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International diversity and emotional connection
46 graduates of the HSZG's Studienkolleg from 16 countries received their certificates last Friday and can now begin their studies in Germany.
There is an exuberant, joyful atmosphere in the town hall of Zittau's town hall. 46 young people from 16 different countries have dressed up and are proudly looking forward to a special moment: the presentation of certificates from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Although the Bürgersaal has already hosted many ceremonial events, there is something very special in the air today. The emotional atmosphere reflects the diversity of the students' cultures. This lived internationality in our three-country region gets under your skin and touches your heart. It quickly becomes clear that preparing these highly motivated young people from all over the world to study in Germany can be an answer to the shortage of skilled workers! Some of the students have a refugee background. With the Studienkolleg, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences offers people who have had to leave their home region real prospects for the future.
The graduates who will now receive their certificates come from Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Vietnam, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, Iran and Turkey. They wish to complete their studies in Germany and will begin a Bachelor's or Master's degree course at a German university in the coming semester. Many of them plan to study in Zittau or Görlitz and choose interesting subjects such as computer science, molecular biotechnology or energy and environmental engineering.
The Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch, is pleased with the decisions made by the students and says:
"It fills me with great joy when graduates 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, the emotional atmosphere reached its peak as the moment to present the diplomas arrived. The Studienkolleg’s faculty addressed messages to 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, students were not only taught—they were guided, supported, motivated, and cheered on. The students and university staff are one big family! The young people’s gratitude is palpable during the subsequent presentation of diplomas. There are many hugs and grateful glances.
As the Bürgersaal empties out and the graduates head off to 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 clearly doing it well! Thank you to everyone who makes this possible—especially the staff of the Studienkolleg under the direction of Ellen Leuschner and the division for Academic Affairs and International Relations under the direction of Dr. Stefan Kühne.
The Studienkolleg of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1991 and is an institution that prepares foreign prospective students of different national origins, with different religious and political convictions as well as different educational backgrounds for studying at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences or other Saxon universities. Since its foundation, around 1500 students have successfully completed the preparatory courses. Three courses are offered at the HSZG Studienkolleg: the TI specialization course prepares students for technical and engineering degree courses, the WW specialization course prepares students for economics degree courses and the DSH course prepares foreign applicants for the German Language Test for University Entrance (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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