An Unforgettable Semester in Freiburg Past Review

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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.

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!

(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.

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.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Americans

• Traveling/course excursions
• Exploring Freiburg/Black Forest

• More German language practice

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