In launching its new English-language degree course in Mechanical Engineering, HAW Hamburg is enabling students from around the world to access one of Germany’s internationally respected engineering qualifications. They can join the course without knowledge of German, and benefit, just like their fellow students in the German-language Maschinenbau course, from small-group teaching and lots of real-world applicability to their learning.
Students from across the globe
‘We got about 300 applications [for the initial cohort], and 51 students are now enrolled on the course,’ explains Prof. Dr. Achim Schmidt, who teaches in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Production and was instrumental in launching the new degree. ‘That’s a great and highly satisfying start.’
Most of the new students come from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Egypt and India; others are from Turkey, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Brazil, Iran, Malaysia, Bolivia, Canada, the USA, Mauritius and Iraq. ‘Sadly, not all our new starters managed to get to Germany in time for the beginning of semester,’ says Hella Rieger, coordinator of the new degree course. ‘A number of them are still waiting for their visas. But we were aware that was likely to happen.’
A journey from Bolivia to Hamburg
Diana Michelle Halbeisen Benavides, from Bolivia, was one of the lucky ones who arrived in Hamburg in time for semester to start. Her interest in machinery and mechanics is very much a family affair: ‘Ever since I can remember, my family’s been fascinated by cars and tractors,’ she says, thining back to her childhood. ‘Of course, that meant I was interested too as a youngster. I’d wonder, what are they made of, how are they built, are they robust?’ When it came to finding the best opportunities to study engineering, it didn’t take Diana long to start thinking of Germany. ‘I said to myself back then: I want to go and study there one day. Now my dream has come true!’ Continuing, she explains: ‘I chose HAW Hamburg because its focus on practical skills and experience gives me the opportunity to do internships in a range of areas.’ Diana’s pleased that the course is taught in English, because it means she can learn German at her own pace.
‘Iron Man’ and space travel
Mamoid Chowdhury comes from Bangladesh. As a child, he saw the film ‘Iron Man’, which inspired in him a lifelong passion for innovative machinery and for engineering. ‘My dream is to work on projects around space travel – I’d really love to be involved in an expedition to Mars,’ he says, adding that he sees studying for the Mechanical Engineering degree as laying vital foundations towards realising his ambitions. He’s especially looking forward to project work in HAW Hamburg’s workshops and labs. ‘I can’t wait to be learning from professors who combine up-to-the-minute academic knowledge with years of experience in industry,’ he says.
To all our new Mechanical Engineering students: welcome to Germany!
