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European Union
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experience abroad possible. We offer unparalleled courses that explore European Politics, Economics, Business, International Relations, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our diverse professors and course-related trips enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You take between 16-20 credits per semester (five courses). All courses are worth 3 credits except the Integrative Seminar and the optional semester German language course. You may earn up to 20 credits if you are placed in a spring semester postprogram internship. All courses are taught in English, excluding German language courses and IR/PO355. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week.
Create your academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- EU Studies Integrative Seminar (PO250, 350, or 450) (required, 4 credits; offered at the 200, 300, and 400 levels, with placement based on your academic background)
- IES Abroad German Course (optional, 4 credits)
- English-taught IES Abroad Area Studies Courses (3 credits)
- German-taught IES Abroad Area Studies Course (optional, 3 credits)
- IR/IB393 Global Leadership course (optional, 3 credits; to develop your cross-cultural leadership skills)
- IES Abroad Internship in Freiburg or Brussels (optional, 3 credits; spring only, post-program; includes seminar and internship placement, additional cost applies)
Intensive German
As part of your overall program participation, you will take a required one-week intensive German language course during orientation. You may continue strengthening your language skills by continuing in an optional, 4-credit semester-long German language course.
Model EU
As the capstone experience of the IES Abroad European Union Program, you will participate in a Model European Union. Over a long weekend, you will assume the roles of:
- A foreign minister of an EU member state
- A prime minister of an EU member state
- A finance minister of an EU member state
- A member of the press corps
In your role, you will debate issues of current concern to the European Union, such as:
- EU reform treaties
- Enlargement
- Energy and the environment
- Immigration
- Humanitarian aid
- The economy and the Euro
The Model EU, which brings together classroom-based academic knowledge and first-hand experiences gained through course-related excursions, concludes the EU Studies Integrative Seminar and the program.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/PO 243 - European Political Cultures | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/PO 334 - Migration, Ethnic Minorities, and Multiculturalism in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 353 - International Economic Relations of the EU | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| EC 358 - Transition to Market Economies in Central and Eastern Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| EC/IB 342 - Finance and Banking in the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 246 - European Union Policies in Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR 101 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 201 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 351 - German Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 353 - German Language in Context: Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 403 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/HS 344 - Europe - The Dynamics of Integration | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC/IB 342 - Finance and Banking in the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/IB 351 - Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Intercultural Management and Global Leadership | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 332 - The European Union and the Muslim World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 355 - Shifting Paradigms from 'Domestic' to 'European' Politics: Germany in the European Union | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| PO/IR 357 - Reshaping the International Order - Power, Conflict and Change in the Black Sea Region | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 370 - EU-U.S. Relations: A Multi-Dimensional Partnership | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/LW 481 - The Power and Fragility of Human Rights in Modern Society | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/IB 351 - Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Internships
Interning during your study abroad gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of Germany or Belgium
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship. Both optional post-program internships carry an extra cost.
The European Union internship program is approximately eight weeks long, and occurs after the spring semester only. There are two parts to the internship: a 3-credit Internship Seminar, which is primarily conducted before and after the placement experience, and the internship itself, comprised of a four- to five-week placement in Brussels, or a four- to six-week placement in Freiburg.
During a Brussels internship, you live in an apartment shared with other interns; during a Freiburg internship you continue to live in housing in Freiburg. You should apply for an internship before arriving on the European Union program, as placements are competitive.
Placement Examples in Brussels
Internships are offered at the European Parliament (MEPs) and with EU-related organizations. Internships are conducted in English, but if you are proficient in another language, you may receive a placement that lets you use your second language too. Fields may include:
- Parliamentary Internships
- Political Organizations
Placement Examples in Freiburg
Internships are conducted in English and in German. Fields may include:
- Business
- Education
- Government & Politics
- Journalism
- Non-Governmental Organizations
-
Research
Field Trips & Events
Day Trips
Although your adventure begins in Freiburg, our day trips take you to other great destinations to provide contrast and context for what you are learning and experiencing in your new home. Examples of trips include excursions to the Hohenzollerns in Sigmaringen and Meersburg Castle on the shore of Lake Constance; as well as a long hike through the Black Forest, with sights to enjoy such as baroque convent churches and the Zweribach Waterfalls. The cost of these trips is not included in the program cost.
