Ghent University was founded in 1817. It is one of the major universities in the Dutch-speaking region of Europe and distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic institution in a broad international perspective. The University offers high-quality, research-based education in all academic disciplines, and attracts over 32,000 students in its eleven faculties, including a large international student population. Since many years, Ghent University has strived to be a pioneer in the implementation of European educational and research projects, and the eight Erasmus Mundus Master Courses it offers in 2010 are proof to the university's experience in intensive international collaboration.