Founded in 1990, Saint Matthias Kolleg, Tünsdorf, was the realization of a dream to get a group of young professionals together to set up an adult education center in a strategically located rural German village. The goal was simple, yet visionary: to foster cultural exchange between all nations in order to allow peoples of different languages and backgrounds the opportunity of better understanding.

The selected location was the picturesque village of Tünsdorf, located in the German federal state of Saarland, region of Mettlach. This region is located on the tri-country border of Germany, France and Luxembourg. As a consequence of this reality, the words "Tünsdorf - in the heart of Europe" do not appear quite so exaggerated.

An old Roman settlement

Tünsdorf itself has approximately 900 inhabitants, with an altitude between 250 and 442 meters above sea level. In the village there are numerous historic mansions to be visited and the population places great emphasis on the preservation and careful restoration of ancient structures. There also exists historic proof that Tünsdorf is one of the oldest Christian communities in the Saargau and probably was born of a former Roman settlement.

In Tünsdorf there are several sights to see: two 17^th century chapels, a former monastery built in the historic Baroque era as well as the "Grotto of Lourdes" on the Kewelsberg, a mountain beside the village. The Kewelsberg itself is a well-known sight to visit, this historic site on sunny days offers brilliant views of the surrounding landscape.

Open-minded population

The smkt • college itself is located in the center of the village and is well known to all citizens. The inhabitants of Tünsdorf are exceptionally open-minded and it is an honor for them to open their homes to the foreign students who spend their months in Germany. Aside from the possibility of being hosted by a local family, the smkt • college in Tünsdorf also offers dormitories to the students.