Students and staff from Berufliches Schulzentrum für Agrarwirtschaft und Ernährung Dresden (BSZ AE DD) visited Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus recently.
Around 40 students and two staff from the BSZ AE DD made the trip on Tuesday 10 September, marking the fifth time the German institution has visited in recent years.
The group enjoyed a full day programme, including a campus tour, as well as presentations on the Scottish further education landscape delivered by academic colleagues. The visit also featured an inspiring talk on biotechnology and industry applications from guest speaker Alastair Hamilton of NoahGene Ltd, offering valuable insight into Scotland’s growing life sciences and biotechnology sector. Holger Thiessen, Deputy German Consul General, based in Edinburgh, also joined the tour and spoke with the students.
As part of the visit, BSZ students had the chance to learn more about FVC’s Biological Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology and ESOL courses, with discussions also exploring future pathways for international students. Topics included the potential for German students to study at FVC for a semester or longer, as well as opportunities for joint online engagement with HNC and HND courses.
Looking ahead, both institutions are keen to strengthen links through collaborative projects, particularly in areas such as Industrial Biotechnology and FVC’s exciting BSc Brewing and Distilling programme.
Julia Richter, Languages Teacher from the Dresden college said: “It was a pleasure visiting your college. The students really enjoyed the engaging tour you gave us through the building, and they were especially impressed by the variety of courses you offer, the practical hands-on approach, and individual support you provide. Also, the idea of offering free meals to create equal conditions resonated a lot with them.”
Jamie Allan, Global Partnership Manager of Forth Valley College, said:
"It is always a pleasure to host our colleagues and students from BSZ AE DD, and we are proud to have welcomed them for a fifth time. Visits such as this underline the importance of international partnerships in enriching the student experience, broadening horizons and building pathways for future collaboration in fields where we have common expertise and interest."
The visit further cements Forth Valley College’s commitment to international engagement and to creating opportunities for learners from across Europe and beyond.
