Study Abroad Programs in Freiburg, Germany

The courses I took this summer were some of the most in-depth I have ever taken. The classes do not only rely on reading scholarly articles but also hands-on experience. In the EU Seminar course, we roleplayed the Commission, Parliament, and Council of Ministers to learn how bills get passed. For our overall final, the entire group (35 people total) was involved in a Model EU (I represented Italy's interests.). We tackled real issues, such as tariffs and aiding Ukraine. We also took numerous field trips, including to a Ukrainian mission. It was one thing to read about the 7 branches of the EU but quite another to visit the EU Parliament in Straßburg, the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm (where we met a representative and learned about recent NATO involvement), and the Commission, Council of Ministers, and EEAS in Brussels, the latter of which was in the midst of figuring out the Iran-Israel 12-day crisis. IES arranged all of the travel details perfectly, and we had some fun field trips in addition to plenty of free time to explore the cities. I have never looked at waffles the same way since. Belgium and Sweden were 2 countries I never would have seem without this program, and given Freiburg's location, France and Switzerland were easy to reach.

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.

IES Abroad does a fantastic job of offering authentic experiences with the host country’s culture and educational system while catering to students with experience in the American education system. Orientation is in-depth for culture shock, language (whether or not you speak it), educational system, and so many opportunities to make friends with international and local students. IES offers a few faculty-led trips within the host country/surrounding area, which are incredible. They do a great job of picking cities with a rich history and that would be difficult for students to plan a trip encompassing the maximum number of highlights with enough time to enjoy the city. The staff also book tours of the cities with professionals who are always willing to speak at a lower level of fluency with students and explain concepts and events in several ways to that students all understand their point within the host language (if different that native language). Professors are the same and students can tell that professors genuinely enjoy both the subject they are teaching as well as interactions with students from all over the US and are very interested in comparing their experiences to students’.

I felt extremely comfortable in Freiburg from the first day I arrived to the last. A big part of this in my mind is down to the environment and attitude the city fostered. With its bike riding and pedestrian-friendly vibe combined with the fact that it felt just the right size. Not too big and dangerous but also enough people to feel excited. It is also a very beautiful and sunny city. This combined with IES gives us the freedom to learn while providing support and help to stay safe and enjoy. IES had the perfect balance of providing group activity but not restricting us or keeping us too busy. They understood that we would want to get out into the city and take risks. I appreciated how they showed us how to do this in the safest way possible and did not control us too much. IES did most of the hard work to make settling in very easy and the staff were very supportive and friendly. It felt like a family from day one. The classes and professors were all very good and I liked how they emphasized that we should be speaking German. All of this combined led me to enjoy and feel at home in Freiburg all while pushing my comfort zone and experiencing new things.

IES Abroad has been able to offer its students the grand experience of studying abroad while also developing who you are as a person. The trips we were able to take as a group, the Wellness Walks offered by the IES Staff, as well as the immersive experiences gained throughout the program has made this time extremely memorable and lasting. One of the things I was especially happy about was the opportunity to find help. When studying abroad in an entirely different country in which you do not know the people or the language, it can feel very isolating at times. IES Abroad has made sure that this feeling, though normal, would not go without remedy. Through the insurance plan that is offered to each student, I was able to seek out mental help and attend regular sessions with a therapist in the local area. From this, I understand that IES Abroad looks out for its students in ways more than one. In a time where you are immersing yourself in completely new environments, you need this stable anchor.

I was in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany for three wonderful weeks before I was sent home due to COVID-19. When I arrived I was greeted by a local German student who lived in my building. I had some time in my room to rest and unpack before meeting the group of IES students and student guides for dinner at a local restaurant. We got to know each other and made plans to find grocery stores, cook dinner, and explore the city together. I had been nervous about making friends, but once I was there it was pretty obvious that everyone wanted to hang out with everyone, since we were all in the same boat. This sense of group support and connection continued throughout my time there, and even when the program went remote. I also became friends with one of my flatmates! Our classes didn't start until we had already gone home, so unfortunately we never met our professors in person. Online classes were difficult because all online classes are, but the professors were really wonderful about trying to make the experience less stressful. The IES Abroad staff gave us mixed signals about COVID-19, which is understandable given the unprecedented nature of the crisis, but it was incredibly frustrating and stressful for the students. Our on-site staff told us IES would never send us home, but that was not based on any real policy, so when the Chicago office sent us home we had no warning at all. However, staff changes were made after the fact and they let us know by email. Ultimately, I had a really wonderful experience and I miss my time in person with IES. If COVID-19 hadn't happened, it would have been entirely positive. I definitely recommend going abroad with IES!

