What's in a name? Usually not a whole lot-even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet agreed on that much. But in the case of Stuttgart, the name brings to mind not only the early nature of the city, but also its origins. "About 950, Stuttgart was originally founded by Duke Liudolf of Swabia, one of the sons of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I the Great, and used for horse breeding (especially for his father's cavalry)" (www.en.wikipedia.org). Therefore, this town became known as Stutengarten, which translates to "stud farm." Over the years, the name was shortened to its current form. But the seal of the city of Stuttgart even today features a horse rearing up on its hind legs, an homage, essentially, to the origins of the city (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Stuttgart, of course, has come a very long way since those early days. And today, it is one of the most important cities in Germany. From its industrial sector, its cultural contributions, and its importance in the world of German and international education, few cities in Germany can match it.
Academic Study Abroad Programs in Stuttgart
Though many don't know it, Stuttgart is home to one of the most famous manufactured products in the world: The Porsche automobile. In fact, take a look at the next Porsche you see (and they are everywhere). Right there, in the middle of the famous Porsche coat-of-arms, is the name Stuttgart and a similar rearing horse as is found on the city seal. But Stuttgart's industry is not limited to cars: "The region currently has Germany's highest density of scientific, academic, and research organisations, and tops the national league for patent applications. More than 11% of all R&D-expenses in the Federal Republic of Germany are generated in the Stuttgart Region (approximately 4.3 billion Euro per year)" (www.en.wikipedia.org).
What this means for students cannot be overstated: With such a bustling and vibrant industrial life in Stuttgart, students will have just as much of an opportunity to improve their education outside the classroom as they will inside it. Opportunities for work-study and internships abound. And attending school in the middle of such an important city affords students the opportunity to fill out their education every day, regardless of whether they're in class or not.
And students in Stuttgart certainly have many choices when it comes to education. There is, of course, the world-renowned University of Stuttgart, whose programs run the educational gamut and whose courses in German language studies for foreign students are second to none. But there are also many universities in the Baden-Württemberg state (of which Stuttgart is a part), including the famous and highly respected University of Heidelberg. Really, international students have many options from which to choose when it comes to their study abroad in and around Stuttgart.
And their education will certainly not be limited to what goes on in the classroom, for the cultural life of Stuttgart is as exciting and as enriching as anywhere in Germany. "The importance of Stuttgart's culture is shown by the variety [of] theatres and museums. Its opera house is home to the world-renowned 'Staatsballett,'" museums abound, and there are historical sights seemingly lurking around every corner (www.gogermany.net). And because of its "unique topographical position in between forests, vineyards, parks, and gardens, [Stuttgart]...can also rightly be called Germany's largest wine village...and the Swabian easy-going nature is at its peak during the 'Suttgarter Weindorf' and the world's second biggest beer festival, the 'Cannstadter Wasen,'" which, understandably, is a perennial hit with students (www.gogermany.net). There are also excellent restaurants, pubs, clubs, and discos for students and residents alike. And because so many of them are located centrally in the city, it's easy to get from one to another without having to worry too much about traffic or cabs.
Really, Stuttgart has much more to offer than many people give it credit for. And while it may be overshadowed by the more well-known Berlin and Frankfurt, it certainly is worth your time to investigate studying there. Indeed, you may very well find that you'll enjoy it more than you would anywhere else in Germany, for the range of opportunities for foreign students living in Stuttgart are seemingly limitless. All you have to do is give it a chance. Stuttgart is waiting for you.
