The HSZG in Ulaanbaatar - promoting international cooperation and academic exchange at the Saxon Education and Science Days
The Saxon Education and Science Days in Ulaanbaatar, an initiative to strengthen higher education cooperation and the development of skilled workers between Saxony and Mongolia, took place from November 6 to 11, 2023. This event, organized by the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism in cooperation with the Saxon Rectors' Conference and the Mongolian Ministry of Education, offered an ideal platform for intensive knowledge exchange, discussions on joint educational topics and cooperation.
A delegation from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, consisting of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen I. Schoenherr, President of ZIRKON, Dr. rer. nat. Matthias Kinne, Cluster Manager of LaNDER³, and Susanne Fentzel, staff member in the Rectorate Office for University Development and Communication, took part in these important days.
The trip offered Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences numerous opportunities to establish new collaborations. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed with the
In addition, a further MoU has been prepared with the Mongolian National University (MNU). Furthermore, the extent to which a MoU can also be concluded with the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) is currently being examined. These agreements offer extensive opportunities for future student, lecturer and knowledge exchange as well as for research cooperation.
A workshop at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) brought together representatives from German and Mongolian universities. Prof. Dr. Schoenherr presented the HSZG as an attractive educational institution for international students, while Dr. Kinne presented the innovative Natural "Fiber Reinforced Plastics Research Project", underlining the innovative research ambitions of the HSZG. These presentations led to exciting discussions and further potential cooperation offers.
The education fair, opened by Mr. Tamir Kh., Head of the Department of Administration and Regulation of Higher Education and Vocational Education Policy of the Mongolian Ministry of Education, and the Saxon Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow (both digital), was an important meeting point for German and Mongolian educational institutions. Over 400 pupils, high school graduates and students were advised, many in German, which clearly underlines the great importance of the German language in Mongolian education. Where necessary, advice was given in English or translators were called in.
The young people were particularly interested in STEM subjects, and it became clear time and again that environmental protection plays a major role. For example, the subjects of ecology and environmental protection, mechatronics, green engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science at the HSZG were central topics in the consultations. The civil engineering course, which is expected to be offered as a dual course at the HSZG again in the future, was also in great demand.
The HSZG's dual study program (KIA) attracted particular attention. This program offers students the opportunity to work during their studies and gain practical experience at the same time. This option was very popular with prospective Mongolian students. Models of this kind are not yet known in Mongolia and were therefore perceived as particularly exciting, both in terms of the possibility of financing studies and the direct work experience.
The events were culturally framed by the Brass Quartet from the Dresden University of Music and by Mongolian musicians from the University of Music in Ulaanbaatar, who performed the famous throat singing. This impressive musical performance not only offered the audience an unforgettable experience, but also promoted mutual understanding and appreciation of the different cultural backgrounds.
The HSZG's participation in the Saxon Education/Science Days in Ulaanbaatar represented a significant step towards strengthening international relations and promoting academic cooperation. The event provided a fruitful platform for exchanges and laid the foundations for future cooperative projects that will be of great benefit to both the university and its partners in Mongolia.
