An Unforgettable Semester in Freiburg Past Review

By (Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 05/09/2017 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law & Economics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a definite sense of independence and a mentality that life is largely about enjoying the present moment. I challenged myself to go out and try new things and take advantage of every opportunity that came my way because it might be the only time I will ever get to. My experience abroad was absolutely worthwhile and I would recommend to anyone to go for it (even if it's not in Freiburg)!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would say the coursework for this program is fairly vigorous with lots of reading. The attendance policy is pretty strict, but perhaps understandably so because there are three weeks worth of course-related travel when you are not formally taking classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone working at the IES EU Center in Freiburg was very helpful. They were very organized and were open to questions, concerns, and suggestions of students. They also frequently let students know about various cultural events and other free time activities to get involved in.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a student apartment complex with five German students and one international student. We each had our own rooms and shared two bathrooms and kitchen and living area. I really enjoyed speaking with my roommates and getting to know what their lifestyles are like. This housing situation is also great because you are independent and have your own space but are still living with other students.

* Food:

Although I'm vegetarian, I found that there still were many options for food (both eating out and buying food at the store). The cost of groceries is very low (in comparison to the US), and eating out was comparable or less than eating out in the US. Freiburg has tons of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and also a pretty good student cafeteria, so there are lots of options for students at very reasonable prices. I won't lie, I definitely became addicted to German bread and pastries while I was abroad - there are bakeries and cafes every place you turn!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with students in their typical university housing definitely makes you feel more a part of the Freiburg student community. It was also so normal to eat at the local student cafeteria. I definitely felt a part of the local culture by going out and doing things that students typically do - getting a beer with friends, relaxing at a cafe, browsing the stores on the main street, or hanging out at a local park.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Freiburg seemed like a very safe city! I frequently would go out at night and come back alone to my apartment pretty late via the tram. I honestly felt more comfortable walking around there than I would back here in the US.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had an amazing experience with the IES Abroad EU Program. Not only did I love living in the beautiful, sunny, and student-filled city of Freiburg, but I also learned so much about the EU that I never would have back home at my own university. The course excursions were well-planned and offered the amazing opportunity to travel across Europe and visit cities, while getting a unique political and historical perspective on them that you wouldn't get by visiting on your own. I would do anything to re-live my semester abroad again!

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Groceries and even toiletries/household items are much less expensive in Germany than in the US, and it wasn't hard to keep my expenses low while in Freiburg! Meals at restaurants and cafes were also very reasonable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably round 40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving now! While you don't need an extraordinary budget to survive in Freiburg for a semester, you do want some spending money to be able to enjoy yourself and go out for a drink or meal occasionally (at least that's where I spent a lot of my "extra" money).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Most students on the program did not have a ton of experience with German; however, the professors/administrators did encourage us to speak just German on Tuesdays. However, being someone who did have a lot of German knowledge and a desire to practice, I do wish German-speaking was encouraged a bit more.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level German
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I would definitely encourage students to take at least a semester of German before going abroad. Duolingo is also a great, free app that you can download and use to learn and practice some basic German words and phrases before you go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling/course excursions
  • Exploring Freiburg/Black Forest
* What could be improved?
  • More German language practice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There actually isn't much I wish I knew before going on this program. I have a good friend who did this program a year before me, so she gave me many tips and advice I used while preparing for going abroad!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.