Study where others go on vacation

The appeal of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is set to increase further. Students in Zittau enrolled in the “electrical power systems” and “automation technology and mechatronics” degree programs will be able to complete part of their studies at North-West University Potchefstroom (NWU) in South Africa. Students from South Africa will also begin studying in Zittau starting in 2017.

Forget about the province. The big, wide world starts right here in Zittau. This is also confirmed by the latest university ranking (CHE Ranking), where the mechatronics program at the Zittau campus, in particular, received an outstanding rating. As a result, students can already combine their studies with a study abroad program at various universities around the world. Now, another partnership has been added. During a visit to South Africa this spring, the director of the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering, Prof. George van Schoor, and Prof. Frank Worlitz from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences developed a plan for a reciprocal student exchange program. Last week, the planning for the exchange program was further refined during a visit by Prof. van Schoor to Zittau.

Starting in March 2017, the first students from South Africa are expected to arrive at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for one year. No later than the following year, students from this university will also have the option to study in South Africa for one or two semesters. This gives students the opportunity to gain international experience while still in school and to prepare themselves optimally for their professional careers. The partnership is undoubtedly also a recognition of the quality of engineering education at the university in the “Dreiländereck” region.

The ceremonial signing of the agreement will take place in October in South Africa by the presidents of both institutions.