Promoting sporting, cultural and educational links across Europe
Current Partnerships
Können Sie Deutsch sprechen? Parlez-vous français?
Listed below are many Richmond clubs & associations which have partners in Konstanz & Fontainebleau. However first you might like to improve your German or French.
The University of Konstanz enjoys an idyllic setting on the banks of the Bodensee, overlooking the garden island of Mainau
The Richmond in Europe Association works closely with the Tandem-Büro, based at the University of Konstanz, which brings together native speakers to learn one another’s language. All you need to do is to register (free of charge) & the Büro will find you a partner in your chosen language. All levels are catered for from absolute beginners to fluent speakers. You can communicate by email or Skype as often as you like or meet each other in Richmond or Konstanz.
Ingo Seyfried at the Rhine Falls near Konstanz
About 1500 people are registered with the Tandem-Büro, but there are very few native English speakers, who are much in demand. Most Germans learn English from other Germans which is not as good as learning from a native speaker. Ingo Seyfried wanted to converse with a native English speaker so he enrolled with the Tandem-Büro.
To read about his experience please click on the following link.
You can also learn German at the Humboldt-Institut in Konstanz. There is a range of residential courses for students over 18 & mature adults. For further information please click on the following links.
To see a short film of St. Margaret’s Elastic Band & others performing at the reaffirmation in Fontainebleau in 2015 please click on the following link.
For further information about art please contact Paul Douglas on:
0208 780 9465
pdouglasart@googlemail.com
or
wenzel.france@orange.fr (for Art Fontainebleau)
Teddington School has a annual exchange with the Geschwister-Scholl-Schule in Konstanz.
Teddington schoolchildren in Konstanz July 2018
Hampton & Lady Eleanor Holles Schools have an annual exchange with Ellenrieder Gymnasium in Konstanz.
Students from Hampton & Lady Eleanor Holles schools in the courtyard of the town hall in Konstanz. July 2018
St. Mary’s University, Strawberry Hill, was linked with the University of Konstanz through the Erasmus+ programme.
Unfortunately in 2021 the British government withdrew the UK from the Erasmus scheme as a result of Brexit. Sadly British students will no longer be entitled to participate in the scheme unless they are entitled to EU citizenship by virtual of dual nationality. (e.g. An Irish grandparent etc.)
The University of Konstanz enjoys an idyllic location
The view from the university refectory.
Students with EU citizenship will however continue to enjoy the benefits. For further details please contact Melanie Hochstätter in Konstanz.
erasmus.humanities@uni-konstanz.de
Melanie Hochstätter (right) with her colleague Iris Bräuning
Katharina Land from the University of Konstanz studied English at St. Mary’s in 2018. During her time in Richmond she wrote, ” I decided to spend a semester at St. Mary’s because of its proximity to London & its reputation of having a familiar & welcoming community. So far I am enjoying my life in England very much & I start my days excited to see which opportunities are going to arise for me. I love to explore London’s museums & attractions and I often read in the beautiful Richmond Park. I know that this Erasmus semester allows me to meet amazing people, develop my English and grow as a person in many ways and I am very thankful for all of that.
Another young woman from Konstanz, Tina Merzan, also studied English at St. Mary’s. During her stay she wrote, “I decided to study in Twickenham because it is so close to London. The exciting capital offers many opportunities for people who are interested in culture, art, literature & the theatre. I’m enjoying being close to a foreign culture and exploring all its uniqueness & differences. My favourite places are Camden Town by night & Bushy Park. London is a melting point for exciting foreign cultures and there is always something new to explore. The first time I went to Richmond I was fascinated by its cosy cafes & bars. Richmond Park is definitely the highlight of the borough. I’m glad that I have got the chance to study in such great a country as England.”
Montana Twinem (22) from Konstanz also read English & Media Studies at St. Mary’s through the Erasmus programme. She says, “The urge to expand my horizon is what led me to study at St. Mary’s. Situated in a peaceful suburban area, yet close to the centre of London, it enjoys a perfect location. However it is not only the social & cultural experience which makes my time here so special. Equally important was the great course choice. With fantastic & demanding lecturers, my classes in English & film/media studies have challenged me to go the extra mile & seize any potential I might have. The people I have met & the things I have learned will stay with me forever and I can only recommend Erasmus & St. Mary’s to anyone who is thinking about a change of scenery.”
