Europe College Brilon
The smallest commercial college in the Hochsauerland region of Germany situated in the small town of Brilon, can now also be called a Europe college.
Retiring principal of the college, Udo Schniedertöns said that this title would be of benefit to the college and its location in Brilon.
It took a long time and only came about after numerous meetings at school and local authority levels where a unanimous vote in favour was taken.
This also shows the future direction the college will take with the accent on Europe at all levels of teaching and an increased accent on foreign languages. There will also be bilingual teaching in some subjects in a few classes. “Increasing globalisation makes it all the more important to prepare our students for the ever changing conditions.”
“We are certain that the courses and exams offered at our Europe college will be of immediate help to our students in their choice of careers.” Mr Schniedertöns continued.
The 850 students attending the college were very much caught up in the preparations and celebrations before and on the day when the blue Europe sign on the front of the school building was unveiled to a great round of applause. Information stands about European administration, member countries, an EU quiz and culinary specialities from several member states helped make this day very special. MEP Dr Peter Liese, congratulated the first Europe college in the Hochsauerland region. “A lot is happening in Brilon with regards the European idea and the creation of this place of learning as a Europe college is a culmination of this.”
College principal Udo Schniedertöns was also proud of the occasion. 
He said that just a few days before the education authorities in the German federal state of Northrhein Westfalia had announced that it was their intention to have one Europa school in each principal town in the state by 2010. Mr Schniedertöns said that “We can be proud that we in Brilon have already completed this step towards Europe.”
“Brilon is leading the field” deputy governor of the region, Rudolf Heinemann commented and expressed the hope that further schools and colleges in the Hochsauerland would follow. “We are a small college and now we must set our sights to the future and acknowledge the responsibilities that the title of Europe College brings with it. We intend not only to expand the range of courses in foreign languages but to ensure that each and every student has a good command of at least one. “ Mr Schniedertöns added. 
“The European idea must be present in all subjects.” In order to achieve this aim the commercial college in Brilon plans to organise annual projects concerning Europe and strengthen and increase its ties with European partner colleges. “We still have a lot to do” he continued. “And we are always on the lookout for new partnerships which will especially make it possible for our students to benefit from more exchanges and to better equip them for their future carreers.
