IES Abroad Freiburg – Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Studying abroad in Freiburg was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The city is small enough to feel personal and easy to navigate, but has plenty of cafés, restaurants, shops, and things to explore. With an excellent public transit system and the Black Forest right next door, it was the perfect place to live for both everyday life and outdoor adventures. One of the aspects I appreciated most about the program was its size. With a smaller group, it was easy to form genuine connections, and over time, those classmates started to feel like family. The program is on the smaller size, so I was able to connect with every person in the group, which I really appreciated. By the end, it felt like a big family! Academically, it was exactly what I was hoping for in a study abroad semester. We had lots of field trips that brought our classroom discussions to life, and the classes offered were both unique and engaging, covering topics I wouldn’t have been able to study at my home university. I was able to spend three days in the Swiss Alps hiking and learning! Traveling was another highlight. I had the chance to visit seven other countries, with France and Switzerland being just next door. The closest airport is about an hour away in Basel, Switzerland, and there’s a convenient bus that runs frequently, or you can easily take the train.

It’s been nearly a year since I was accepted into my IES Abroad study abroad program. I was overjoyed to learn I’d spend my fall semester in Freiburg, Germany, a hub of green cities and sustainability. While I knew it would be an amazing opportunity, I never anticipated the profound, lifelong impact it would have on me. From a career standpoint, my time abroad deepened my passion for urban sustainability, renewable energy, and humanity’s environmental impact. I even learned to use GIS, a skill I unexpectedly loved! Studying these subjects in the Swiss Alps was unforgettable, and being taught by German professors offered a uniquely inspiring perspective as an American. My German language skills also improved, something I hope to build on in the future. The entire academic experience was extraordinary. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in German culture, living like a local and exploring over 10 cities. Trying new foods, visiting museums, hiking, and discovering history, languages, and fashion filled my journey with unforgettable memories. I also met incredible people, both fellow Americans and Europeans, forming close bonds with individuals I otherwise never would have crossed paths with. Their diverse cultures and customs enriched my perspective in ways I’ll always cherish. I embarked on this journey knowing no one, yet I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and forged lifelong friendships. There were days I wandered alone, exploring at my own pace, and now I long for those moments of independence. That self-assurance allowed me to fully embrace my study abroad experience, making it all the more rewarding. From a Freiburg specific note- I ended up living in shared housing with German citizens, gaining a glimpse into their life. I did get my own room, which was nice. The grocery store was awfully close to where I lived, so everything was walking distance and if it wasn't, there was a good transit system. One thing to get used to is everything being closed on Sundays. I would also note how loud Americans are. I know I speak loudly, but if you sit and listen to the community around you, not only is it more peaceful, you end up realizing how loud you can get (and how Germans will stare!) Sometimes, mental battles are hard to fight, as you are in an environment with people you don't really know, and no known safe spaces for yourself. You have to be confident, meet new people, explore, really find those supportive areas for yourself. I suggest small weekday trips to nearby cities if you have the time for it, as knowing small little cities around Freiburg made me feel closer to the city and country. My favorite was Staufen! Don't take the time you have there for granted, really appreciate being a local, and don't book every weekend away from your city. Get to know it.

Photos & Videos

I chose Freiburg specifically because 1) it as an environmental studies program with an emphasis on spending a lot of time outside of a classroom setting and 2) it was a smaller, lesser known city than a lot of other study abroad options which I thought would facilitate a more authentic cultural experience. I didn’t know any German before I went on the program (which is not a problem because mostly everyone speaks english) but by the end of the trip I was able to ask basic questions and read a whole menu/order at cafes just by being surrounded by it. IES does a super awesome job of giving you all the information you need to get around and familiarize yourself (the staff is super friendly and cool), and you also make friends extremely fast ...that was the easy part! I sincerely loved every single person on my program and they came from all over and a variety of schools. Freiburg is in a great location for traveling around Europe, it is the sunniest spot in Germany and there is so so much to do outside (go swimming, hikes, bike rides, concerts in nearby towns, biergartens), the public transportation is amazing and affordable, and you are always surrounded by the Black Forest and expansive fields/orchards to have a picnic in. Freiburg is a perfect size to be able to get to know in a semester and by the end it really felt like a second home to me because there is a strong community feeling there. There's local student spots that hold a lot of events and do a great job including IES and international students. There are also lots of other international students living in the housing so you can meet people from all over the world. Classes were super informative and applicable to real-world sustainability work, not to mention interesting. All the IES instructors were really knowledgable, kind, and approachable and I liked the module schedule because you get to focus on one class at a time. It also helps you get comfortable with your instructor because of how much time you’re in the classroom. There was no one favorite part of my trip because you make so many incredible memories with the friends you gain there whether its just cooking big dinners in someones flat, going to a german Bathhouse, or taking weekend trips to other european cities, but the best thing about this specific program which I think a lot of people who go abroad to other places do not experience is the incredible beauty that we got to see. From the Swiss Alps to the Vosges Mountains in France to the surrounding Black Forest towns, you are seeing beautiful landscapes continuously throughout this program and hiking a lot. I learned so much about sustainability and practicing a green lifestyle which I could have only adopted by being in a green-focused environment. Freiburg is a really special place!

