The Summer Exchange Program of Eckerle

Kiskőrös hosted this year’s students exchange program organized by Hungarian and German colleagues of Eckerle Industrie. In 2024 four students arrived at Kiskőrös from the plant of Ottersweier accompanied by Reiner Schäffer,  and Nicolas Engelmeier, co-workers of Eckerle.

The annual exchange program is a yearly event that changes location each time. The participants of this year’s meeting hosted the four students of the German Vocational School in Bühl and three dual university students of Hungarian undergraduates participating in dual university education.

One of the highlights of the exchange program was to implement a project, based on the visiting team-leaders idea (now: Reiner Schäffer). Past years have seen the building of a three-cylinder radial engine, a Mendocino solar engine, air engines, and Stirling engines. This year, Rainer Schäffer set the students the task of creating a Christmas pyramid. Working in small Hungarian-German groups of two or three, the students dedicated a week to this project.

The trip to Hungary consisted of more than work. With the help of their German colleagues György Rausch and Imre Madácsi in Kiskőrös put together a varied program plan. This program included a team-building part, a professional part (visiting CNC Nagy’s factory), and an educational part (visiting Wattay Vocational School). In addition to all this, there was no shortage of leisure activities. By the end of the week, students also completed the joint project work, that can be seen among the exhibited works in each Eckerle Industrie company.

Keeping the tradition alive, 27 technicians from the Bühl Vocational School also joined the group of Eckerle exchange students in Kiskőrös plant. After a company tour, all participants collectively visited the Wattay Vocational School, toured its modern facilities, and showcased their projects to a large audience of local secondary school students. The German and the Hungarian vocational schools have been in contact for almost a decade through Eckerle. This year, the two educational institutions signed a partnership agreement.

All together it was a great opportunity to grow and learn, which probably the attendants can describe the best:

Zsófia Teleki (21) – János Neumann University – Second-Year Mechanical Engineering Student, Dual University Education:

“I’m glad that I was able to gain insight into several cutting processes on a practical level within my profession, as well as experience a different work habit compared to what is usual in our environment. It was good to participate in teamwork where not only the task but also communication was a challenge. I became aware again that knowledge of foreign languages ​​is essential. This experience also motivated me to improve my language skills.

But I also got to know new people, and learning from students our own age was good. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this exchange program and gain experience. These experiences were instructive and highlighted areas where I can still improve.”

Laurenz Reindl (21), Student – Vocational School of Bühl, Class Precision Mechanic, (2. year)

“The completion of the project marked the end of an unforgettable week for us trainees, during which we not only visited sights and unique places but also got to know Hungarian culture. A culture characterized by its openness to strangers, hospitality, and gratitude. The student exchange program was more than a success, as not only was the project that went well, but everyone was able to learn something from each other, both professionally and culturally.”