Julia Gross, Germany’s ambassador to Hungary, paid an introductory visit to the University of Debrecen (UD) on Wednesday. The diplomat first discussed with university leaders and then met with the teachers of the Faculty of Humanities.
After the arrival of the delegation led by the ambassador, they took a short walk in the Main Building, and then the guests were able to learn about the history of the University of Debrecen its Hungarian and English-language training offerings, its scientific activities and its significant network of industrial contacts in the context of a presentation in the Rector’s Council Room.
One of the foundations of the close cooperation between the city, the university and the industrial companies of the region is the innovation and scientific activity that the institution can provide for all parties
– said Zoltán Szilvássy.
The rector of UD emphasized that the relationship with companies with German interests is of particular importance to the university. The future can be built on the historical and cultural roots between the two peoples, on the language training provided at the institution’s Faculty of Humanities within the framework of the Institute of German Studies, and on the technical training provided at the Faculty of Engineering, which can continuously ensure the satisfaction of the labor market needs of the companies operating here.
In response to the ambassador’s question on industrial relations, dean Géza Husi, explaining the offer of the Faculty of Technology, said: several German companies participate in the training by providing various specializations and internships, in which the basic course primarily prepares students for the application of today’s technology, while the master’s program prepares them for the next decade’s engineers of the future.
Julia Gross was also interested in what motivates young Hungarians to deepen their knowledge of the German language at the university level.
Róbert Keményfi, the dean of UD, informed that, in addition to teaching the German language, the faculty also offers interpreter, translator, and teacher training opportunities for students who, with German language skills, have a good chance of applying for a job at German companies operating in and around Debrecen.
At the end of the meeting, Rector Zoltán Szilvássy offered to organize a technical cabinet between the university and industrial companies, to which he also invited the ambassador.
After the discussion, Julia Gross visited the Institute of German Studies, where she received information about German studies from the instructors.
In her introduction, institute director Andrea Horváth highlighted the master’s course in intercultural corporate management starting in September, the stable number of students, which currently exceeds one hundred people, which is due to the high school campaigns on the one hand, and the close cooperation with companies and diplomatic bodies on the other.
Julia Gross emphasized that she always supports the continuing teaching of a German-speaking lecturer at the Institute of German Studies of UD within the framework of the German Academic Exchange Service.
The visit to the university ended with a student round table discussion, which analyzed the results of Hungary’s accession to the EU two decades ago from the perspective of the students.
(unideb.hu)
