At their home universities in Bogotá (Columbia) or Monterrey (Mexico), they are young researchers in the fields mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and civil engineering, upon whom the government has placed immense hope. These young minds that are tasked with finding solutions to current issues such as the transition to an environmentally sound energy supply, digitisation and mobility – and will no doubt be successful! Pedro and Karla are among 12 stypo3/tudents from Latin America that are currently studying at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH).
The students were selected for the scholarship programme “KOSPIE”, a combined study and placement programme for engineers from developing countries. The programme is coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The programme includes a semester at LUH, followed by a three-month placement at a company or research facility.
“Over the past semester I have learnt a great deal by attending lectures here.” says Pedro (UNAL, Bogotá; field: energy transition). “There is great potential for renewable energy in Columbia, but there is far more knowledge available in Germany” he explains. In March, he will commence the placement portion of the programme at a large energy company in Dortmund. He is looking forward to the challenges, is eager to gain more knowledge and to experience working life in a German company.
Karla (UDEM, Monterrey) nods in agreement. She hopes to bring some “German efficiency” back to her home country. “But here they could also benefit from a touch of spontaneity or the courage to mix things up a little.” she adds. Karla, who speaks perfect, accent-free German, is still in search of a suitable placement. She would like to complete a placement in research and development or in quality management in the field of e-mobility.
Local companies that would be interested in offering a three to six-month placement for scholarship holders like Pedro and Karla ctypo3/an contact the programme coordinator at LUH: Rhina Colunge-Peters, rhina.colunge-typo3/peters@zuv.uni-hannover.de.
Leibniz University Hannover will continue to participate in the programme in future semesters, in which further scholarship holders will also require placements in their chosen discipline. Please visit the DAAD website (KOSPIE) for further information on the programme.
