When July arrives, it means it is time for the Audi Development Camp: jointly organized by Audi and Széchenyi István University, it is taking place for the third time. Participants from 22 countries have come together to learn from international experts while tackling real industrial problems in teams. Focussing on practical, project-based learning and preparing for the latest challenges in the automotive industry, this English-medium camp is truly exceptional in its subject matter and methodology.

The Audi Development Camp, organized in collaboration between Széchenyi István University and Audi Hungaria, welcomes students for the third time. Divided into two groups, the students participate in intensive professional training sessions using project-based teaching and innovative methodology, then work together in teams to solve real industrial challenges.

The camp takes place from July 3 to July 29 at the Széchenyi István University campus in Győr. In addition to the training programme, the participants also enjoy various activities such as a visit to the Audi Hungaria plant in Győr, a closer look at the work of the university's elite world championship student competition teams, as well as a presentation of the ZalaZONE test track in Zalaegerszeg. Leisure activities include sightseeing, game nights, and dragon boating.

Participants of the 2023 Audi Development Camp (Photo: Márton Horváth)

"Apart from offering a total of 37 full-time English-taught programmes, Széchenyi University is increasingly providing short-term training programmes for young people ranging from one to four weeks. The flagship programme among these is the Audi Development Camp, realized in cooperation with our number one corporate partner, Audi Hungaria. These types of training programmes are essential because participants get a taste of life here, experience the progress of our institution, and can develop an interest in studying with us for a longer period," stated Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi University during the opening of the event.

Dr Lukács emphasized that strengthening the cooperation between the corporate and academic sectors is a strategic goal of Széchenyi István University, and the Audi Development Camp is an excellent example of this collaboration. (Photo: Márton Horváth)

Thorsten Pfeffer, Head of the Drive System Development Department at Audi Hungaria in Győr, highlighted that students can work on challenges that are currently relevant to the automotive industry. He expressed his appreciation for the camp, stating, "I consider it a great idea. I don't know of anything similar, not even at other universities or in other countries."

Thorsten Pfeffer emphasized that the camp also presents a tremendous opportunity for Audi Hungaria. (Photo: Márton Horváth)

Dean of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering, Dr Gábor Dogossy, welcomed the camp participants, stating, “Audi Hungaria is looking for engineers who can solve real problems, are familiar with the latest professional trends and have experience with cutting-edge tools. The camp is an excellent opportunity to train such outstanding young professionals, he declared.

"The Audi Development Camp carries the educational philosophy of our University and is a real flagship event for our institution," said Dr Dogossy.

As main organizer of the event, Dr Dániel Feszty, Head of the Vehicle Development Department at the University, stated that besides strictly automotive engineering knowledge, electronic and IT skills are also necessary in the automotive industry. "We know that only one month is available, but our previous experiences have shown that participants can learn a lot even in such a short time at this camp," he emphasized. He then revealed that last year, by the end of the camp, eight students had received job offers from Audi, with six of them still working at the company.

Recalling the history of the camp, Dr Feszty mentioned Dr Barna Hanula, who was the originator and main organizer of the programme, and who this year too is conducting master classes for students on internal combustion engines and soft skills. (Photo: Márton Horváth)

In addition to the previous year's Hardware In The Loop / Software In The Loop (HIL/SIL) simulation task, this year's camp includes a motor application task. It involves brake pad testing, performance electronics calibration, and efficiency testing of alternative fuels. The technical preparations and the equipment are provided by renowned international partners such as Audi AG, Volkswagen AG, dSpace, Gamax Laboratory Solutions, Etas, and AVL.

This year, more students applied for the camp than there were available places: out of 85 applicants, 31 were selected. When mapping the students' origins, it is evident that they come from all over the globe, from Ecuador through Iran to Kazakhstan.

The Audi Development Camp puts Győr and Széchenyi István University on the international map. Students from 22 countries around the world have come to participate in the programme. (Photo: Márton Horváth)

"There are few opportunities in education to gain practical knowledge. We have learned the basics in every area, but I want to expand my knowledge with deeper, more specific expertise. That's why I applied to the camp," said Ljiljana Kovjanich, a student at Óbuda University and originally from Serbia. After just a few days, she is already convinced of the appeal of Győr and Széchenyi István University.

Xuanyu Lyu, who is pursuing a Master's degree in automotive engineering at Modena University in Italy and was born in China but also studied in the United States, expressed a similarly positive opinion. "I am here because I want to learn something new, and I believe that the knowledge gained here will help me prepare for the next semester. This training is a perfect opportunity for my professional development," he said, discussing his motivation.

During the first week, divided into two sections, the students participate in professional training to prepare them for solving the project task. (Photo: Márton Horváth)