german engineering school
German Engineering School
Vocabulary
| fossil | fossil fuel | environmentally-friendly |
| seminar | employer | self-financing |
| oyster | integrate | on the one hand |
| honor | attitude | on the other hand |
| local | internship | relationship |
| campus | major (3) | unemployed |
| sponsor | sound (2) | competition |
| account | propulsion | take into account |
| analyze | long term | short term |
| award | dedicate | scholarship |
| tuition | employee | has its price |
Video
Transcript
Students like Ankur at the Karl Benz School of Engineering, are learning that not everything has to be high-tech. Engineers here develop simple technology, like this plant oil stove.
“Everyone knows that German engineers are the best in the world, and that’s the main reason I’ve chosen to come to Germany,” says Ankur.
Kevin is especially interested in environmentally friendly technology. The 18-year old comes from Brunei, which is rich in oil. The country used to sent its students mainly to the US and Australia.
“My aim is to become a mechanical engineer and solve world energy problems because of the rise of oil and fossil fuels. So they should be reduced and new developments should be encouraged.”
The Karl Benz School is part of Karlsrue University. It works independently and is self-financing. The aim is to attract the best students from all over the world.
“The International Department’s basic concept is to recognize the increasing need to attract young people from abroad,” said Judith Elsner, International Department Managing Director of the Karl Benz School of Engineering. “On the one hand, in order to integrate them into our company. And on the other, our firms trade all over the world. And we need students and future employees to work locally.”
There are about only about twenty students in this seminar — which allows for a close relationship with the lecturer. English is the working language. The students learn mechanical engineering, and have internships with companies like Bosch, BASF, and Siemens, who work closely with the school.
Tuition here has its price: a course of study at the Karl Benz School cost 12,000 euros a year.
But firms like SEW Eurodrive, which specializes in propulsion technology, take the attitude that sponsoring students is a sound investment.
“I have to consider whether to invest 12,000 euros in market development for the next five years, so I’ll have qualified local staff; or whether to invest no money, taking into account competition will have overtaken us in five years time,” says Jan Reppliger of SEW Eurodrive. “Anyone who thinks long term would clearly go for the 12,000 euros.”
Joey, a student from Hong Kong, has been awarded a Beata Benz Scholarship, named after the wife of car manufacturer, Karl Benz.
“In the engineering industry, especially mechanical engineering, there are so few women who would like to dedicate themselves in this major. Therefore, I think it’s a very great honor for me to receive this scholarship,” says Joey.
This is the university’s new, virtual, construction laboratory. Being able to understand and analyse the machinery, will make construction easier and faster for the students.
Many of the students live on the small campus. And sometimes they also cook together. Tonight, Indian food is on the menu.
And looking ahead, what are tomorrow’s engineers’ plans for the future?
“I would have to go back to Brunei because since I’m under the scholarship of Brunei, I would have to work there for five years. Then after five years, I would be able to work anywhere in the world,” says Kevin.
“I would like to gain two years of work experience in Germany, maybe three, at a German company, maybe fully understand how German engineers work,” says Ankur.
“I would like to work for Lufthansa because I’ve always wanted to work for an airline company. I also have the chance to go back to Hong Kong, my home. So I can apply for Cathay Pacific and work for them,” says Joey.
In three years, the students will have completed their bachelor’s degrees and after that, the world is their oyster.
Questions
1. Modern engineering is all about high-technology. True or false?
2. Ankur has chosen to come and study in Germany. Why did he come to Germany to study? What does Kevin think is a major problem? What are his goals?
3. Is the tuition cheap, medium-priced or expensive? Is the Karl Benz School of Engineering publicly or privately financed?
4. The lectures are in German. Is this right or wrong? Do the students only learn in classrooms? Give an example of the university’s teaching and learning technique and material.
5. Why does the Eurodrive executive provide scholarships for his employees?
6. The students eat only German food in the cafeteria. Is this correct or incorrect? What does Joey, the student from Hong Kong say?
7. Do all the students want to live and work in Germany?
8. Is it advantageous for Germany universities to have international students? Why is it important to have foreign students?
A. Have you studied in Germany? Do you know anyone who has studied in Germany?
B. I would like to study in Germany. Yes or no? Would you or your friend like to live and work in Germany?
C. Are there lots of partnerships, cooperation and exchange programs between local and foreign institutions?
D. My country does a lot of trade and business with Germany. Is this right or wrong?
E. Do you deal with German or other foreign clients, vendors or partners?
F. What will happen in the future?
