Guillaume Muriset, a representative from Swiss Centers, visits Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology. [Photo/People's Daily Overseas Edition]

When Dorian Leibundgut first arrived in Changzhou, he was filled with curiosity about a new culture and anticipation for the learning opportunities ahead.

A student from Switzerland's Canton of Neuchatel, Leibundgut, was among the first group of Swiss students selected by the Centre d'Apprentissage de l'Arc Jurassien (CAAJ) to study in China. After completing a one-year Chinese language and vocational skills training program at Changzhou Vocational Institute of Mechatronic Technology (CZIMT), he is now undertaking an internship at a local machinery company.

Joining him is Alina Benavides from the Netherlands, who is completing an internship at SID Changzhou. During their time at CZIMT, the two students received specialized training in precision manufacturing.

"The teachers were very patient, and the courses combined solid theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on practice," Benavides said.

Beyond the classroom, the students participated in a variety of cultural activities organized by the institute, including dumpling making and calligraphy workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and daily life.

Their experiences reflect the growing cooperation between CZIMT and Swiss vocational education institutions. The partnership dates back to 2014, when the institute began working with Swiss-invested companies in Changzhou, including Hoerbiger and Mettler Toledo, on dual-system apprenticeship programs and customized talent-training initiatives.

In 2019, the Changzhou municipal government and the International Economic and Technological Cooperation Center of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly established the China-Switzerland (Changzhou) International Industrial Innovation Park. The park provides a strong platform for industry-education integration between the institute and Swiss enterprises.

In April 2026, a delegation led by CAAJ principal Corinne Quaranta visited CZIMT to discuss teacher exchanges and joint talent development programs.

"We have not only seen the institute's strengths in intelligent manufacturing education, but also experienced the strong industrial ecosystem created through its close cooperation with Swiss companies," Quaranta said.

Building on the visit, the two sides plan to expand cooperation from short-term projects to long-term development. Future initiatives include a two-way teacher exchange program and the establishment of the China-Switzerland Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Academy. The academy aims to train more than 100 students annually.

In addition, the partners will jointly develop bilingual courses, promote mutual recognition of curriculum standards and academic credits, and gradually align assessment systems.