KIA Kicks Off the New Academic Year with Strong Demand
First-year students in the KIA program gathered at the KIA Shuttle launch event on the Zittauer Campus to make their first connections and start the new semester together; at the same time, demand for places at university through dual and cooperative programs at HSZG remains high.
The Cooperative Study Program with Integrated Training (KIA) combines a university degree program with on-the-job training or integrated practical study phases. This establishes a close connection to real-world practice right from the start. KIA enrollment figures remain stable once again at the start of the new academic year. At the traditional KIA Shuttle Kickoff, new students on the Zittau campus got to know the KIA network.
The afternoon was opened by Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs. She emphasized that, in addition to academic requirements, collaboration within the network is an integral part of the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course.
The KIA (sandwich-style) degree course combines academic depth with practical experience. From the very beginning, you’ll learn to take on responsibility, solve real-world challenges, and navigate a strong network of universities and businesses. Take advantage of this opportunity and contribute your own ideas—because you are the specialists and leaders who will help shape the future of our companies and our region.
”Connections across degree programmes and companies
Working in mixed teams, the students moved through various stations. Along the way, they met fellow students from other degree programmes and KIA partner companies. Mime acts, photo challenges, athletic tasks, and team games provided opportunities for interaction and making new connections beyond their own degree programmes and companies.
That’s exactly what the KIA Shuttle Start is all about: helping new students realize early on that they are part of a larger network comprising the university, students, and industry partners.
Why Students Choose KIA
The reasons for pursuing a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course vary. For Josie Schemmerling, a KIA student at TDDK, the combination of vocational training and academic study was the deciding factor.
For me, the strong practical focus was the deciding factor. Thanks to the integrated training program, you gain practical experience right from the start, which helps you understand many processes better later on—both in your studies and in your career.
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After the tour stops, the afternoon wrapped up with burgers and fries. There was still time for more conversations and making new connections.
The KIA Shuttle Start event highlights what sets the dual and cooperative degree programs at HSZG apart: the close connection between the university and the professional world, as well as a strong network. Those who make connections early on and share experiences lay a good foundation for the coming semesters.
Special thanks go to Pauline Rechenberg from the KIA Student Council, Oliwia Sikorska from KIA International, Tom Täubner, a KIA student, as well as Udo Johne, Director of Training at HSZG, and his KIA students. Through their organization, guidance, and support, they all helped make the Shuttle Start possible in this form.
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