From Hanoi to Heidelberg: SRH Fernhochschule welcomes Vietnam delegation

For Prof. Dr. Ottmar Schneck, Rector and Managing Director of SRH Fernhochschule - The Distance Learning University, the path to distant countries is nothing new. The university in Riedlingen is highly committed to initiating international cooperation. “We have close links with colleges and universities in other European and non-European countries,” says Schneck. “As an Erasmus + university, we enable students from all over the world to gain professional and cultural experience with us.”

Distance learning a novelty in Vietnam

Now Hanoi: Nguyen Trai University is not only the most important private university in Vietnam but, like SRH Fernhochschule, places great value on a lean course of study with a strong focus on business-related content and a high practical component. Schneck visited Hanoi back in December to initiate the cooperation with Nguyen Trai University. In Heidelberg, the details of the cooperation were discussed. After all, the concept of a distance learning university without permanent attendance requirementsis still uncharted territory for the colleagues from Vietnam.

Up-and-coming emerging country as an attractive partner location

It is not just a matter of countering the shortage of skilled workers in Germany with such collaborations. “Of course, the option of gaining an international qualification at the leading German distance learning university is very attractive for our students, many of whom are already working,” said Schneck's counterpart Dr. Nguyen Tien Luan, President of Nguyen Trai University, during his visit to Heidelberg. Vietnam itself has long since become attractive for foreign investors. The economy is growing rapidly, and the World Bank has considered Vietnam to be an up-and-coming emerging country since 2011 - making it a potentially strong partner.

International cooperation good for the Ländle

That is why representatives from politics and industry were also happy to take the opportunity to explain the attractiveness of Germany as a business location to the guests from Hanoi. District President Klaus Tappeser emphasized the strengths of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg and presented The Länd campaign. In addition to a visit to the SRH campuses in Heidelberg and Mannheim, the day's program also included a tour of Heidelberg Castle, which was enjoyed just as well by the guests as the wine tasting with fine wines from the region.

SRH Fernhochschule: a bridge for foreign students

In the end, everyone involved drew a very positive conclusion: Hanoi is delighted with the international cooperation and is aware that it has gained a strong partner in SRH DLU. This is also clear to Prof. Dr. Schneck, who emphasized the strengths of the SRH Fernhochschule once again at the end: “With internationally attractive locations such as here in Heidelberg or in Berlin, we can offer highly trained specialists a bridge to Germany - or on the other hand, the opportunity to up-skill locally at an international level.”