Duisburg

Duisburg

 

Duisburg is situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, the German state with the highest population density (18 million).

Duisburg is home of about 500,000 inhabitants. Within a radius of 500 kilometers a population of 140 million can be reached, which is almost one third of the total population of the European Union. Surrounded by traditional and modern industry, trade companies, and harbor facilities, Duisburg is a vibrant contrast of “the old” and “the new”. Its city center is a harmonious combination of commercial, industrial, residential, shopping, and leisure facilities.

Located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Ruhr, Duisburg is often associated with heavy industry and the largest inland port in the world. However, only few people know that Duisburg is one of the oldest university towns in Germany. Duisburg’s first university was officially opened in 1655 with the traditional four faculties of Theology, Philosophy, Law and Medicine. After 163 years of existence, it was dissolved in 1818 in favor of the newly founded university in Bonn.

Scholars visiting Duisburg are always surprised by the green surroundings and the attractive university setting. Duisburg is justly proud of its history and traditions as a major industrial city. The numerous firms in the area reinforce the vocational orientation of BEST studies through their close cooperation with the academic staff.