The city of Koblenz was founded by the Romans some 2,000 years ago at the junction of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Today, this small, picturesque city offers travelers a warm, small-town feel, because of its modest population of around 120,000, as well as all the breathtaking beauty of the German wine country. Through the Erasmus Exchange program, St. Edward's University began its affiliation with Austin's sister city, Koblenz in 1994.

As part of the exchange, students access two other institutions based at the Fachhochschule Koblenz, in addition to the Fachhochschule itself : the Theological Institute of Koblenz and the University of Koblenz, where SEU students take many of their classes. Therefore, students have access to middle, high, and graduate level German language courses, as well as a variety of other schools of study. Fachhochschule Koblenz specializes in architecture, city planning, engineering, electronics, ceramics, mechanical engineering, social work, sociology, business, and international business. The school also houses the European center for community Education. Each of the Fachhochschule's courses requires a coinciding internship, though exceptions and accommodations are made for SEU students.

The semester study in Koblenz is surprisingly affordable. Contact the International Education Office in Academic Planning and Support, 448-8660, for current prices. Students live on campus in single dorm rooms for around $175/ month. Students pay only $1,000/ semester tuition. Koblenz' public transportation is excellent, but because Koblenz is so small, students rarely need it.

Before registering for classes abroad, students should consult their advisors for a study program tailored to satisfy the requirements of their major. With department approval, Fachhochschule Koblenz credit hours are transferable toward students' individual SEU degree plans.

Perhaps the most unique facet of SEU's Koblenz exchange program is that the Fachhochschule Koblenz is the only Erasmus school to admit students with only four semesters of German and Goethe Institute certification required. SEU students are able to practice their language skills with native speakers at an earlier stage in their language skill development, which makes the process both efficient and enjoyable. SEU's recent affiliation with Erasmus is especially exciting because the Erasmus Exchange Agreement stipulates that students may choose to study in any other affiliated school in the European Union upon completion of their semester in Koblenz.