German Study Abroad Programs in Germany

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.