MUSCAT The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) has started its academic year with an orientation day for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering students at its new premises in Halban on Tuesday morning. Professor Dr. Burkhard Rauhut, Rector of GUtech, welcomed 90 international students - the sixth batch of GUtech students. "The induction day is an introduction to the new environment. The next four years are the most important years in your life. You are shaping your future with your studies," said Prof. Rauhut in his address to the students.
GUtech is affiliated with RWTH Aachen University, one of the leading Universities of Technology in Europe. For many years employers in Germany have been ranking RWTH Aachen University as the best university in Germany. At the end of the four year Bachelor programme, the students could be inspired to continue with a Master's degree in Oman or abroad. "This year the first batch of GUtech students graduated. Some of our graduates will continue their studies in Germany, Austria, Canada, UK or persue a job career in Oman," said Professor Rauhut. However, to achieve their goals the students need to work hard. "Studying is a full-time job and not limited to eight hours per day and five days a week," said the Rector and stressed, that GUtech staff will also work hard to support the students throughout the coming years.
The orientation day continued with a guided tour around the new university campus in Halban. Several senior GUtech students guided the new students to the IT laboratories, the design studios, the sports facilities, the canteen, the accomodation and the library in the upper floor. "I like the GUtech campus with its open spaces. The structure is different than other buildings," said 19-year-old Amal Al Tauqui during a walk along the ramp of the large amphitheater, in the center of the Halban Campus. Amal has already passed the Foundation Year at GUtech last year. "I am studying Urban Planning and Architectural Design, because urban planners are needed in Oman," she said. "I like the building, but we also have fond memories of the GUtech Beach Campus where we studied our Foundation Year," said Humam Al Hinai who is studying Process Engineering. "My parents advised me to study Process Engineering. I want to work in the petroleum industry. I think I will have a bright future," he said.
Mahmood Al Ruqashi is one of the new students at GUtech. Mahmood has received a scholarship from Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and will study Process Engineering. "I joined PDO in 2005 for a training course. In the past five years I have been working as an Instrument Technician in the gas department at PDO," he said. After a short stay at a university in Australia, Mahmood decided to return to Oman and study Engineering at GUtech. "After my bachelor degree I will continue working for PDO and may be pursue a Master's degree," he said.
During the induction day, the students were also introduced to the cultural committee, the sports activities offered at GUtech and to their mentors who closely guide and support the students throughout the studies.
GUtech has also an active student body with many activities such as a chess tournament, the cancer walkathon, the National Day Celebrations and the Muscat Youth Summit. Furthermore, a GUtech Student Council is elected every year which includes student representatives of each study programme.
GUtech offers an Intensive English Programme, a Pre-University Programme and Bachelor of Science programmes in Applied Geosciences, Applied IT, Urban Planning and Architectural Design as well as Bachelor of Engineering programmes in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Environmental Engineering. All Bachelor of Science programmes are internationally accredited. The language of tuition at GUtech is English, however the university offers German as a foreign language. Each year a group of Foundation Year students travel to Germany for a Language and Culture course at RWTH Aachen University.
German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech)
Tel: +968 2461 6681
Fax: +968 2461 6677 | GSM: +968 923 48 197
PO Box 1816, Athaibah,
PC 130, Sultanate of Oman
Sultan Qaboos Highway, direction Muscat Intern. Airport, exit Petrol Station
Building 636
www.gutech.edu.om
© Press Release 2012
