Elmar Galiev and Sergei Vakulenko, holders of the bachelor's degrees received at Samara University, studied in one of the oldest universities in Europe and defended their diplomas within the framework of the double diploma program in “metallurgy”.
These young people became the first graduates of Samara University, who defended their theses abroad.
The students studied current technologies using the modern production and research equipment in the experimental workshops of Freiberg Mining Academy. The innovative technologies and projects for large and small enterprises of Germany are developed and tested at this university.
"At the same time, particular attention is paid to the process of rolling magnesium alloys, which, with regard to a number of advantages, are increasingly used in the automotive industry and aircraft construction," Mikhail Khardin, an associate professor of the metal processing department of Samara University and one of the organizers of the double diploma program, implemented jointly with Freiberg Mining Academy, said.
During the training Elmar and Sergei also had two production practices at the enterprises – world leaders in the production of steel and profiled products – Arcelormittal (Germany) and Tata Steel (Holland). The first enterprise has the whole cycle of steel production – from processing raw materials to final products. The second enterprise carries out a full cycle of sheet metal production. These companies cooperate with the world-renowned car producers – Volkswagen, Volvo and Toyota.
In addition, the graduate students carried out laboratory work concerning rolling of pipes at a research center of the French company Vallourec group in the German city of Riesa, where the production process is almost completely automated.
"I got unique knowledge and experience, it was very useful for me to practice at the world famous metallurgical and engineering enterprises ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, Thyssenkrupp, BMW." It was interesting to compare the theoretical material obtained at the lectures with practice in modern production conditions”, – Sergey Vakulenko said.
"The multifunctional personal account of Freiberg Mining Academy student is very convenient, it contains all the lecture notes and you can check information about your progress and see all the necessary documents on-line", – Elmar Galiev added.
Specialists from Freiberg Mining Academy gave a high assessment of Samara University graduate students’ theses. Now the students are to defend the theses at their alma mater in June 2018.
"The specialists with a command of two or three languages ​​and diplomas of the leading universities are in demand all over the world, therefore, we witness a high interest in the program of double diplomas", – Mikhail Khardin said. “However, it’s necessary to have a basic knowledge of a foreign language to participate in programs like this. In 2018 Samara University initiated cooperation with Samara Gymnasium No. 4, specializing in German, so that the applicants could come prepared and aimed at this program.
"Getting higher education abroad under the program of double diplomas undertaken by Samara University is a good motivation for schoolchildren and students. The program is accessible for all students, and even if the students do not speak German, they can learn it during their undergraduate studies", – Mikhail Khardin concluded.
For reference
Freiberg Mining Academy is one of the leading technical universities in Europe in the fields of metallurgy, mining and materials processing. Mikhail Lomonosov studied here about 300 years ago.
According to the agreement on double diplomas between Academy and Samara University, five baccalaureate graduates in "metallurgy" and "machine building" fields can go to Germany to continue their studies within the master's program. The basic condition is good academic performance and basic knowledge of German. Samara University has allocated a scholarship for covering accommodation and food expenses, training under the program is free.
The photos were provided by Elmar Galiev and Sergey Vakulenko