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International diversity and emotional connection
Last Friday, 46 graduates of the HSZG 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) from 16 countries received their degree certificates and are now ready to begin their studies in Germany.
A lively, joyful atmosphere fills the Citizens’ Hall of Zittau City Hall. Forty-six young people from 16 different countries have dressed up and are eagerly awaiting a special moment with great pride: the graduation ceremony for the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Although the Citizens’ Hall has already been the setting for many festive events, there is something very special in the air today. The emotional atmosphere reflects the cultural diversity of the students. This lived internationalism in our tri-border region gets under your skin and touches your heart. It quickly becomes clear: Preparing these highly motivated young people from all over the world for university studies in Germany can be a solution to the shortage of skilled workers! Some of the students have a refugee background. Through the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college), the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences offers people who have had to leave their home regions a real prospect for the future.
The graduates who are now receiving their degree certificates come from Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Vietnam, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. They aspire to complete a degree in Germany and will begin a Bachelor’s or master’s program at a German university in the coming semester. Many of them plan to study in Zittau or Görlitz and pursue interesting fields such as computer science, molecular biotechnology, or energy and environmental engineering.
The Rector of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch, expressed his delight at the students’ decisions and said:
"It fills me with great joy when graduates choose to continue their studies at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Our university offers them an inspiring environment and an outstanding academic education. I wish them every success in their future endeavors and am confident that they will never forget their roots in Zittau."
”He adds: “At the same time, I’d like to wish all the good luck to those who decide to study in another German city. They’ll take the knowledge they’ve gained with them as a valuable treasure. I am firmly convinced that their time here in Zittau has shaped them and that they will carry a piece of our Lausitz homeland with them. Our doors are always open to them, and we hope that they will use their experiences to make the world a better place . We are proud to have been a part of their educational journey.”
After the welcoming remarks, musical performances, and the tribute to Dr. Stefan Kühne, the long-time director of the 'Studienkolleg'(preparatory college ), the emotional atmosphere reached its peak as the moment for the diploma ceremony arrived. The 'Studienkolleg's faculty addressed their students in their native languages. The moved expressions on the faces of the students from each nationality addressed: priceless! By now, at the very latest, it becomes clear: Here, they were not only taught, but also guided, supported, motivated, and cheered on. The students and the college staff are one big family! The young people’s gratitude is palpable during the subsequent presentation of degree certificates. There are many hugs and grateful glances.
As the Bürgersaal empties out again and the graduates set off for lunch with the chair of the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University Association, the good sense of fulfillment that comes with working at educational institutions lingers: We’re doing something meaningful here, and we’re obviously doing it well! Thank you to everyone who makes this possible—especially the staff of the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) under the leadership of Ellen Leuschner and the division of Student Services & International Affairs under the leadership of Dr. Stefan Kühne.
The 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1991 and is an institution that prepares international prospective students from diverse national backgrounds, with varying religious and political beliefs, and different educational backgrounds to pursue a degree at the Zittau/Görlitz or other universities in Saxony. Since its founding, approximately 1,500 students have successfully completed the preparatory courses. The HSZG 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) offers three courses: the TI specialization course prepares students for technical and engineering degree programmes, the WW specialization course prepares students for business and economics degree programmes, and the DSH course prepares international applicants for the German Language Examination for University Admission (DSH).
How a young Ukrainian woman starts her academic career in Zittau (Sächsische Zeitung, 8.7.2023)
Celebratory mood in Zittau: Stepping stone to German university studies mastered (MDR Sachsen, 8.7.2023)
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