A delegation from Hof University of Applied Sciences visited several renowned Indian universities in Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore in September. The aim was to deepen existing collaborations and initiate new projects. The trip was led by President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann, who was accompanied by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering), Björn Richter (Head of the Student Office) and Susanne Krause (Head of the International Office). The group was also supported on site by the team from the India Office at Hof University of Applied Sciences, Moses Joseph and Alisha Purti.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to the RV College of Engineering in Bangalore, where a new cooperation agreement was signed.
In future, the RV College will offer a preparatory year for Indian prospective students for English-language Bachelor programs at Hof University of Applied Sciences. This will teach the basics of the subject as well as German language skills – an important step in preparing students specifically for their studies and the job market in Germany.”
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann
The expansion of cooperation was also on the agenda at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The existing cooperation with the Institute of Management is to be expanded in future to include the field of engineering in order to further intensify the exchange between the two institutions. Hof University of Applied Sciences has been cooperating with the Institute of Management for around 15 years. Initial talks have now taken place in the field of engineering.
Meetings with great interest in Germany
At the Chennai Institute of Technology (CIT ), the delegation spoke to around 100 students who are already learning German and showed great interest in studying in Germany – particularly in the courses offered by the Computer Science and Engineering faculties.
Successful models and impressive infrastructure
In Coimbatore, a visit to the PSG Institutions IMSR was on the agenda. The joint “Pathway Program” in the field of innovative textiles has been running there for many years: students complete the first two years of their studies at PSG and then switch to the English-language Bachelor’s degree course “Innovative Textiles” at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Possibilities for similar programs in other areas of engineering were explored in discussions.
The delegation was also impressed by the modern campus and the university’s new, state-of-the-art conference center. Prof. Dr. Lars Hahn will be attending the 6th scientific “Conference on Industrial Textiles” in December.
New contacts with great potential
Another important appointment took the delegation to the Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences in Bangalore. Although this was the first visit, good contacts already exist via BayIND, the Bavarian-Indian Center for Business and Universities. The university’s business, engineering and health departments are particularly interesting – ideal starting points for future cooperation.
A culturally and professionally enriching exchange
Away from the official appointments, there was also plenty of time for cultural experiences: With a visit to temples and the flower market in Bangalore under the expert guidance of President Prof. Jürgen Lehmann, the delegation also gained valuable insights into traditional South India.
