Drone Engineering launches with an international spirit

The new bachelor's degree program in Drone Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol kicked off with an energetic workshop. Around 50 students from 13 countries came together during the first week of the program to get to know each other and lay the foundation for successful teamwork. The interactive kick-off was organized by the Language Center under the direction of Prof. (FH) Yvonne S. Unnold, PhD.

“In such an international degree program as Drone Engineering, which involves many practice-oriented group projects, not only technical but also intercultural skills are crucial,” explains Unnold. “With the workshop, we wanted to give students an initial orientation in the diversity of cultural backgrounds and at the same time support them in team building.”

The workshop focused on Hofstede's cultural dimensions, which were taught in a practical and interactive way. In small groups, the students reflected on cultural differences and similarities and developed strategies for effective collaboration. The highlight was a creative team challenge: using spaghetti, marshmallows, gummy bears, and a Snickers bar as the crowning glory, the teams constructed the highest possible tower—a playful but challenging exercise in communication, cooperation, and leadership.

The mix of communication, creativity, and cooperation created a dynamic atmosphere—and the first sense of achievement in the international team.

ENTHUSIASTIC REACTIONS

The reactions of the international students also bear witness to this. Shehrad Sailaniyoda describes the start as a complete success – and explains: “I was surprised at how international our degree program is. It was incredibly nice to see so many faces from all over the world. The workshop was a great icebreaker experience – I made lots of new friends and we had a lot of fun.”

Shehrad made a conscious decision to come to Kufstein: “I spent a long time looking for the right program – drone engineering in this form is not available anywhere else.”

Benjamin Odunjo was also enthusiastic about the start: “I really liked the team approach. Right from the start, we had to work together, understand different perspectives, and find solutions together. That immediately brought us closer as a group.”

In conversation, both also described their personal motivations for choosing their courses. Shehrad reports that he searched for a long time for a suitable program and that drone engineering is not offered anywhere else in this form. Benjamin adds that he always wanted to be a pilot, but that the training for this is very expensive. Drones are an exciting alternative for him because they combine his passion for aviation with technical innovations.

Building block of active internationalization

The workshop is an important part of the internationalization strategy of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. The aim is to make it easier for international students to get started and at the same time to sensitize all members of the university community to cultural diversity. In addition to workshops, language courses, compulsory semesters abroad, and the buddy program are among the key measures for specifically promoting intercultural skills.

About the Drone Engineering degree program

With the launch of the English-language bachelor's degree program in Drone Engineering, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol expanded its future-oriented educational offerings. The program provides in-depth knowledge of drone design, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and the control of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The curriculum is supplemented by sensor technology, data analysis, legal frameworks, and safety. A mandatory semester abroad and extensive practical phases ensure that students are optimally prepared for the international job market.

Links:

• Drone Engineering | ft
• Language Center | Website