Inspiring Exchange with Brazil
Successful Completion of the last Short-Term Mobility in the HAW.International Project
From December 8 to 14, 2024, the third mobility of the year and the final short-term mobility took place within the framework of the DAAD-funded project HAW.InternationalER 2023–2024. This seven-day academic trip provided eleven students, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Emil Kolev from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Project Managers Jana Blochberger and Anastasiia Dzham, with a unique opportunity to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture, academic excellence, and innovative technologies firsthand. The goal of the trip was to enable and deepen an intensive exchange with two of our key partner universities, the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC Rio) and the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC Minas). The academic program was titled:
"Exploring Brazilian Academia: A scientific journey through Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, highlighting their contributions to Brazil's academic landscape and the utilization of technology in emerging markets."
At PUC Rio, one of Brazil's most prestigious universities, the students gained in-depth insights into the innovative academic and technical research conducted at the university through interactive exchanges and lab visits. Topics such as sustainable technologies, social innovations, and the challenges faced by emerging markets were explored in depth. A campus tour also provided participants with the opportunity to experience the impressive architecture of the university and its unique integration into the tropical landscape of Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, during their visit to the DAAD office and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Rio de Janeiro, the students gained valuable insights into study and research funding opportunities as well as the diplomatic and cultural exchange programs between Germany and Brazil.
The program at PUC Minas included an intensive exchange with students and academic staff at various university locations. These included the Coração Eucarístico and São Gabriel campuses, where the Centro de Estudos Aeroespaciais (CEA) provides practical education in aerospace engineering. A special highlight was the presentation of a real jet aircraft, developed in collaboration with numerous renowned aircraft manufacturers. At the Lourdes campus, participants were welcomed by Professor Laura Castro and received insights into the Comfort and Digital Manufacturing Laboratories, as well as the exhibition of theses. In addition to gaining insights into current research projects at the university, another highlight was a presentation by the multinational Stellantis Company (which represents brands such as Chrysler, Fiat, Opel, and Peugeot). The participants learned more about the technologies currently in use and the industrial influence of this leading automobile manufacturer in Brazil. Sophia Kopf, a Master's student in Mechanical Engineering and participant in the program, was able to introduce the Brazilian students to Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and the study opportunities it offers , using the "Delivery Robot" project as an example. The students showed great interest, not only in the field of Mechanical Engineering, for which there is already a Double-Degree agreement with the university, but also in the areas of Business and Computer Science, which also sparked considerable interest.
In addition to the academic program, the students had the opportunity to explore some of Brazil's most famous cultural and historical landmarks. In Rio de Janeiro, highlights included a visit to the imposing Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca National Park with the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, the colorful Escadaria Selarón, and the world-famous Copacabana, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning panorama. In Belo Horizonte, the program offered a diverse cultural experience. Visits to Praça da Liberdade and the impressive Pampulha Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provided participants with insights into the city's architectural and historical significance. The lively Mercado Central allowed students to experience the culinary diversity and local traditions up close. Additionally, the Museu de Ciências Naturais and the Museu das Minas e do Metal offered fascinating insights into the natural sciences, mining history, and culture of the state of Minas Gerais.
Mahir Cinar, a participant and master's student in the continuing education program for Public Law and Management, summarized these impressions as follows:
“Overall, my stay in Brazil showed me how enriching it can be to experience other cultures and learn from them. The warmth, openness, and joy of life of the Brazilians left a lasting impression on me. At the same time, I became aware of how different the economic and cultural conditions are and how they shape people's lives. Brazil not only opened up new perspectives for me but also showed that sometimes it is more important to enjoy the moment rather than being overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life."
Special thanks go to our cooperation partners at PUC Rio and PUC Minas, especially Leonel Dimas de Abreu (PUC Minas) and Mobility Manager Thais Correia from Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, who contributed greatly to the organization of this successful short-term mobility.
The successful completion of this program likewise marks the conclusion of the HAW.InternationalER 2023-2024 project, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the DAAD funding line HAW.International. A central component of this project was to support students with limited international experience through practice-oriented, flexible, and short-term mobility programs. All short-term events over the past two years — to Tunisia, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Poland, Azerbaijan, and, most recently, Brazil — have not only expanded the academic abilities of the participants but also strengthened their intercultural competencies and created sustainable networks for international cooperation.
The project is a key element of the comprehensive internationalization strategy of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. The aim is to provide students with numerous opportunities to gain international experience and develop a global perspective for their academic and personal growth. For more information about future programs and opportunities for international experiences, please contact Dr. Paul Voerkel, the Head of Department, as well as the Project and Mobility Management team.