Marie Herbert is another student from the University of Konstanz who recently studied at St. Mary’s as part of the Erasmus scheme. She writes,”I am very glad that the Erasmus programme has made it possible for me to study here for a semester. This has enabled me to improve my English & to learn about different cultures & people. I am studying media arts & creative writing, which fit in with the programme in my home university, but at the same time they offer different aspects and a more practice-oriented way of learning. The small size of the St. Mary’s campus made it easy for me to find my way around & there are several places to explore in the vicinity, like Teddington, Richmond & Kingston, which otherwise I probably would not have visited. And of course it is easy to get to the vibrant city centre of London. In addition, St. Mary’s offers a huge range of sports, which gave me the possibility to stay fit during my time away from my team sport at home. My time in England & at St. Mary’s has gifted me with a lot of new experiences & adventures & new friends to enjoy them with.”
Many of Britain’s top athletes, like Mo Farah, train at St. Mary’s.
The Friends of Richmond Park are linked with Les Amis de la Forêt de Fontainebleau.
which welcomes francophones & francophiles from the Richmond area. For further details please click on the above link or telephone Cedric Marx on 07942 999943
and
The Barnes Community Association
which is partnered with
Les Amis de Barnes
in Le Pecq
A bird’s eye view of Le Pecq which lies on the Seine 19 km west of Paris.
For further information please contact Helen Edward via
Guildford is twinned with Freiburg, which is also in Baden-Württemberg & not too far from Konstanz. For more information about the Guildford Twinning Association please click on the following link.
For further details about pétanque in Richmond please contact Len Griffiths on 0208 878 6865 or 07904 119521
Thames Philharmonic Choir is twinned with Sinfonischer Chor in Konstanz
Katharina Land from the University of Konstanz studied English at St. Mary’s in 2018. During her time in Richmond she wrote, ” I decided to spend a semester at St. Mary’s because of its proximity to London & its reputation of having a familiar & welcoming community. So far I am enjoying my life in England very much & I start my days excited to see which opportunities are going to arise for me. I love to explore London’s museums & attractions and I often read in the beautiful Richmond Park. I know that this Erasmus semester allows me to meet amazing people, develop my English and grow as a person in many ways and I am very thankful for all of that.
Another young woman from Konstanz, Tina Merzan, also studied English at St. Mary’s. During her stay she wrote, “I decided to study in Twickenham because it is so close to London. The exciting capital offers many opportunities for people who are interested in culture, art, literature & the theatre. I’m enjoying being close to a foreign culture and exploring all its uniqueness & differences. My favourite places are Camden Town by night & Bushy Park. London is a melting point for exciting foreign cultures and there is always something new to explore. The first time I went to Richmond I was fascinated by its cosy cafes & bars. Richmond Park is definitely the highlight of the borough. I’m glad that I have got the chance to study in such great a country as England.”
Montana Twinem (22) from Konstanz also read English & Media Studies at St. Mary’s through the Erasmus programme. She says, “The urge to expand my horizon is what led me to study at St. Mary’s. Situated in a peaceful suburban area, yet close to the centre of London, it enjoys a perfect location. However it is not only the social & cultural experience which makes my time here so special. Equally important was the great course choice. With fantastic & demanding lecturers, my classes in English & film/media studies have challenged me to go the extra mile & seize any potential I might have. The people I have met & the things I have learned will stay with me forever and I can only recommend Erasmus & St. Mary’s to anyone who is thinking about a change of scenery.”
Marie Herbert is another student from the University of Konstanz who recently studied at St. Mary’s as part of the Erasmus scheme. She writes,”I am very glad that the Erasmus programme has made it possible for me to study here for a semester. This has enabled me to improve my English & to learn about different cultures & people. I am studying media arts & creative writing, which fit in with the programme in my home university, but at the same time they offer different aspects and a more practice-oriented way of learning. The small size of the St. Mary’s campus made it easy for me to find my way around & there are several places to explore in the vicinity, like Teddington, Richmond & Kingston, which otherwise I probably would not have visited. And of course it is easy to get to the vibrant city centre of London. In addition, St. Mary’s offers a huge range of sports, which gave me the possibility to stay fit during my time away from my team sport at home. My time in England & at St. Mary’s has gifted me with a lot of new experiences & adventures & new friends to enjoy them with.”
