Germany has signed an agreement to provide assistance in Colombia’s technology field and augment the country’s study abroad and research programs in Germany.
An agreement between the two countries was reached to increase the number of Colombian engineering students studying in Germany “so that their graduates meet the needs of the productive sector,” according to newspaper El Pais.
This will be realized through the creation of a Center for Research and Innovation which will provide “greater mobility” between Colombia and Germany to qualify technology and science training, reported Newspaper El Tiempo.
Allegedly, it will not just be students traveling to Germany for the engineering program, but teachers and researchers as well in order to improve Colombian knowledge and skill in the science and technology fields.
The agreement also stipulated that Germany will analyze and define the labor capabilities that Colombia is lacking in their technological field so that Colombia can better improve these deficiencies.
“With the help of Germany, we will advance the relevant studies to provide the highest level of training in the country,” said Education Minister Maria Fernando Campo.
The number of students studying in Germany has increase over the last 10 years. In 2011 there were allegedly 1,600 Colombian students studying in the country whereas there were only 446 in 2002.