International students stroll at Shenzhen Technology University in Pingshan District. Photos courtesy of the university

Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) is buzzing with activities this week as the 2024 International Week takes place on its campus in Pingshan District. The event has attracted over 60 professors and scholars, along with 40 international students from 12 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, the U.S., and Singapore. Running through Sept. 27, this year’s event has the largest international participation since its inception in 2018.

The International Week highlights SZTU’s international talent training model, offering students a variety of courses taught by international professors that align with the university’s disciplinary features and local industrial needs.

International professors and students visit Shenzhen Technology University during the International Week.

During the event, the visiting international professors and 24 SZTU professors are offering 133 courses, including 78 courses tailored for students from different majors and 55 multi-disciplinary lectures for all freshmen. A total of 4,679 students have signed up for the courses.

Thomas Fuhrmann, the former vice president of OTH Regensburg, is a longtime friend of SZTU. He was part of the German delegation that supported the university’s establishment in 2016. This year, Fuhrmann taught a course titled “Principles of Operational Amplifiers With Simulation,” providing students with hands-on experience with simulating operational amplifier circuits using software.

“The International Week is a fantastic opportunity to further promote educational and cultural exchanges between Germany and China. In today’s world, understanding and learning from other cultures is vital. I not only hope to share my experiences with Chinese students but also to learn a great deal from them,” Fuhrmann stated.

Shenzhen Technology University students attend courses taught by visiting international professors.

Sigrun Abels, from the Technical University of Berlin, is attending International Week for the first time. She expressed appreciation for the new, modern, and innovative environment at SZTU. “The International Week allows me to introduce different cultures and engage in discussions on various topics with Chinese students through teaching and academic exchanges,” Abels said.

Fiona Valerija Smart, a university student from Germany, shared that she decided to attend the event to make friends from different countries and broaden her horizons, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by SZTU.

International students visit Shenzhen Technology University during the International Week.

The International Week also offers Chinese students a unique chance to learn from foreign experts and peers. Huang Hanghang, from SZTU's Business School, remarked that while it can be challenging to attend an English class, she has felt encouraged and even made a friend from Germany who invited her to ask questions regarding the class.

In addition to international courses, the International Week also features a variety of academic, scientific, and cultural activities, including Bavarian Cultural Night and the International Forum. Foreign students also participated in a traditional Chinese medicine culture festival to explore some of China’s rich traditions.

Professors and students enjoy the Bavarian Cultural Night event at the Shenzhen Technology University on Sept. 25.