EuroTeQ strengthens intercultural learning and societal cohesion

More diversity and equal opportunities for all – these are central principles of European Universities. But how can these goals be implemented? Four representatives of the ENGAGE.EU, ENLIGHT, EUniWell and EuroTeQ university alliances have been interviewed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) about their plans and actions for more diversity and oppenness in European higher education.

You can read the full story (in German) on the DAAD website. This article translates the section on EuroTeQ and the statement by project manager Carla Albrecht-Hengerer, Technical University of Munich. 

“Intercultural and interdisciplinary learning as well as equal opportunities and societal cohesion are the goals of our alliance, EuroTeQ Engineering University. We promote innovative learning formats, which we make available as online formats for students of the partner universities. A common “diversity statement” is our basis for respectful cooperation. As a Technical University, our focus is on innovative progress with and for society. The permeability of educational paths and the promotion of lifelong openness to education are important levers in this regard. It is therefore very relevant to us to enable learners of different educational backgrounds, disciplines and ages to come together.

To achieve these goals, EuroTeQ has developed a project-based training format that will be piloted at the six partner universities in spring 2022. We have named it “Collider” because it brings together students, professionals and, where possible, vocational trainees to work together with the support of industry partners to develop solutions to current societal challenges.

We are also developing other stand-alone short-term learning formats, known as “micro-credentials”. We hope to use them to provide further training in specific subject areas, to bring professionals back to the university, to support students with specializations that go beyond the regular study programme, and to build a bridge to the university for vocational trainees. EuroTeQ is also particularly keen to involve its industrial partners. Together, we engage in a continuous dialogue about the changing skills and requirements for graduates and professionals.

All the above-mentioned activities of the project are scientifically evaluated by a working group. In this way, we want to draw conclusions about the extent to which EuroTeQ is living up to its claims of diversity and inclusion.”