Köthen/ Anhalt AT A GLANCE

KÖTHEN/ ANHALT AT A GLANCE

Köthen (Anhalt) is the capital of the district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, east-central Germany. It is conveniently located in close proximity to the bigger towns of Magdeburg, Halle (Saale), Dessau and Bernburg (Saale). Köthen is known for its rich black soil in which sugar beets are cultivated. Other strong industries in the region include high-tech, chemical and foodstuffs engineering. The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, worked there, which is why the town is known as “the world capital of homeopathy”. Another fascinating fact about Köthen is that Johann Sebastian Bach lived there from 1717 to 1723. Köthen has a population of over 25,000 people. The official language is German. The climate in Köthen is moderate to cold with an average annual temperature of 9.1 °C. There is not much rainfall in comparison with other regions in Germany. Transport to and from the city is well established. One of the first railway lines in Germany, Dessau-Köthen, still operates today. Trains run daily and connect Köthen with the rest of the country. Buses also run on set schedules. The Ziethe river crosses the northern part of the town. Köthen is situated in an area of high economic and agricultural importance. The area has the best agricultural soil. The Fruitful Society, the largest German language academy, was formed in Köthen. In 2007, in its tradition, the New Fruitful Society was established as an organization that aims to preserve and care for the German language.

Academic Year

Summer Semester: April – September / Winter Semester: October – March

Official Language

German

Higher Education Institutions

Population

26157

Living Costs

800 EUR

STUDYING IN KÖTHEN/ ANHALT

Founded in 1991, the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is a public university headquartered in Köthen (Anhalt). The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in three locations – Köthen (headquarters), Bernburg (Saale), and Dessau-Roßlau. The Anhalt University of Applied Sciences currently accommodates over 8,000 students, 2,000 of which are international. The university is split into seven departments: Agriculture, Ecothrophology and Landscape Development; Economics; Architecture, Facility Management and Geoinformation; Design; Computer Science and Languages; Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering; Applied Biosciences and Process Engineering. Students can choose between full-time, dual studies and extra-occupational programs, depending on what fits their needs best. Generally, the engineering courses are carried out in Köthen, while the design and architecture, as well as the economic and ecological programs are taught in Dessau and Bernburg respectively. Anhalt University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of degree programs, including Applied Computer Science, Architecture, Business Administration, Agricultural Management, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Digital Media Technologies, Electrical Engineering, Food Science, and many more. In total, there are 33 Bachelor and 40 Master degree programs. The university is very friendly towards foreign students. There are courses taught entirely in English and in addition, there is a facility in Köthen which helps prepare international students for higher education in Germany. Affordable accommodation in Köthen is easy to find. Students can live on campus in one of three residences – on Bernburger Straße and Lohmannstraße. The organization Studentenwerk Halle offers apartments and shared flats that cost from 209 to 228 EUR per month. Furthermore, private renting options are also available and can be easily found on local websites and in newspapers.

KÖTHEN/ ANHALT LIFESTYLE

Köthen is a town of rich culture and a surprisingly busy lifestyle. There is a number of events held in Köthen regularly, such as the Carnival in Saxony-Anhalt, the Köthen Bach Festival, food markets, concerts and music festivals, to name a few. Restaurants in town serve delicious food prepared in local style, as well as popular international foods. There are pubs, bars and nightclubs for every taste. Some of the busiest places in Köthen include The Shamrock Irish Pub, Galerie Musikpub, VT bar, Tanzschloß Köthen disco club, and SK2 Club. The history of Köthen can be experienced through the old churches, towers and castle. There are a few museums which exhibit fascinating memorabilia of regional significance. The nature in the area provides great conditions for hikes, picnics and walks along the river. Beautiful parks and gardens lend the town a calming atmosphere. The zoo, the Schloss Köthen castle and the remains of the medieval city are some of the most popular tourist attractions. The town is also rich in sporting events, with a handball club, hockey club, shooting range and tennis club.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN KÖTHEN/ ANHALT

The federal state of Saxony-Anhalt is currently on an economic rise. The biggest economic sectors are chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, the food industry, and tourism. New industries, such as automation, biotechnology, information and communication technology, media, renewable resources and wind energy, are emerging and developing quickly. Companies are on a constant lookout for qualified professionals in these and other sectors. A few companies have their headquarters in Köthen – Kranbau Köthen (a mechanical engineering company that specializes in crane production), VKK Standardkessel Köthen, Mercateo Services (online trading company), DAW SE (paints and coatings production), as well as one of the world's largest photovoltaic power plants. Anhalt University of Applied Sciences has established a career center that aims to prepare students for professional life by setting up workshops, lectures, career days, trainings and consultations. Furthermore, the services are also offered in English for international students. There is also an online job portal where students can search for suitable internships and jobs.

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