UINSSC and Global Katalyst e.V. Deepen Collaboration Through International Workshop on Ausbildung and Double-Track Program Opportunities
Cirebon, May 23, 2025 — The International Office (IO) of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) recently gathered for an internal coordination meeting to strengthen its international programs. This time, the focus was on following up the collaboration with Global Katalyst e.V., especially in preparing students to take part in exciting opportunities like the Ausbildung and double-track program in Germany.
Students and lecturers from International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) enthusiastically participated in an international workshop hosted in collaboration with Global Katalyst e.V., Germany. The session featured Mrs. Cahyantari Ekaputeri (representative of Global Katalyst e.V), who shared insightful information about future study and career pathways for Indonesian students in Germany. The workshop is part of a continued effort to strengthen the collaboration between UINSSC and Global Katalyst following their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The event drew attention from participants to explore international experiences, particularly those aligned with both academic and vocational training.
In her presentation, Mrs. Ekaputeri explained that Global Katalyst currently supports around 4,000 students, including those already in Germany, those in the process of securing their visa, and those learning the German language. She emphasized that Global Katalyst is committed to creating a future where Indonesian students abroad are not limited to labor-intensive jobs. “We aim for Indonesian students becoming professionals and leaders, not just workers,” she stated. This vision aligns well with the International Office UINSSC’s mission to equip students with global competencies and meaningful opportunities.
One of the main highlights of the workshop was the introduction of the double-track program, which combines the Ausbildung vocational training program with a Bachelor’s degree. Ausbildung itself lasts around two - four years, including one year of intensive German language study. The program is conducted in Germany and focuses heavily on practical skills. Students who complete Ausbildung are encouraged to continue or finish their undergraduate studies, making this a comprehensive academic and career package.
Mrs. Ekaputeri also shared that the Ausbildung curriculum includes not only technical and language training but also national values such as Pancasila—taught in German—helping students remain grounded in their identity. The available Ausbildung fields are categorized into technical and non-technical sectors. Technical areas include industry, civil engineering, and construction, while non-technical tracks align with fields such as social sciences, management, and healthcare. These match well with three major study programs at UINSSC: management, industrial engineering, and nursing.
Interestingly, students who are currently enrolled in Indonesian universities but join the Ausbildung program are not yet considered university students in Germany. However, this unique status opens up flexible pathways for them to convert their studies, especially for students from UINSSC, regardless of their current academic year. The program is also available for students from Muhammadiyah University in Kupang, with social science majors being the primary focus of cooperation.
Learning sessions are scheduled twice a week, every Saturday and Sunday and are conducted on a paid basis. Students participating in the program are also given the chance to travel around Germany, with report-writing tasks integrated into their learning. Assessment methods include written exams as the final output and one-on-one interviews with lecturers to measure competency achievements. This structured yet immersive experience is designed to build not only academic skills but also intercultural competence.
Financially, the program covers similar costs for all participants, including textbooks, German language certification, and apostille documentation. The International Office of UINSSC views this as an excellent investment for students aiming for international exposure and career readiness. With proper guidance and collaboration, UINSSC students can aspire to become not only global citizens but also alumni who work professionally in Germany, bringing pride and recognition to the university.
Through this collaboration, International Office of UINSSC remains committed to expanding global partnerships and providing transformative opportunities for students. As the world becomes more interconnected, initiatives like the Ausbildung program are not just about studying abroad—they are about shaping futures and building a stronger generation of skilled, adaptable, and globally minded graduates.
Author: Cyrila Zahra Tsania