In a significant move to deepen the integration of vocational education with international standards and cultivate high-caliber technical talents with a global perspective, a delegation from ShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economics, led by President Cheng Shuqiang, embarked on a productive visit to Germany and Austria from September 21st to 27th, 2024.The delegation engaged in high-level discussions focusing on potential collaboration in introducing the dual-system vocational model, cooperative education programs, skill training, international skill certification, and enhancing graduate employability on a global scale.
The visit commenced at the Eckert International Academy in Germany. Mr. Zell, CEO of the Eckert Group, extended a warm welcome to President Cheng and his team. During the ensuing meeting, President Cheng elaborated onShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economics's educational philosophy, which emphasizes "Open-Door, Open-Access, and Internationalized Education." He highlighted the college's commitment to fulfilling its mission of talent cultivation in the new era, exemplified by the development of its distinctive "ThreeSchools, One Workshop" international education model. "Promoting vocational education onto the international stage with a more open posture is an inherent requirement for its high-quality development," stated President Cheng. "We anticipate that this visit will substantially strengthen our exchange and cooperation with European institutions."
Mr. Zell provided an overview of Eckert International Academy. Established in 1946 as part of the Eckert Education Group, it stands as one of Germany's largest private vocational education institutions. With branches across 45 German cities and regions, the academy offers programs in diverse fields including Finance, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Technology, Mechatronics, Business Management, Information Technology, Healthcare, and Hotel & Catering Management. Mr. Zell expressed a strong desire to enhance cooperation withShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economicsin talent development and faculty training, aiming for mutual growth.
Both parties held detailed talks on specific collaborative initiatives, including the implementation of the dual-system model, the co-construction of the "Qinling Workshop," and student exchange programs. Discussions delved into the specifics of introducing the dual-system framework, student certification programs for Hotel & Catering Management, and international student recruitment. The meeting culminated in the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the institutionand college.
On September 24th,ShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economicsdelegation visited the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien (UAS Technikum Wien), the largest public university of applied sciences in Vienna. Renowned for its application-oriented approach and practice-focused education, UAS Technikum Wien has earned international acclaim for translating its researchinto industrial applications.
President Cheng emphasized during discussions that actively promoting Chinese vocational education internationally and presenting the "Shaanxi Vocational Education" profile is a key responsibility and mission for vocational colleges in Shaanxi. He also extended a warm invitation to experts and professors from the Austrian university to visit China andShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economicsfor further exchanges.
The dialogue betweenShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economicsand UAS Technikum Wien centered on introducing Sino-foreign cooperative education programs, skill training and certification, student exchange, and the cultivation of international students.
The itinerary on September 25th included visits to the headquarters of the Austria-China Business Association (ACBA) and the Europe-China Culture and Exchange Association (ECCEA) in Austria. The delegation participated in a conference themed "Spreading Chinese Culture and Fostering Educational Exchange." They were cordially received by Dr. Zhang Ge, President of ACBA, and Ms. Zhang Hongge, Vice President.
President Cheng noted the strong bond between the peoples of China and Austria, despite the geographical distance. He underscored the deep and extensive cooperation between the two nations across education, culture, technology, and trade over the years. "Countless Chinese students have pursued knowledge in Austria, while Austrian enterprises have taken root in China, winning the appreciation of Chinese consumers," he said. He expressed hope for collaboration in expanding university exchanges between China and Austria, exploringcollege-enterprise cooperation, and promoting the overseas visibility of the "Qinling Workshop" project.
Dr. Zhang Ge introduced the ECCEA, a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2016 in Vienna. Its mission is to promote the development of economic and trade relations between Austria and China, strengthen bilateral cultural exchanges and cooperation, and actively build bridges between European countries and China in various fields including culture, education, and science & technology. Dr. Zhang expressed hope that this exchange would facilitate a series of collaborations between China, Austria, and other European nations, deepening cooperation and resource sharing in culture, science, and technology.
Both sides discussed cooperation on faculty exchange and training, overseas internships and employment for students, and international student recruitment. The Association indicated it would further facilitate the cooperative education project betweenShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economicsand UAS Technikum Wien.
"With the river broadened between its banks, a single sail soars where the wind commands."This visit has significantly expandedShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economics's international exchange and cooperation with European higher education institutions. Multiple consensuses were reached on further deepening cooperative education projects, the construction of the Qinling Workshop, and faculty/student exchanges. This successful tour plays a pivotal role in buildingShaanxiTechnicalCollege of Finance & Economics's international education brand, further consolidating and expanding its global network, and vigorously advancing the college's high-quality development.
