participants - DAAD

“Language and Professional Training“: business leaders for the Chinese market
The program “Language and Professional Training” was launched 25 years ago, initially
with focus only on Japan, from 1996 on also with focus on China. Its main goal is to
qualify outstanding German graduates for leading positions in the Sino-German business
environment. Because of their acquired language skills, specific and intercultural knowledge,
the graduates of the program are able to meet the demand for highly qualified staff of Chinese
or German enterprises. Every year, the DAAD selects up to 10 participants from the fields
of natural science, engineering, law, economics, social sciences and architecture in a highly
competitive selection process. During the period of 16 months, the successful candidates will
be able to get a clear picture of the challenges and chances of living and working in China
through intensive language training and professional training.
Structure of “Language and Professional Training”
The program starts with a three-weeks preparatory language course which is held at the
SINICUM in Bochum. The following 10-month intensive language course (September – June)
is provided by the Beijing Foreign Studies University, one of the most renowned schools
for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Participants are taught Everyday Chinese and
Business Chinese with course materials which are tailor-made for the needs of European
students. Besides attending the language courses, the participants are offered an
accompanying program of company visits, seminars and lectures, organized by the DAAD
branch office Beijing. Another important part of “Language and Professional Training” is a
oneweek study trip to Shanghai. Finally, the participants undergo a six-month professional
training period (July to December) in German, Chinese, or international companies or
institutions of their choice. The current scholarship holders can now fall back on a tight
network of program alumni in key positions in companies around China.
“LANGUAGE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN CHINA”
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