Traveling to Freiburg, Germany was my first time traveling abroad, and I must say, it didn't disappoint! I absolutely loved the city! It's a cute little college town in prime proximity to France, the Swiss Alps, and of course, the Black Forest. The logistics of the program are also exceptional, and it offers a wide variety of professors, academics, and cultural opportunities! If you’re interested in the environment, then the IES environmental studies program is specially tailored towards giving you the opportunity to experience sustainability though many different perspectives. I learned about renewable technologies and urban studies, which were fields I wouldn’t have had the time or availability to try at my home institution. The classes are also set up into 3-week crash course modules, which means that you have a lot of free time during the day to enjoy swimming, hiking, or just wandering around the city. I also didn't have any problems in regards to safety; the IES staff was great about being available 24/7 and with providing pre-departure and on-site information. The housing provided by the program is also unique because you get placed into university owned apartments shared with other German university students and you are not housed together as a program. Of course, there are also other housing options available like apartment singles, but that was just my experience, and I found that it was a great way to make friends. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the program and would recommend anyone on the fence for studying abroad to definitely go for it! If you happen to like the environment, then I would also suggest this program. Living and learning in another culture is really an eye-opening experience, and I never forget the wonderful memories I made there!

I choose IES Freiburg for a number of reason, I choose IES Freiburg over IES Berlin because, Freiburg was considered the “Green City of Germany,” and as a Culture and Politics major converting in Ecology & Fine Arts, it seemed appropriate to place myself in a leading city of ecological and green values. I also remember as an adolescent reading about the Black Forest and the German Alps, and I was in awe with the deep green trees set against the foggy backdrop of the forest. Never did I imagine I’d study forestry of the Black Forest and Swiss/German Alps! As a native Washingtonian, I also welcomed the allure of a slower pace city with an opened mind. Rest assured that IES Freiburg was my best choice! Aside from being cradled between the Black Forest in Germany, and the Vosges Mountains of France, which meant plenty of hikes, Freiburg was very much a college town. I discovered a college population is an important aspect to enjoying a city as a twenty year old. Having traveled to a few cities in France and Germany, those which stuck out had a predominantly large college-aged population. This is important as the demographic of a city greatly influences what a city has to offer. Things like activities, the types of entertainment and food offered, the night life, and even who you see on the tram most frequently can be essential aspects to how well you’re able to transition as an international student. IES Freiburg Environmental Studies and Sustainability program, of the three major programs offered, the Fall semester of ‘18 was the smallest cohort, having 28 students. Compared to the IES EU program which had a steller 98, I had an opportunity to develop deep ties with my cohort. They were the “study” to my abroad, and made my experience extraordinary. Not only did I learn and grow with them in the classroom, but outside the IES building they were my closest friends and confidants. There isn’t an exceptionally robust environmental studies program at my home school university. Being surrounded by other students interested in Environment studies made me realize i was never in such a space in the past. I had a community of solidarity which was as passionate about the global environmental issues of the modern world as I was. We reminded each other to continue to pursue our work and interest. It was impossible to feel alone when I found myself apart of such a formidable family. I recommended IES Freiburg to those who are interested in the Environment, the European Union and politics, or those who are interested in German language and area studies. IES Freiburg is perfect if you like hands on learning with lots of trips, executions and activities. If you prefer programs which give you the range to explore and experience without the burden of overhead requirements and checklist, then this is perfect for you. IES Freiburg balances studies, program sponsored trips, monthly events, and a 27/7 on call staff that you are free to access at your discretion. Have fun and learn a lot!

