ cultures and traditions. As part of the interactive workshop, participants learned how to prepare a paper lantern traditionally associated with celebrations of the Chinese New Year.

A huge thank you goes to everyone involved in organising and participating in the events for making the day truly enjoyable!

On 16 December, the Institute of Cultural Studies hosted its annual intercultural Christmas Party. The event was organised by students of the Studenckie Koło Naukowe Kultury i Sztuki (Students’ Club of Culture and Arts), operating within the Faculty Languages, Literatures and Cultures (Wydział Filologiczny), in cooperation with students from the English-language programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, under the supervision of dr Magdalena Grabias.

The programme featured traditional Polish Christmas cuisine, multilingual carol singing, as well as Brazilian, Turkish, and African dance workshops. Participants also took part in a Christmas sweater competition, and the event concluded with a gingerbread cookie decorating workshop.

Thank you to the organisers and everyone who joined us for this festive gathering! We had a blast! 😊

Students of the MA programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, Zeynep Özdemir from Turkey and Nicholas Wekesa from Kenya, together with the year turor, dr Magdalena Grabias, performed a traditional folk song in Polish at the Faculty of Languages, Literatures and Cultures' Christmas concert. A round oc applause to our talented students! :)

We have the great pleasure of inviting you to a meeting with Sean Rourke, an editor of Hollywood films. Sean Rourke will be the guest of Dr. Magdalena Grabias. The meeting will be held as part of the course “Cinema – history, techniques, evolution” taught in the third year of the BA programme "Digital Technologies in Cultural Animation". Our guest will talk about the secrets of working on Hollywood blockbusters. The meeting will be held in English on December 11 at 5:00 PM on Teams. Those interested in participating are invited to contact Dr. Grabias.

Sean Rourke has been working in the Hollywood film industry for almost 30 years. His credits include "Predator Badlands" (2025), "Avengers Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), "Godzilla vs Kong" (2021), "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019), "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales" (2017), and "Freddy vs Jason" (2003). Most of his career has been as an editor, starting in visual effects and then transitioning to previsualization editing. Most recently, he was on the writing team for the animated film: "Predator Killer of Killers" (2025). He loves vampires, pizza, iced tea, and sharing lunch with his dog, Kaylee.

The new academic year has begun! :) Great to meet all our new students and to see the 2nd year ones after the holiday! Enjoy your time at our University!

Your First Year at UMCS - A Practical Guide for First-Year Students.

Your First Year at UMCS - A Practical Guide for First-Year Students You're just beginning your academic journey at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin! To make this easier for you, we've prepared a guide for first-year students. Check it out!

Photo gallery from the Turkish Dance Workshop organised by our student, Zeynep Özdemir at ACKiM UMCS Chatka Żaka. We had a blast! :)

https://www.umcs.pl/pl/aktualnosci,9419,balfolk-tance-tureckie-w-chatce-zaka,167980.chtm -1

Congratulations to Melkizedeck Saera (Tanzania), the student of the 1st year of our MA programme Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, on his first excellent performance as a member of Zespół Tańca Ludowego UMCS w Lublinie im. Stanisława Leszczyńskiego. The New Year Concert took place on January 19 at Chatka Żaka in front of the full audience. We are so proud of you, Melick! :)

On Thursday, the students of Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace attended the UMCS Christmas meeting at Chatka Żaka, during which they had a chance to listen to Polish Christmas carols, taste traditional Polish food, learn about the local Christmas traditions and even meet the University authorities.