Course-Related Trips
As a major component of the European Union Program, you participate in extensive course-related trips to prominent EU institutions and important cities across Europe. During these trips, you meet and talk with official representatives of member states, leaders of multinational corporations and NGOs, EU officials, and advisors on EU issues. You take three course-related excursions totaling approximately 22 days. These excursions are an integral part of your classes and academic program, and are included in the program fee.
During the first trip, you will explore the UK leaving the EU and will visit Berlin, Warsaw and Paris.
On a second trip across Western Europe, the focus is on the structure of the EU with visits to EU institutions in key European cities:
- Brussels
- Frankfurt
- Luxembourg
- Strasbourg
For the final trip, you explore economics, politics, and other topics of current importance to the EU in one of three regions. Options have included:
- London, England; Dublin, Ireland or Belfast, Northern Ireland or Stockholm, Sweden; and Riga, Latvia or Tallinn, Estonia – Euroscepticism, Brexit, and EU relations with Russia
- Lisbon, Portugal; Madrid, Spain; and Rome, Italy – Regionalism, Environment, Migration, and Ethnic Minorities
- Athens, Greece; Budapest, Hungary; and Bucharest, Romania or Sofia, Bulgaria – Immigration and refugees, the Greek euro crisis, stability, transition, andenergy security
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Freiburg is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the day trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with a mandatory orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad European Union staff, your fellow students, and the city of Freiburg. Orientation also includes a trip to the idyllic Black Forest, where you can hike and enjoy a typical German Kaffee und Kuchen—an afternoon ritual of having cake and coffee with friends.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™), begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
As part of your orientation, you will have 20-25 hours of intensive German language instruction, followed by a seminar that will prepare you for the first course-related trip.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Freiburg, it will feel like home.
Shared University Apartment – You live in a single or double room in a co-ed suite with a shared kitchen and bath. Suites are shared with German and international students, and have Internet access.
Single Studio Apartment – You will have your own studio apartment with a single bath and pantry kitchen. Internet is also provided. The complex houses other German and international students. Spots are limited and may include additional fees.
Meals are not included in the program cost. Students usually prepare meals in their housing or dine in Freiburg’s affordable student cafeterias.
Get to Know Your New City
Appreciate the Architecture
Freiburg’s architecture takes in German, Austrian, French, and Swiss influences, which all compete for attention in the city’s colorful buildings.
(Don't) Step in the Bächle
The narrow channels of water that run through the streets of old Freiburg are one of this city’s most characteristic and charming features.
Hike, Cycle, & Climb the Black Forest
Germany’s massive, mountainous, and densely-forested area is right in Freiburg’s back yard.
Pack a Picnic
Grab a Black Forest ham sandwich and a bottle of fresh apple juice from the Saturday market, find the perfect spot, and enjoy. Studying in the sunniest spot in Germany has its advantages!
Take in the Views from the Schauinsland
A rigorous hike or an easy cable car will take you to the top of this hill, offering glorious views of the city, the nearby Vosges Mountains, and the Black Forest.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While on the European Union Program in Freiburg, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad European Union staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your EU experience.
The IES Abroad European Union Center is housed in a historic 19th-century building with a fully renovated interior. Located in the heart of Freiburg, the EU Center is only a short walk from the main campus of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the shopping district, and the Freiburg Theater.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad classes in the Center’s classrooms, featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Get some work done or catch up with friends in the student library and student lounge
- Relax and get some sun in the large outdoor garden space.
Other features include WiFi and printer access.
Our Staff
Merle Peitsmeyer
Interim Center Director
Director/CoordinatorMerle has worked in multiple capacities at IES Abroad since 2002. Among her many accomplishments, Merle was instrumental in designing our Environment Studies & Science academic program, in addition to managing IES Abroad’s relationship with Universität Freiburg, which allows our students the opportunity to enroll in courses with local students in a variety of disciplines. She studied abroad at a young age in Brazil and Southern California, and carried out various internships in the U.S., which ignited her passion for international education. Merle is an alumna of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg with a degree in Political Science and English.
IES Abroad European Union Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Karin Thomas
Student Affairs Director
Nina Vedder
Office Manager
Katie Kraker
Student Affairs Director
Andrea Lauckner
Customized Programs & Internships Manager
Dr. Işık Gurleyen
Acting Academic Dean
Dr. Karin Hunn
Field Study Manager
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Summer 2020 & Fall 2020 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
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