I absolutely loved IES Freiburg. I studied under some of the best professors I've ever met, lived with several amazing international students outside of my program, and really got to enjoy Freiburg. Academically, the professors were all unique and were given the flexibility needed to teach our classes based on what best suited us, not just some curriculum. The courses were done in modules (instead of 5 classes all taken at the same time throughout the semester, we had five 3-week blocks where each class began only when the other completely ended) which I believe gave us better focus on our topics and encouraged us to dive deeper into subjects. The courses also weren't limited to the classroom, and included dozens of excursions both throughout the city and outside of it- the Swiss Alps hiking trip was particularly amazing. I do believe one or two classes needed better organization and communication between professors, especially those where we had multiple professors (which in theory was great as they each had a different expertise), and that the administration could have been more response and proactive in solving these issues. However this was the only issue I found with administration. They were otherwise extremely helpful, great with communcation, and always open to answering questions. Freiburg is a great city for students, big enough to always find something new to do, but small enough that it's easy to navigate and get to classes. It has plenty of hiking trails reachable with public transit or even just walking from housing; the smaller "suburbs" outside each have their own feel and cool things to do, and are also easy to reach. The train station in the center of the city can connect you to tons of other German and International cities, and a small airport nearby can get you on a quick flight. The IES Environmental Program schedule doesn't leave a lot of room for long trips, but there are definitely a few 4-day weekends you can use to go somewhere far. It also "forced" us to really look into Freiburg during our free time which I was very thankful for by the end of the trip. You'll have many chances to meet german, or international, students- whether through your housing or the required german courses.

Studying with IES in Freiburg was one of the best decisions of my life. The program was unique and very immersive, providing a education tailored to the environmental consciousness of Freiburg and its surrounding areas. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and provided hands on experience with much of the courses taking place in the field (including one in the Swiss Alps). IES provides you with all of the tools needed to make your study abroad experience amazing. Whether you like to travel often or spend your time exploring the area, the staff is eager to help you make the most out of your time in Europe. I’ve made some lifelong friends from around the world through my experience with IES. Study abroad is what you make of it. My best advice is to let yourself be uncomfortable; make new friends, use the language, branch out, and enjoy your time abroad!

The time I spent abroad on my IES Freiburg trip was the best time of my life. I ended up on the program in Germany partially by accident; I hadn’t actually been looking to go to Germany, but I happened to find the IES program, and I immediately fell in love with it! The classes were amazing: my program had an innovative course schedule, where students would focus on one course for weeks at a time, instead of taking several classes at once. This structure allowed me to really delve deep into the subjects we were learning about - I was taking classes on the environment and sustainability - and it allowed me to have a lot of time to learn outside the classroom as well. IES did an amazing job of scheduling trips and excursions for my program to go on. We were situated in the Black Forest region of Freiburg, and there were many program-led trips to hike into the forest during the course of my semester. Our program also took us hiking in the Vosges mountains of France, and we event took a class trip to the Swiss Alps, where we got to study the forestry and management practices of scientists within Switzerland! Of course, not all of our trips were focused on hiking. We had multiple class excursions to France to see the Christmas markets in the winter before we left, and we also were given the chance to take tours of our city and learn more about its history and culture. The trips I went on with my program were awesome, and I don’t think I will forget a single one! Finally, the people running my IES program were some of the most amazing and helpful people I’ve ever had the opportunity to interact with. My program director, Katie, made herself available 24/7 to help us adjust to life in Freiburg. She was there to give us tips on where to eat, which clubs to go to, and she even helped me buy a cell phone when I first got there! She really made an effort to get to know us all and listen to our suggestions for programming and events, and that made my experience 100 times better. And though I didn’t get to see the rest of the IES staff as much, the interactions I had with them were all super helpful and helped me have an incredible time in my city! Overall, I cannot express enough the gratitude I have towards IES for creating such an amazing experience for me abroad. I made lasting friends, had incredible experiences, and learned lessons - both inside the classroom and out - that I will never forget.

Living in Freiburg with the ESS program was one of the best experiences of my life. The city is beautiful, culturally and historically rich, and absolutely made for college students -- almost every day for lunch I went to the student dining hall to eat with my new friends, both German and American. The academics of the ESS program were surprisingly good: I came out of the program with new tangible skills like GIS and plant identification, and had so much fun learning while I was there. We went on field trips for every class, including seeing local windmills and going on a three-day hiking expedition in the Swiss Alps! The IES administration was always extremely cheerful, helpful, and eager to give advice on what to see and do in the region. The program helped me thoroughly explore Freiburg and the surrounding Schwarzwald, make many new German friends, and learn so much more about German culture than I ever expected.

