On July 15, 2026, we were pleased to welcome 43 students from the Rahn Education Leipzig Preparatory School to our university.

They have just completed their first semester of specialized courses in TI (Technology/Engineering) and WW (Economics). After the summer break, they will resume their classes to receive their language certificate in February, which will qualify them to study in Germany. The international guests traveled from Leipzig to get to know the university and the region.

The visit was officially opened by the president of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Alexander Kratzsch. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized the great importance of internationality and intercultural exchange for our university. “About 28 percent of our students come from abroad and represent more than 50 different nations.” This diversity shapes our campus community and fosters valuable encounters across cultural boundaries.

The program began with a presentation on Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The preparatory program students received comprehensive information about studying there, including insights into the diverse academic and recreational offerings, available support services, and important steps for a successful start to their studies.

The KIA (sandwich-style) degree course —the dual or cooperative degree program at HSZG—generated particular interest. This program was presented in detail and supplemented by personal testimonials and insights into the daily academic life of our KIA students from South Africa.

After the informational session, the students had the opportunity to learn more about the university’s faculties and gain initial insights into the various fields of study. In the process, they discovered the diverse range of programs offered by the faculties of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration and Engineering Management.

Among other things, they designed their own dream house using CAD, gained fascinating insights into how a gearbox works, and gained their first experience programming microcontrollers with Arduino. In addition, they explored electrical circuits, learned about series and parallel circuits, calculated electrical resistances, and gained insights into modern applications in the fields of measurement technology, sensor technology, and actuator technology—such as the positioning of vehicle lighting.

Another highlight of the visit was exploring the Zittau campus. Our guests toured the high-voltage hall and discovered new projects such as the wind-PV tree and the Green Classroom.

The various hands-on activities, in which the preparatory college students could get involved themselves, were also a special experience. These included creative workshops in the Makerspace, jewelry soldering, trying out VR headsets in the Cave Lab, and exciting insights into the AirLab with 3D printing, laser cutting, and a robotic arm.

These hands-on activities gave guests an authentic impression that studying at HSZG isn’t just about theoretical learning, but offers a wide range of opportunities to further develop their own skills, gain practical experience, and experience the hands-on and innovative learning atmosphere firsthand.

After a long and eventful day, the group barbecue provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, catch up, and share all the new experiences with one another. Over delicious food and refreshing drinks, the guests wrapped up the day in a relaxed atmosphere and had a chance to reflect on the day’s encounters.

It was a pleasure to welcome so many open-minded young people with diverse perspectives to Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. We wish all our preparatory program students a successful second semester and the best of luck on their FSP exams!