Studying abroad in Freiburg with IES was one of the best decisions I have ever made. While the language barrier could be a challenge, all of the staff were helpful, friendly, and always available when/if needed. I specifically chose this program because of its focus on language immersion and I got just that. All classes were taught in German and the professors presented the material effectively and were willing to help if someone was confused.

I lived in a dorm about 10 minutes away from the city center by Straßenbahn or bike with other German students. This was great for cultural immersion and helped improve my German drastically. The city is beautiful and surrounded by hills and forests. While it is a smaller city, there is always something to do, from hiking in the Black Forest to exploring the side streets or neighborhoods of Freiburg. IES is great at encouraging German language and cultural immersion and plan a few excursions for students to partake in. These range from week-long trips to day trips and are all wonderful experiences that help students see different parts of the country and Europe. My semester in Freiburg with IES was one that I will never forget!

This is one of the most unique programs in the study abroad world I have personally encountered. Meet representatives from all different types of governments and learn about Europe in a way no one else will by seeing how various governments all function uniquely under the EU. Meet with think tanks, ministers, and locals as they all explain their experiences and stories to help you have a comprehensive understanding of the difficulties their specific region or city has faced historically or in the present. Three weeks of built in travel is one of the nicest and most convenient aspects of the program as well, especially since the last trip has a few options for students to pick their area of study.

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. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend everyone to take part in some study abroad program.

This program is surreal. You get to see, taste and experience so much in one semester. The people on the trip are so nice and knowledgeable; the professors are good and the speakers are so interesting! Please make sure that when you're thinking about this program, to ask yourself whether you want to gain some intercultural competence, because this program allows you to also do that. You gain confidence, travel to 10+ countries and 20+ cities-- it is amazing. You also learn more about some of the European capitals and the way they function within the EU. The Black Forest is just around the corner and you can visit it whenever you want. The nearest airport is an hour away and can lead you to some sweet escapes into some of the best places that Europe has to offer.

One great thing about this program is you can make it as easy or challenging as you want it to be by taking as many classes at the German university as you want (at least 1 per semester).

Another awesome thing is the IES staff. They were so incredibly helpful in any and all situations--you just have to ask!
Freiburg, as a city, is really easy to get around either public transportation (tram, bus) or by bike.

My experience with the IES Freiburg-EU program was nothing short of amazing. The center staff became our family in Freiburg, helping us with everything from how to manage the Strassenbahn (street car system), to carefully planning our three, week long "field trips". They provided just the right amount of guidance to get us started in our new environment without crossing over to "hand-holding".

What I enjoyed most about this program was that it was more than just living abroad for a year--it was about learning and experiencing things which you do not have the opportunity to at your home school. The EU program offers courses dedicated to the understanding of the European Union--and not just through theory! Everything you learn in class is connected to real, on-the-ground applications. Through the three field trips throughout the many European Union member states, you have the opportunity to see and experience theories and institutions in practice.

On top of the wonderful memories and life-long friendships that IES Freiburg-EU fosters, this program keeps ahead of the curve in developing a study abroad experience that will influence your life for years to come.

Program is set up perfect to build close bonds with others in the program but you must really reach out in order to meet the locals. The EU program takes it's students on several trips around Europe!

I loved having the opportunity to live with local German students. They were interested in getting to know me and even threw a party for me when I left! I volunteered at a local hospital during my time in Freiburg and that improved my German drastically. Everyone was very friendly and I had a wonderful time in Freiburg. I would have stayed for a whole year if I could have!