28.04.2026

A Day of Innovation, Exchange, and Cultural Discovery

Last week, we were delighted to once again welcome the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) to RWTH International Academy. As one of our trusted cooperation partners, UVG is a leading private university in Guatemala City with a strong international outlook.

Four representatives and 14 students from the Faculty of Engineering at UVG came to Aachen to explore our research landscape and academic programs.

The day began at the Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design (SLA), where Daniel Alboldt guided the group through the institute’s research facilities — perfectly aligned with the students’ academic interests.

At RWTH International Academy, Melanie Ostfeld, Director Americas & EMEA, introduced the group to the wide range of our English-taught study opportunities in Aachen, including:

A special highlight was the contribution of Esteban Jurado Cerón, current student of our M.Sc. Robotic Systems Engineering, who shared his personal experience with the GEC online courses and an English‑taught Master’s Degree Program in Germany. His insights resonated strongly with the UVG students and offered a relatable perspective on academic life in Aachen.

Thanks to our bilateral agreement, several UVG students will once again participate in different GEC formats — a testament to the program’s value and the strong connection between our institutions!

Automotive Engineering and E‑Mobility: A Look into the Future

The next stop was the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika), where Mario Winter welcomed the group and guided them through the institute’s facilities, offering a comprehensive insight into the automotive innovations being developed at RWTH.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Electromobility Lab (eLab) at the PEM Battery Innovation Cluster. Dr. rer. nat. Miquel Paredes Vega and Timon Elliger introduced them to electric mobility research and technologies at the eLab, as well as to the testing and prototyping facilities for electric vehicle components.

Our sincere thanks go to the hosts who opened their institutes and provided exceptional tours: Daniel Alboldt (SLA), Mario Winter (ika), and Dr. rer. nat. Miquel Paredes Vega and Timon Elliger (PEM)!

A First Impression of Germany — And a Lasting One

A shared lunch and a tour of Aachen’s most beautiful historic spots provided the perfect conclusion to the day. The group took photos outside Aachen Town Hall, enjoyed tasting traditional Aachener Printen and discovered some of the city’s most famous legends.

For many students, this was their first time in Germany and Aachen made a strong and positive impact. This is reflected in the words of Gustavo Barrera, Director Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering at UVG:

The visit allowed our students to engage with high-level applied research environments, strengthening their understanding of how engineering is developed in international contexts. Interaction with the laboratories was particularly valuable; faculty members provided detailed insights into the available technology and the projects currently underway, significantly enriching the academic experience. In Aachen, it is evident how the university and the city are deeply integrated, to the point where academic life naturally extends throughout the urban environment.
Gustavo Barrera, Director Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering

The visit from UVG was a tremendous success — academically, culturally, and personally. It showcased the strength of our partnership and the enthusiasm of the next generation of engineers.

We look forward to welcoming many of these students back to Aachen in the future and to continuing our close collaboration with UVG!