IES Abroad European Union Summer

Freiburg is such a cute little university town. There's plenty of great food and fun places to go. All of the university students were very welcoming and friendly. I lived in university housing, and it was clean and relatively up-to-date. The staff at the EU Center is great, and the course-related excursions were super interesting. Since Freiburg is kind of in the middle of Western Europe, it was very easy to travel.

I always said I could never miss anywhere but my home in Indiana, but Freiburg proved me wrong. I don't know if it's the cobblestone streets, streams lining the roads, or gothic cathedral in the city's center, but Freiburg and its charms captured my heart. I had an apartment to myself, but you can also share an apartment in Vauban, either of which is just a tram ride away from the IES Center where classes are held. The staff at the IES Center was great. They gave us jerseys to wear during the Euros, advice on where to find the best souvenir shops and restaurants, and opportunities to bond with the other program members. We took field trips to three different countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, and Cyprus, and they were all very well organized. The program even provides classes in German for beginners, although the daily courses are in English. My life has forever been changed by this program, and I highly encourage studying abroad, wherever that may be.

I studied abroad with IES Abroad in Freiburg, Germany during my sophomore year for one semester. Studying abroad in Germany was the best time in my life. Through my experiences abroad, I have developed to overcome challenges and gained new perspective to look at the world from various point of view. Student from diverse backgrounds, sitting together at the Augustinerplatz to enjoy the end of the day and picturesque landscape of the gateway to the Black Forest have indeed added charm to my experience in Freiburg. My memories from Germany are filled with limitless joy and happiness. I would highly recommend studying abroad with IES Abroad in Freiburg at the European Union program.

The opportunity to study abroad this past summer was one I'm glad I took advantage of, especially through the IES European Union program. Germany had always been a future travel destination for me and being able to spend several weeks there gave me exposure to a different country, culture and social scene. The academic aspect of the program focused on the Western Balkans and Turkey's integration into the European Union and allowed us to travel to both Bosnia and Turkey, two places I never would have considered had I not been in the program. Being able to experience a country and its culture first-hand after just having learned about it was incredible especially since we had the chance to speak EU officials and other people in the region. My summer abroad not only allowed me to recieve credit for two classes, but I gained many new friends, amazing memories and has encoraged me to consider working abroad in the future.

My Study Abroad experience was liberating because it helped me gain different perspectives on life. The field trips to Turkey and Bosnia were especially enriching.
Liberation is not escapism, it is a way of reflecting on life.

The program is administered in true German efficiency. All of the logistics are taken care of, but they are still respectful and treat you like an adult. The courses are interesting and rigorous but do not get in the way of the study abroad experience. Freiburg immediately feels like home. The field study program is unforgettable. The problem with the program is returning back to your normal life. Enjoy.