Wu Ji, Xie Fuman

ximhan@126.com

A VARIETY of events were held last week for SZTU International Week, with both teachers and students learning about culture and life in Germany and the teaching style employed at German applied sciences universities.

During the week, scholars and professors, including presidents from globally renowned applied sciences universities in Germany and Switzerland, gave 31 lectures and attended a forum to share the latest developments in the applied sciences.

A total of 30 international students also joined locals to exchange ideas on class teamwork, learn about German culture and celebrate life moments by organizing and attending activities such as a High Table Dinner, a time-honored tradition at some prestigious German universities, and A Night of Bavarian Culture.

With a history of no more than three years, SZTU has established partnerships with 33 overseas applied sciences universities. As president of SZTU Ruan Shuangchen put it, SZTU is a new-generation university in China, which was born to be international and innovative. The university is determined to develop a world-class, innovation-based and open university of applied sciences with a global outlook.

Operating an applied sciences university is quite different from the more traditional research university. There are not many examples to learn from domestically. Learning from Germany, a country which is known for manufacturing and applied sciences universities, is the best choice. Among the country’s 300 universities, 225 are in the applied sciences, training two-thirds of their engineers and providing high-quality technicians. The universities cover many fields, such as engineering, business management, computer technology and life science.

“Many of the German teachers come from enterprises or have accumulated experience at enterprises. Ninety percent of their students can operate an independent project upon graduation. That is a great achievement,” said Ruan.

After a lecture on interactive design by a professor from OTH Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Diao Jianci, a student from the Big Data and Internet College, was excited to use teaching methods like brainstorming, teamwork and full-participation, which motivated and activated the entire class from beginning to end. Another student, Huang Lina, thought the international curriculum was an enjoyable experience. The style of the Strategic Management course is free and the examples are close to life.