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Valuable skills and cultural diversity
At the graduation ceremony for the graduates of the HSZG 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college), the outstanding achievements of the international students were recognized.
Ceremonial Presentation of Diplomas to the Graduates of the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college)
On Friday, February 7, 2025, the graduation ceremony for the graduates of the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for the 2024–2025 winter semester took place in the festive setting of the Bürgersaal at Zittau City Hall. The event honored the outstanding achievements of the international students who successfully passed their Qualification Examination (FSP) or the German Language Examination for University Admission (DSH).
A ceremony filled with recognition and music
Following opening remarks by the director of the 'Studienkolleg', Ellen Leuschner, the ceremony began with a musical performance on the piano by Mr. Andrri Hryb from Ukraine. In their remarks, City Councilmember Ute Wunderlich and the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Sophia Keil, emphasized the importance of international students to the university and the region. The musical performances by Ms. Palacz on the piano and Mr. E. Edwards Solano lent the ceremony a dignified atmosphere.
International students, scholars, and researchers are an invaluable asset to our university and our region. They bring new perspectives, valuable skills, and cultural diversity that enrich and strengthen our community.
”Degree Certificate Ceremony and Special Honors
A total of 20 graduates received their FSP degree certificates:
- 14 in the Technology track (TI course)
- 6 in the Business track (WW course)
In addition, 8 students were awarded a DSH degree certificate, including one graduate who achieved the highest level, DSH 3. The graduates come from 11 different countries, underscoring the diversity and international character of the 'Studienkolleg'.
Special recognition was given to the top graduates of each course, whose outstanding achievements were once again honored separately.
Successful Degree and Outlook
Most graduates completed their degree within the intended timeframe:
- 16 students completed the FSP in just two semesters.
- Six of the eight DSH graduates passed the exam after just one semester.
At the conclusion of the event, Ellen Leuschner offered an optimistic outlook on the future of the graduates and the continued development of the 'Studienkolleg'. The ceremony was rounded out with a celebratory address by Mario Linack. The chairman of the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences e. V. praised the work of the 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) as well as the great dedication of its staff and congratulated the students on their academic success.
The theme of our report card ceremony this semester is: “Success requires two things: clear goals and a burning desire to achieve them.” We hope that the students will look back fondly on their time at the 'Studienkolleg' in Zittau and on their teachers, and that they will continue to take this motto to heart in the future.
”Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences extends its warmest congratulations to all graduates on their successful attainment of their degrees and wishes them every success in their future academic and professional endeavors!
During the ceremonial presentation of certificates to this year’s preparatory college students, Jeremy Cope, an English teacher at the University Language Centre, took the opportunity to unveil the photo exhibition “Faces of Hope” for the first time. The exhibition features striking portraits of international students who came to Germany with high hopes to continue their education at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
A selection of the exhibition is now on view at Zittau City Hall, before the full exhibition will be on display at the Zittau University Library from March 12 through April 30, 2025. The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the diversity and international character of the university and to tell the stories of young people who are pursuing their academic paths in Germany with diligence and courage.
The portraits give the students a voice—their hopes for the future are as diverse as their countries of origin: ranging from personal happiness and professional success to peace and equal opportunities for all. The exhibition showcases not only faces but also the hopes that young people from all over the world bring with them to Zittau.
2nd upper floor