I loved my study abroad experience and I loved the area. Freiburg is a medium-big traditional German college town in the Black Forest. This means that there were a lot of typical German traditions with a mixture of a feeling of open-mindedness. I feel like I connected with the locals by going to the student clubs in the city and the clubs in the dorms (which is a cool must-see). Although I didn't do that very often since that isn't something I find great joy in doing, but there were other things like going to the Christmas markets and going to see plays that helped me to feel more connected to the city. What was very helpful was how all the IES staff were very nice and good at giving us helpful tips on how to feel less homesick and trying to get students out of their dorms to explore the general area. I learned a lot about myself when I was away from my support group and family that feels way different from college. I felt like an adult which was incredibly exciting. I also learned to be more open-minded because I got to see the many ways that Germany tries to help its citizens through the development of different renewable energies like Biogas and how there is a cab service that is free for women after a certain time. The academics offered were tough courses that challenged students in their ability to understand and retain information in german. I also really enjoyed most of my professors. They were always there to help and would find many different ways to explain core concepts to us in German and English to help us understand. That being said the spacing of everything was weird because of where they decided to place breaks. That made it so that Midterms happened 2 weeks before the final and most teachers did not give prompts for the final until the week before the final essay was due which was terrible since everything was to be written and taken in German. Travel Tip: Freiburg is a great city to have as a base to return to when traveling in Europe because it's always very calming and small. Often if you plan to go to large cities that have a lot to offer and do having a medium-sized city to return helps with unwinding from weekends of traveling. Also, Freiburg's public transport is good for getting used to European public transport systems. Freiburg covers a large area and offers many modes of transport and train lines to get around which is helpful for when going to bigger cities that are difficult to navigate. For traveling Freiburg is a good location because of an amazing company called FlixBus. FlixBus is an incredibly cheap way to travel through Europe via Bus. Most trips cost around 30 euros less than the train like Deutsche Bahn. The buses come with wifi and a place to charge your phone. It's a nice bus and because of Freiburg's placement in Europe, it's a 1-hour drive to France and Switzerland and 4 hours to München

I had an amazing time while studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany for IES European Union Summer Study Abroad Program! I had the opportunity to travel to so many countries that I wouldn't have ventured to otherwise. I had lifelong connections with the other students that traveled abroad with me and I absolutely love the faculty and staff at this location. The courses were definitely immersive and eyeopening, to say the least. The coursework is manageable and still gives you time to explore and enjoy your time abroad! This program will help you get out of comfort zone as it did for and genuinely contribute to tour growth. If you're thinking of studying abroad, I strongly encourage choosing this program!

As I boarded the plane for Munich, I was anxious to find out what awaited me. I had quite a few concerns about logistics, but upon arrival I realized all of my concerns were anticipated by the program administration. I lived in an apartment complex with five German students, who became some of my closest friends in Freiburg. The program gave us many opportunities to befriend fellow IES students and German students, alike. We spent the semester eating $1 gelato, traveling between EU countries, and exploring all Freiburg has to offer. I had a wonderful experience, one filled with both personal and academic accomplishments. I highly recommend studying in Freiburg!

I was searching for a study abroad experience that would allow me to study what I am interested in, travel to multiple places, and have experiences that I could not plan/afford as a college student. The IES European Union program offered me all of these opportunities. We traveled to seven countries during 22 days of the program, where we attended talks specialized to our academic interests. The program also organized city tours for us, and we stayed in hotels close to the middle of the cities. In Freiburg, I lived in a seven person suite, and the rest of my suite mates were German. This offered me opportunities to immerse myself in German culture, and also allowed me more exposure to the language. The additional IES EU field trips allowed me to visit countries and environments I would not have had access to otherwise. The two most popular field trips they offered my semester were a tour of castles in Germany, and a beautiful hike in Switzerland. They always arranged a tour and transportation, and so it was a stress-free and highly enjoyable experience each time. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and matched all the aspects I was looking for in a study abroad program!

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!

Being a part of the Language and Area Studies program, I was able to make friends (both American and German) while learning about different aspects of German culture. The administration of the IES office in Freiburg are super helpful and friendly and always there if you need help with something. The classes, although difficult, were informative and the professors interesting and knowledgeable. At the beginning of the semester, there is a lot of orientation but after that there are many things where you are left on your own to do, i.e. groceries, transportation, etc. This allowed me to really get a feel for living on your own in Germany and not just studying abroad there.

I had a great time during the European Union program. I was first attracted to the program because of the trips and unique visits to EU institutions but grew to love all aspects of my time abroad beyond the field trips. While I think it's super cool that I met MEPs and visited the European Council, Court of Justice and Commission, I was also taught by a team of amazing worldly faculty and befriended students from near and far. I felt supported by both staff and students while in Germany and my needs were always taken care of. I had never been to Europe or studied European politics before and now I feel like I have a good handle on both culture and politics.

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!

IES Abroad Program is very concerned about students' wellbeing both culturally and academically. It is a very well-organized program that offers student great opportunity to gain a global perspective on everything. My German improved a lot and I had a deeper understanding of the cultural. The German and American friends I get to know and the memories I had with them will be the wealth of my life.

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!

Let me start off by saying I wish I could have stayed longer. There is so much to get involved with that I found it hard to do it all! IES does a really good job laying out the activities, clubs, groups, and events at the beginning, and they give you many resources for inquiry. I found the Orientation experience extremely helpful at introducing us to the city and each other through guided tours, seminars, and fun ice-breakers. I felt well prepared to take on the city and the academic semester. I was nervous about taking all of my classes in German, fearing that I would not understand everything and struggle. However, realize that we are not native speakers and they are very accommodating to this fact. My German improved with great strides everyday and very quickly I found myself understanding everything in my classes with ease. It also helped that I lived with Germans! My living situation was ideal. I lived in a suite with 4 Germans and 1 person from Ireland who also spoke German. This allowed me to practice my German at home and build great friendships with native speakers. They also could help me with my homework when I didn't understand! My favorite thing was playing game night with them. I miss them a lot but we stay in touch! Overall, Freiburg is a great city to experience. It is close to France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, so it makes traveling quite practical. IES is a wonderful and supportive program that aided me in this rare experience, and I would definitely recommend it for study abroad!

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.

I studied abroad with IES Abroad Summer 2018 in Berlin and can't say enough good things about the program. It was definitely life changing. IES staff were great every step of the way as I navigated getting into courses that I needed, getting medication to Germany, and applying for financial aid. The host family with they paired me with was wonderful and quickly become like another family to me. All the stress that goes into studying abroad was quickly relieved by how well they support students.