For many, education holds the key to a better future, but in a fast-changing economic milieu, it is not only sheer knowledge but also adeptness in special technical skills that lead the way to success and eventually sustainable economic growth. Against this backdrop, a team of German academicians/technical experts headed by Prof. Jurgen Hubbert, International Department, University of Karlsruhe, Germany - the second oldest technical university in the world and the oldest in Germany - was in town early this month to scout for talented young and aspiring students who like to enroll in the university's Carl Benz School of Engineering for undergraduate studies and the Hector School of Engineering and Management for executive master programs. They said the fast-pace economic developments and industrial expansion in the Kingdom open wide the demand for highly professional technical people in the operations and production management. With the growing need for a new generation of Saudi technical cadres, the University of Karlsruhe deemed it timely to extend its expertise in providing the much-needed education and training to young Saudis on running the Kingdom's economic engine. The university is one of the most strongly research-oriented institutions in Germany and in the world, having been awarded the status of elite university and confirmed by the German Excellence Initiative. Its engineering departments have consistently been ranked among the top five in Europe. The schools offer the first complete engineering degree programs in Germany for English-speaking students from around the world. As one of the world's leading industrialized countries, Germany has a high reputation for manufacturing high quality engineering products. German Consul General in Jeddah Dr. Michael Zickerick, who accompanied the team during their visit to the head office of Juffali Automotive Company (JACO) – the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Kingdom – where the conference was held, said that though there is a long history of Saudi students studying in Germany, it was only lately that the presence of Saudi students in German schools was magnified especially when English language was introduced as a medium of instructions in some schools. Earlier, foreign students have to learn first the German language, he added. The University of Karlsruhe so far has also produced two Saudi alumni. The university has been using English as the medium of instructions for over four years now in some of its schools. In the light of globalization, the professors underscored the excellent educational opportunities offered in Germany to students from the Middle East both at the undergraduate and the graduate levels. The Carl Benz School enables foreign students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in three years. They echoed the formidable reputation of the university in producing top-notch graduates. “A German engineering degree from Karlsruhe provides the students with the advantage of acquiring both theoretical knowledge and first-hand experience,” they said, adding that additional “modules in applied cultural and economics studies provide a valuable insight into the European business environment.” Hence, to the next-generation of inspiring foreign engineers in Germany, student life and studies at the university “are very well balanced.” Included as part of student services are a university theater, video workshop, symphony and chamber orchestras, large band, academic aviation club, academic sailing club and a recreational mobile solar vehicle. The university environment also offers a holistic approach to education, grooming the students to becoming a well-rounded professional. The Hector School of Engineering and Management targets young professionals (ages 27-40) who have at least three years of experience in their field and are identified as high potentials in the company. Dr.-Ing. Judith Elsner, managing director, Hector School of Engineering and Management, said the executive master program would immerse the student in modules ranging from business leadership, latest engineering developments, innovation and competitive environment with the aim of becoming a “specialist” with growing responsibilities in the areas of development, production or product management. The schools reach out beyond cultural differences and adapts processes to innovative models in search of excellence to produce top-notch graduates who will spearhead advancements in their respective fields when they finally return home. __
