International Office
Europe Day 2021 - Europe goes on!
9 May is Europe Day and we want to celebrate it again this year!
What actually is Europe Day?
On this day we commemorate the fact that we can live in peace and unity in Europe. On 9 May 1950, the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman gave a speech in Paris in which he presented his vision of a new kind of political cooperation in Europe - a cooperation that made wars between European nations unimaginable. His proposal is considered the cornerstone of today's EU.
Look at the diversity of Europe, Explore Europe virtually. For all those who want to physically explore Europe again in the near future, the International Office is always available – right now by phone and email but also virtually.
Explore Europe with ERASMUS+
The European Commission's Erasmus+ programme supports internships in Europe and study abroad at one of our 35 Erasmus+ partner universities.
H-BRS Photo exhibition on Europe 2019
On Europe Day 1919 we asked you to send us your thoughts on Europe under the motto "My Europe is...". We liked the result so much that we would like to share some of the submissions with you again here!
Favourite places in Europe - a very personal selection from the International Office
Europe has countless places and regions worth seeing - a "Best Of" can only be incomplete! Nevertheless, we have made a small survey among the staff of the International Office about their personal favourite places in Europe. The choice was not easy, but here is the result:
Étretat, France
The Côte d'Albâtre (alabaster coast) has numerous chalk cliffs, the most famous of them are on the Étretat cliffs. The chalk cliffs rise up to 100 metres from sea level and can be explored on well-designed wide hiking trails. The alabaster coast is located in the department of Seine-Maritime in Haute Normandie.
Stefanie Fey, Welcome Centre Sankt Augustin
Monopoli, Italy
This small town in Puglia, in the South of Italy, has no big tourist attractions, but it has a lot of flair! After a stroll through the narrow alleys, past the busy harbour and with a detour to the small beach, you can enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle on the Piazza Guiseppe Garibaldi over a delicious Italian ice cream.
Christina Holthaus, Study abroad
Wrocław (Breslau), Poland
Wrocław is considered the Venice of the North: the city is directly located on the banks of the Oder and is surrounded by four tributaries. Thus exploring 20 islands and crossing 130 bridges keeps you very busy. The special charm of this city is also reflected in fantastic historical squares, the "famous dwarves" and the delicious traditional Polish cuisine!
Birgit Henn, International Office Rheinbach
Seville, Spain
The Alcázar is the medieval royal palace of Seville. Originally arranged as a Moorish fort, the complex was later extended several times up to the palace. Under lemon- and orange trees, palms and at some wonderful arranged ponds, the people can escape from the noise and the hustle and bustle of the city.
Astrid Schlinkert, Internships abroad
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is an incredible city for any art and history lover. With its Wall, its iconic alternative districts and neighborhoods, the intense urban art that can be seen on every corner, on every big old building, it's just very easy to feel magnetized and feel part of history. Although in winter is also beautiful, Berlin is an spectacular place to be on summer! Just full of color, dance and sense of freedom.
Soca-Valley, Slovenia
The turqois-blue water and the wild nature in and around the Soca (Isonzo) in Slovenia has left quiet an impression. You can do all kinds of activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and canyoning – big fun!
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a city of exciting contrasts. A young, dynamic population meets tradition and history here. The old town of Riga invites you to stroll, the not far away Baltic Sea beach ensures relaxation and holiday feeling. During the Christmas season, the whole city is decorated with a wide variety of Christmas trees. And you can also get your culinary delights in Riga, drink the national drink of Balsams in rustic pubs.
Windsor, UK
Windsor Castle and the ”Long Walk”: Windsor Castle is located in the small town of Windsor (Berkshire), about 40 minutes from London, and is the largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The Long Walk is part of the large park and is perfect for walking, cycling or just relaxing on the grass.
Susanne Farha, Study abroad
Experience European Culture
Music, films, museums - convince yourself of the cultural diversity of Europe!
