German pupils try out studying at Saxion during DOP4U
A group of 17 German secondary school pupils from the district of Kreis Borken spent an inspiring and educational day at Saxion as part of the Dual Orientation Programme in Technology (DOP). The DOP programme offers pupils the opportunity to spend a week exploring their study and career choices through a combination of education and practical experience. The group spent the first day of the programme in Enschede.
I had never expected that International Business would be something for me.
International business: create your own jeans brand
The day at Saxion started with an interactive session on International Business. After a brief introduction to marketing, the pupils worked in groups on the assignment: ‘Create your own jeans brand and share your results in a poster presentation.’ They had to produce a slogan, think about sales strategies and communication channels, design a logo and set a price, etc. A lot of creative ideas were generated in a short space of time.
The practical task helped them to understand what it is like to carry out a task as a group in a professional environment. One of the pupils said: “I had never expected that International Business would be something for me, but now I have a much better idea of what it is. I really enjoyed designing a jeans brand with my group and making a poster together.”
Create your own jeans brand and develop sales strategies
In-depth technical sessions in the afternoon
The group was split for the afternoon session. Half of the pupils visited the robotics lab and the other half attended an in-depth IT session. In the robotics lab, the pupils learned how to control an industrial robot and program a route. A hands-on introduction to professional equipment as it is used in the real world.
The other group had a game programming session given by the Creative Media & Game Technologies study programme. A basic game had been prepared and the pupils were free to build on it as they saw fit. At the end, they were invited to try out each other's game. This gave them an insight into the world of IT and digital media.
Programming at Creative Media & Game Technologies
Insight into studying and the professional field
The programme at Saxion gave the pupils a good insight into our (technical) degree programmes and how it is to study in an international environment.
“I was very impressed by the modern buildings and facilities. I also really liked the informal, friendly atmosphere”, said one of the pupils at the end of the day.
After the visit to Saxion, the DOP programme continued at the Westfälische Hochschule in Bocholt. This was followed by a three-day job taster in companies in the border region. This concept offers pupils a chance to experience both Dutch and German educational culture and to look at the professional field.
The DOP4U participants