It is hard to find a city in Germany which offers more historic sites than Heidelberg. Here, so many interesting places are within 10 minutes walking distance from each other. To discover the most fascinating sights of Heidelberg, two WLE students headed out together with one of our WLE staff for a tour through the old town.

Our first stop was the former prison of the University of Heidelberg (Studentenkarzer). From 1778 to 1914 students were imprisoned here for “peccadillos” like heavy duels, disturbance of the peace by night or other violations of public policies.

In the past, the university had its own jurisdiction so that the bailiff could impose prison sentences for students. The arrest could take, depending on the crime, between three days and four weeks, however the students were allowed to attend lectures. After the lectures they had to return to the prison. Still today these “artworks” can be visited.

Our two Korean Students in front of the prison	Dongsoo inspecting a room	The many wall paintings made the prison famous

One of the small wooden beds	The description of the prison in Korean!

Next stop was the impressive library of the University (Universitätsbibliothek). Heidleberg University was founded by Elector Ruprecht I and Pope Urban VI in 1386. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, three libraries came into existence that were part of the university. The new building designed by J. Durm was completed in 1905. Today Heidelberg University Library holds about 3 million books and periodicals, about 480.000 other media like microforms, videos and about 600 manuscripts. This Library counts 34.000 active users and about 1,4 million loans per year. Inside the library, beside books and computer terminals, are exhibitions showing the cultural life of the city of Heidelberg.

The library from outside	Our students inside the library

The church from outside	Hyunchul checking the bell’s sound	Dongsoo praying, (as he told us later) for a pretty girlfriend

One of the most interesting churches in Heidelberg is the Jesuits Church (Jesuitenkirche). The construction of this church began in 1711 and lasted until 1759. This church is famous for its altarpiece and in a vault in the northeast corner is buried Elector Friedric the victorious. It was a long tour on a very cold day. At the end of the tour we entered a cozy restaurant to have a coffee or a hot chocolate and to share the many new and exciting impressions.

Dongsoo, WLE staff Jan and Hyunchul

In 2006 the world is celebrating Mozart’s 250th birthday, a good occasion for the WLE students to visit one of Mozart’s most famous operas: “Figaros Hochzeit” (The Marriage of Figaro).

“Figaro’s Hochzeit” (The Marriage of Figaro) is an opera composed in 1786 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Based on a play by Pierre Beaumarchais. Figaro premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna on May 1, 1786. The opera became one of Mozart´s most successful works.

The Plot: (First act 'The Barber of Seville': Figaro helped Count Almaviva to win his love Rosine.)
The Marriage of Figaro is a continuation of 'The Barber of Seville', and recounts a single crazy day in the palace of the Count Almaviva, where Rosina is now the Countess. Her husband, the Count is seaking the favors of Susanna who is to be wed to her love, Figaro, the Count's valet. When the Count detects the interest of the young page in the Countess, he tries to get rid of him by giving him an officer's commission in his own regiment. Figaro, Susanna, and the Countess conspire to embarrass the Count and reveal his intrigue. Meanwhile Figaro is caught up in a dispute with Bartolo and Marcellina, which ends when he is revealed to be their son. All find themselves in the palace at night, where a comic series of swapped identity results in the Count´s humiliation and then forgiveness by the Countess.

The WLE Students Wakako (from Japan and Cristina (from Spain) at the train station in Heidelberg waiting for the train to Mannheim	What a surprise! Even Mozart himself attended the concert!	Wakako and Cristina inside the opera

The concert took place at the 'Nationaltheater' (national theatre) in Mannheim, a city west of Heidelberg. For our students it was their first time to see an opera and we all had an unforgettable evening, especially because Mozart himself attended the concert!

The “Nationaltheater” was founded in 1839 by the Elector Carl Theodor and is today one of the oldest theatre in the world.

How do you like Heidelberg?
It is small and beautiful. I think it is a perfect place to study.

How are you finding your studies?
In general, it was very good. The teachers explained things from our perspective and the way they integrated the curriculum and text was very pertinent.

How did you find the relationship between students and between students and teachers?
It was all very good. I had a great time with students and teachers at the residence and school. Thanks to the friends from all over the world (America, UK, Mexico, Cypress, Poland, Switzerland etc.), I interacted with many different cultures as well.

Where were you accommodated and how did you like your accommodation?
I stayed at the residence and it was good in general except for the bed.

What is the most interesting thing you have done or discovered in Heidelberg?
Heidelberg is totally different from my hometown so everything was very interesting.
However, meeting people with different backgrounds and building close relationships with them was the most interesting thing I found in Heidelberg.

How did you find the WorldLink Activities you attended during your stay in Heidelberg?
Because of some personal matters, I was only able to attend one activity organized by WLE. Jan tried his best to show me as much as possible and with his kind assistance, I had a great time.

What were the major (culture, social or educational) differences from your home country that you experienced when you first arrived in Heidelberg (and maybe still find yourself struggling with)?
Using the public transportation in Germany is totally different than in Korea. First I was struggling with the system but I was impressed to find the system is based on ‘Trust’ in people and their conscience.

What advice/tips would you give others who plan to come to Heidelberg?
I had some fears about going overseas to study but they turned out to be irrelevant.
There was always someone who helped and supported me in Heidelberg. So my advice is not to worry too much about the new life in Heidelberg. Instead be more positive and active so that you can gain more from your new experience.

Do you think you will come back to Heidelberg/ Germany?
Yes, I would love to!