IES Abroad

My time in Freiburg was perfect! The city itself is picturesque, small enough to feel like a home, but big enough to offer lots of great restaurants, cafes, stores, and experiences. There is also a great public transportation system, and it's right next to the Black Forest so lots of hiking opportunities.
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.
Traveling was another highlight. I had the chance to visit so many different countries, with France and Switzerland 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.

This study abroad program was amazing! For students interested in health, this is the perfect overlap between community engagement and healthcare policy. The initial draw for me was the ability to study healthcare in both London and Jamaica. London is amazing city to study in and there's so much to explore in the UK alone. It's also very easy to visit other countries from London. The professors for this program are amazing and want to see students succeed. There are many professional opportunities as the program requires a community volunteer placement - students engage with local residents and learn more about the UK's national healthcare system. Finally, students spend 10 days in Jamaica exploring local sights, trying new foods, and shadowing in healthcare clinics.

A year has passed since I was accepted into my IES Abroad program, and I still reflect on the incredible experience of spending my fall semester in Freiburg, Germany—a country known for its green cities and commitment to sustainability. Though I knew it would be a valuable opportunity, I had no idea just how deeply it would shape me.

Professionally, my time abroad ignited a stronger passion for urban sustainability, renewable energy, and human impacts on the environment. I even picked up GIS skills—something I ended up really enjoying! Learning these subjects in the breathtaking Swiss Alps was a dream, and being guided by German professors offered a fresh, inspiring approach I wouldn’t have found in the U.S. My German language skills also grew, and I hope to use them more in the years to come. The academic experience was truly unparalleled.

On a personal level, living as a local in Germany allowed me to soak up culture in ways I never expected. I explored more than 10 cities, tasting new foods, visiting museums, hiking scenic trails, and uncovering layers of history and tradition. The people I met, both from the U.S. and across Europe, became some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made. Forming friendships with people from different backgrounds opened my eyes to new perspectives, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

I arrived in Germany knowing no one, but I embraced the chance to step out of my comfort zone. Some of my favorite memories were solo adventures, wandering freely and discovering the world on my own terms. That independence made the experience even more fulfilling.

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.

When I first decided to go to IES Abroad Granada, I had no idea how it would go. I had never been to Europe before, and no other student from my program or person I knew from different colleges would be attending. It had always been a dream of mine to visit Europe, but I never expected to study abroad. When I first arrived, I immediately made friends that would last well beyond the conclusion of our program. While in Spain, I visited incredible places with my program: Sevilla, Córdoba, and Morocco; simultaneously, I traveled with the friends I made to Barcelona, Milan, and London. I learned about Islamic History and European Union Politics and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish language. I assimilated into the cultural norms of eating late, playing soccer, and going out with friends from the program and locals. I loved every minute of my experience and cannot stress enough how great it was to spend a semester in Granada, Spain.

My time in Milan was unforgettable, thanks largely to the experiences I sought out on my own. Being proactive truly brings out the best in the program. Exploring Italy's wineries, cities, and vibrant culture was incredible, giving me the chance to experience Italian life firsthand. Attending three operas for free and enjoying countless live classical music shows enriched my appreciation of the arts. Each trip, performance, and discovery made my time in Italy an experience of a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful to have had this journey. However I must add that if you know you need the classes for your major, I wouldn't recommend it. You may not find the EXACT overlap you want for your major so I suggest taking classes that fit your electives and save you major requirements for when you're at your home school.