LANXESS signs MOU with the Goethe-Institute to support young students

LANXESS announced today that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the German Cultural Center Beijing – Goethe Institute China to present sponsorships for outstanding Chinese students learning at the Goethe-partner schools in China.

According to the MOU, the specialty chemicals company will present a sponsorship – called LANXESS -PASCH sponsorship – to support highly gifted students who are studying German at Goethe-partner schools with an intention to go to German universities after high school graduation. A major part of this support is provided by language courses with their focus on overseas life and fulfilling language-preconditions to enrolment. Starting from 2011, the scholarship program is designed to last for five years.

“We are delighted to cooperate with this famous Institute and give our encouragement and support to those young students who are looking forward to studying in Germany for further development,” said Martin Kraemer, CEO of LANXESS Greater China.

Students who have just finished their second year of high school or are already accepted by a Chinese university, and have obtained a B1 level in German language, can apply for the scholarship.

“The Goethe-Institute in China is proud to announce the opening of this new scholarship. We thank LANXESS for their great contribution to outstanding Chinese students to go to German universities for their Bachelor courses,” said Sebastian Vötter, Head of Language Department of the Goethe-Institute (China).

“We are looking forward to cooperate with LANXESS on a long term basis. Together we provide new opportunities for Chinese high-school students and strengthen German-Chinese academic excellence.”

With a long history and strong presence in China, LANXESS sees the commitment to education as one of the key aspects of a sustainable corporate policy. In China, the specialty chemicals company has launched a series of education-advancement projects to help young people discover and nurture their talents. For example LANXESS is the founder and sponsor of the Young Euro Classic Festival Orchestra. Since 2007, it has for five consecutive years brought together an ensemble of the most talented young musicians from both China and Germany to perform pieces of music from both countries.  In 2009, LANXESS entered into cooperation with Qingdao University of Science and Technology to join forces in R&D and staff training for the rubber industries. And two months ago in June, LANXESS announced its collaboration with Changzhou Institute of Engineering Technology to build a vocational and occupational training center there.

The Goethe-Institute, as the cultural institute of Germany, promotes the study of German outside Germany and encourages international cultural exchange. It also fosters knowledge about Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics. With its network of Goethe-Institutes, Goethe Centers, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centers it has played a central role in the cultural and educational policies of Germany for over 50 years.