Dongshin University Graduate Chang Lee Accepted to Graduate School at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany

Chang Lee, a graduate of the Department of Renewable Energy at Dongshin University.

Dongshin University announced on July 9 that its graduate, Chang Lee, has been accepted into the graduate program at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW HAMBURG) in Germany.

Lee, who graduated from the Department of Renewable Energy last year, actively participated in overseas training, internship programs, new energy industry development workshops, and scientific technology competitions during his studies. Through these experiences, he built his international capabilities and research skills in the new energy industry sector. Recently, he was finally accepted into the master's program in Renewable Energy Systems (Environmental and Process Engineering) at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

The motivation for Lee to pursue graduate studies abroad began in January 2023, when he visited San Diego, USA, through Dongshin University's "Global Internship" program. This direct overseas experience broadened his perspective and inspired him to consider studying abroad.

Afterward, he formed a team to participate in the "Global Vision Camp" organized by the Jeonnam Talent Lifelong Education Promotion Agency. There, he explored exemplary cases related to renewable energy and future industries in Germany and presented ideas for applying these cases to the Jeonnam region, which drew attention. At that time, Lee won the grand prize for his project titled "Self-sufficient Energy Sharing Village Utilizing Offshore Wind Power" and had the opportunity to visit local industrial sites in Germany as part of the training.

By participating in various overseas programs, Lee developed an international perspective. During his visit to Germany, he witnessed how eco-friendly energy technologies are well integrated throughout society, which strengthened his conviction in the vision of the energy sector and provided him with the necessary perspective to study his major field.

Lee has also honed his skills by winning awards in various competitions related to his major. He received the bronze prize at the "New Energy Industry Workforce Development and Technology Dissemination Workshop" and the excellence award at the "14th International Renewable Energy Utilization Science and Technology Competition." He was also diligent in his academic studies, earning merit-based scholarships for six out of eight semesters during his time at the university, demonstrating his excellence as a student.

After deciding to study in Germany, Lee built a foundation in German through a liberal arts German language course at his university. He continued preparing for graduate school and, in February, obtained both the Goethe Zertifikat (administered by the Goethe-Institut Korea) and the IELTS certification.

To be admitted to a German graduate school, applicants must first have their documents, such as transcripts and graduation certificates, reviewed by uni-assist (an agency delegated by German universities to pre-screen international student applications). After confirming the fulfillment of requirements, they must obtain a VPD (Vorprufungsdokumentation, preliminary review document). Selection is made through a rigorous evaluation of documents and language proficiency standards.

Significant support also came from Professor Chun-Sik Kim, who obtained his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Hamburg and later served as an invited professor at the same university. Professor Kim is also a recipient of the Overseas Scholar Fellowship at RWTH Aachen University and a senior fellow at Mittweida University in Germany. Together with Professor Kim, Lee meticulously checked essential courses, credit requirements, and other admission conditions, systematically preparing for his application.

Lee said, "I am happy that my efforts have finally paid off with this acceptance," and added, "After graduating from graduate school, I want to gain experience at global companies such as Siemens (a global energy and automation company) in Germany, a leading country in eco-friendly energy, and contribute to the development of Korea's eco-friendly energy industry."

He continued, "Participating in overseas training and major-related programs operated by the university greatly helped me broaden my experience in the field," and added, "I hope junior university students will actively challenge themselves by participating in overseas training programs or major enhancement programs."

Kim Chun-Sik, head of the Department of Energy Management at Dongshin University, stated, "Chang Lee's admission to the master's program at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), a prestigious institution in the energy field in Germany, is an exemplary case showing that students from regional universities can also advance to top German universities." He added, "Since his experience at the 'University Student Global Vision Camp' (where he won the grand prize in the energy field in Germany) supported by the Jeonnam Talent Lifelong Education Promotion Agency in 2023 was the turning point, this is also a meaningful example of the success of Jeollanam-do's talent development policies."