Photos

Freiburg will forever be one of my favorite places. I felt at home there; the people are so welcoming and hospitable, and I felt as if I was truly part of the culture for the brief time I got to live there. I arrived in Freiburg having absolutely no idea what to expect, only armed with the knowledge that it was widely considered to be the "sunniest city in Germany," but it is so much more than that. Four 3-week long modules meant I was out of class by early afternoon (save for days when we had awesome field trips, like a bike tour through Freiburg, a hike through the Black Forest, or an overnight in the Swiss Alps), and we were allowed time to explore the city, really getting a sense and feel for it. There were not that many people on the program (only about 21), but we were a very tight-knit group, and I walked away with life-long friendships. The teachers and professors are interested in what they teach, leading to classes that are intriguing and stimulating. Classes were often discussion-based, and I think one of my favorite things of the whole program was the field trips. The workload is definitely manageable, and the IES Center’s staff are the friendliest people who really are there to make sure all is well. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in studying sustainability in one of the best places to do just that.

Studying Abroad was a time that I will never forget. It was filled with mixed emotions, but it was all a growing experience that I will be able to look back on for the rest of my life and realize, "hey, I went to Europe not knowing anyone in my program, going to a country where I did not speak the language in the slightest, and I survived with flying colors." People may think that studying abroad is a time to just take advantage of Europe and the different culture it has to offer, but it is also about finding yourself and what matters to you most when you're in a place far away from home and your comfort zone.

My time spent in Freiburg, Germany through the Environmental Studies & Sustainability program was a dream come true! Freiburg is a small but lively city that has made vast changes in recent decades to make it one of the most environmentally progressive towns in the world. Learning about the efforts made throughout the region to prioritize environmental and social issues was truly inspiring. I left my time in Freiburg with a broadened perspective and confidence in the possibility for positive change to happen in society.

Studying in Freiburg was life changing in the best of ways. Students are immersed in a society of outdoorsy, friendly, green-living people. Classes are starkly different than their American counterparts: a module system allows you to focus entirely on one subject for 3 weeks before moving onto the next. Although the classes broach challenging subjects, their interactive, discussion-based style allows for easy absorption of material (and many class days spent applying knowledge in the field while hiking!). Minimal work was required outside of class which allowed us to wander the cobblestone streets, throw potluck dinners and bonfires, and explore Europe. Aside from introducing you to the green lifestyle and educating you on international forestry subjects, this program offers guided excursion and the perfect location to travel on the weekends (or a plethora of hiking trails and cool places to explore within walking/biking distance!). I've returned home with a new perspective on forestry, diversity, and international relations, along with German conversational skills. More importantly, I made life-long memories and friendships.

Freiburg is an amazing city which has many different aspects to offer. It is also very international and is extremely close to France and Switzerland. I really liked the outdoor activities that Freiburg had to offer. Hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and more. The program was great because it fit well into my major, but the classes were lacking rigor. I would say that this is good for a study abroad program though. The social life was great, but it was hard to integrate into german culture because we didn't have that many interactions with german students. I had two tandem/speaking partners which at least allowed me to get to know a few more german people better. I would highly recommend having a tandem partner. If you are there to learn german I would suggest branching off from the people in your program because otherwise you will just end up hanging out with only americans. I would say that one of the only major problems would be that there was not any time off to travel within the programs. We had class every day of the week, and only 3 three day weekends which meant that you could only do a 2 day trip anywhere. Another problem is that the classes are very time consuming and are not equally challenging. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend everyone to take part in some study abroad program.

When I first arrived in Freiburg, it was weird. It didn't feel like I was in Germany at all. The first week was a blur of meeting new people, exploring everything in the city that I possibly could, and adjusting to the time change. After the first month, I had made my friends and become comfortable in my new city. My classes were easy, so I was able to spend a lot of time outside with my friends and travel as much as I wanted. I lived in Vauban, which was an area with a bunch of student apartments. It was a hippie town and I loved it. I lived in an apartment with 5 other Germans from all over the country. I became really close with two of them, Manu and Laura. They introduced me to their friends and allowed me to come to parties with them and go out with them. Laura even let me use her extra bike after mine got stolen in the first month. Traveling was one of the most amazing things about going abroad. I went to Berlin, Munich, Prague, Cologne, Vienna, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Colmar, and near by towns with my classes. I also got to go hiking in the Swiss Alps and the Vosges Mountains. I always thought that when I would go abroad, my whole life would be put on pause and I would just go to a foreign country and have a fantastic time without having to worry, but that's not the case. And I think it's better that way, because it really allows you to LIVE in another country instead of just being a visitor. You must find constants in your new city without allowing yourself to fall into a routine. If you fall into a routine, then you will never experience spontaneity like biking through the nearby towns and villages just to see a different place or challenging yourself to swim in every body of water you see, no matter how cold they are. Going abroad made me more mature and allowed me to solidify what I want for my future.