Study Abroad in Freiburg, Germany with IES Abroad
IES Abroad offers semester long study abroad programs in Freiburg, Germany. The Freiburg study abroad center offers two different programs: A Language and Area Studies Program and an Environmental Studies Program. Both programs also have a focus on German language study, with full German immersion classes taught by local faculty.
Located less than an hour away from major cities in Europe, France and Switzerland, Freiburg is ideally located for travel to other destinations. The IES Abroad program offers students the opportunity for internships, volunteer events and more. For students interested in learning German and immersing themselves in the local culture, studying abroad in Freiburg with IES Abroad is an ideal choice. Why wait? Apply to study abroad in Germany with IES Abroad today.
Reviews
80%Overall
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100%Overall
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Living and studying abroad in Freiburg was everything I dreamed it would be and more. I know that sounds cheesy, but in all honesty, there were times that I just didn't feel like what I was doing was real life because it was simply so amazing.
The program through IES was the perfect way to balance independence in a different country while simultaneously knowing that any problems or questions you have, there is someone there who can and will help you out. The staff at IES really works to make your experience the best it can be, and as a student of the German language, this included not only language immersion but also cultural immersion, which are two hugely important factors when considering going abroad.
For classes, IES offers a wide selection of topics but also gives students the opportunity to enroll at the university, which is an incredible opportunity, as this university is one of the best in Germany. If you decide to only enroll in IES courses, however, you are not missing out on much because these classes are taught by some of the most wonderful professors. They aren't just there to teach you about some topic; they're there to inspire you and help you. It's so obvious that they do what they do because they love it. In addition, with a destination like Freiburg, the overall group is somewhat smaller than in a major city, which is beneficial for academics because class sizes remain small and intimate.
The living situation varies per person; however, there is a general layout. IES divides students into neighborhood groups, so a handful of IES students will live in the same complex. There are usually various areas around Freiburg where students are placed, but everything is easily reachable. Within these complexes, there are different buildings where German and other international students live. IES has reserved rooms for their students, and you may end up living with anywhere from one to five or more flatmates of various nationalities. Your flatmates will become really useful resources for figuring out Freiburg! Also you will always have your own room but will have common bathrooms and a kitchen.
Freiburg itself is a great place to be. There is always something to do in the city, but I never felt overwhelmed. And if you're more of an outdoorsy person, then Freiburg is also perfect because it's in the Schwarzwald region, which provides plenty of hiking opportunities.
90%Overall
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I had an amazing experience in Freiburg. It's such a great university city and there is always something to do. IES staff were very helpful and I couldn't have asked for a better study abroad experience.
Alumni Interviews
Meet Molly Kettell, IES Abroad Alum
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with IES Abroad at Freiburg University?
Molly: At the university I attended while I was making study abroad decisions, my options, as I was seeking a German speaking country, were between Vienna, Austria; Berlin, Germany; and Freiburg, Germany. I originally thought I would want to study in a larger, more well-known city because I had assumed that would just be more beneficial. The more I researched my options and thought about each possibility, I realized that I actually wanted something a bit smaller. In my opinion, it would be easier to feel at home in a less overwhelming atmosphere, and it would be a more genuine experience to distance myself from as many tourists as possible.
Luckily, Freiburg had all of this and more- it's a small(ish) city, yet at the same time, there is ALWAYS something to do and somewhere to go; it caters to city lovers as well as nature lovers because of its ideal location; it's rich in history and German culture; and it's a fantastic university town. In addition, the program concentrated on German language and studies, which was hugely important to me, and although I was nervous at the idea of speaking German all the time, I quickly realized upon my arrival that the IES staff was not there to freak its students out; rather, they were there to help us improve our German and have the best experience possible. Plus, not even every student there was even a German major or minor!
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Molly: Being abroad really opened my eyes to a lot of, in my opinion, important things about the world in relation to culture and language and a general understanding. There are things you notice that you miss and love about home, but then there are also a lot of things you really appreciate about your new home abroad. For me, each day was a different challenge, and even though it was sometimes nerve-wrecking and scary, it was incredibly helpful to my growth as a German speaker and as a person.
I learned so much about what I am capable of and how I can succeed, and it gave me so much confidence to know that if I could do something in a foreign language, I could certainly do it in my native language! I really wanted to get as much out of my experience as I could, and with the housing, courses and other aspects of IES, I feel like I was given so many opportunities to embrace the German language and culture. My time abroad helped reawaken the reasons why I love studying a foreign language and how important it is for people to immerse themselves in another culture. And to be surrounded by other students who are equally as passionate is so reassuring and wonderful in every way.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Molly: As I mentioned a bit above, my study abroad experience really solidified my thoughts and opinions on foreign language, culture, a global community, etc. It has reinstated my beliefs that yes, I am pursuing my passion and MUST find a way to incorporate it into my future career. Although I have not concretely decided what this will be, I at least know in which direction I want to look. And if nothing else, I know that I will always have a home in Germany and hope to one day return.
Further Info
About IES Abroad
Their Roots: IES Abroad was co-founded by Paul Koutny, an Austrian student who had moved to the US on a Fulbright scholarship in 1950. While there, he envisioned a future built on a peace that grew from the lessons learned while studying abroad. He rallied 21 other friends and the crew hopped on the SS Volendam headed for a year of studies in Vienna. Feeling inspired by their own experience in Austria, IES Abroad alums Clarence and Alberta Giese immediately began helping send future groups of students abroad. Before they knew it, 60 years had passed, and IES Abroad remains a longstanding and exemplary study abroad option for students today.
Their Quest: "IES Abroad strives to provide premier study abroad programs for U.S. students that deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting development of intercultural competence."
All of Their Programs
Program Information
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Pros: The IES EU program in Freiburg gave me an experience that had an impact on my future plans. I loved the many days we spent traveling around Europe and meeting with high level officials of EU members states and the EU itself. The staff members did an amazing job handling the travel logistics of more than 60 people. It was nearly stress free for me. Our meeting with high level officials were efficient and worth our time in most cases.
My dorm was comfortable. My dorm-mates were very tolerant, inviting and easy to get along with. They influenced my philosophy in life. They made want to enjoy life while seeking to reach full potential. My professors were easy going and very approachable.
Cons: The library inside the IES building was too small especially because Freiburg University library was in construction at the time and the temporary library was a 15 minute train ride. Plus, it was limited hours for non-University student.
The academic challenges of the program were not up to the same standard as my home school, but I am glad it was not. If it was, it would have made the traveling aspect of the program very difficult. Professor could have been more aggressive in asking tough questions and challenging how we go about thinking through the class material.