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Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore German language, history, culture, and other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You enroll in 16-19 credits per semester. All courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. All courses are taught in German.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- IES Abroad German language course (required, 4 credits each)
- German-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- German-taught courses at partner universities (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internships (includes internship seminar followed by internship placement after the semester; optional, 3 credits)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 322 - Between Conformity and Provocation: German Art from 1933 to the Present | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| HS/AH/CU 480 - The Medieval Mindset | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP/LT 411 - Modern German Literature: 1900-1945 | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/AH/CU 480 - The Medieval Mindset | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC/ES 335 - Environmental Policies and Green Business in Freiburg | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| IE/EC 340 - Germany as a Location for Business and Industry in the 21st Century | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED 395 - Education Internship And Seminar | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC/ES 335 - Environmental Policies and Green Business in Freiburg | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 340 - German Film from the Third Reich to the Present | Fall | German | 3 |
| FS 341 - Film Language and Film Making | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| GR 451 - German Language in Context: Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 340 - Past to Present: From the "Reichsgruendung" (1871) to the "Berliner Republik" (21st Century) | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| HS/AH/CU 480 - The Medieval Mindset | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE/EC 340 - Germany as a Location for Business and Industry in the 21st Century | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/IR 323 - Germany And The European Integration Process | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP/LT 411 - Modern German Literature: 1900-1945 | Spring | German | 3 |
| LT 412 - German Literature After 1945: A Creative Approach to Selected German, Austrian and Swiss Masterpieces | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH 490 - Core Texts In 19Th And 20Th Century German Philosophy | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 340 - Germany in the 21st Century: A Country Between Past, Present and Future | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| PO 395 - Political Science Internship and Seminar | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| PO/IR 323 - Germany And The European Integration Process | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 350 - Health Psychology and Communication Skills | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Information on partner universities and their course offerings is listed below. An extra fee applies for students participating in more than one course at the Art and Music schools.
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
www.uni-freiburg.de
The Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg takes great pride in its tradition. Founded in the 15th century, the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg is one of Germany’s highest-ranking universities.
Courses
The University is divided into 11 faculties, which together offer courses of study in 60 different fields.
As a fully-matriculated student at this university, you can enroll in courses in the following faculties:
- Applied Sciences (including Computer Science)
- Biology
- Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Geological Sciences
- Economics and Behavioral Sciences (including Sports)
- Environment & Natural Resources
- Law
- Mathematics and Physics
- Philology (including Classical Studies, Foreign Languages & Literature, Linguistics)
- Philosophy (including Archaeology, Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology)
- Theology
Visit the University's website for current and past course offerings. Course offerings vary from semester to semester and exact course availability is determined shortly before the start of each semester.
Sprachlehrinstitut of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (SLI)
You may take additional language courses at the SprachLehrInstitut. Some courses require a small additional cost.
Location & Commute Time
The Albert-Ludwigs-Universität has one of the most beautiful campuses in Germany, located in the quaint, medieval city of Freiburg on the edge of the Black Forest. The University is divided into three main campuses:
- University Center, which houses the main library and the Humanities and Social Sciences building
- Institutes Quarter, where the sciences faculties are located
- Applied Sciences campus, which is also home to the Computer Science Department and the Department for Microsystems Engineering, and close to the University Medical Center.
The University Center of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität is located in the old city center. The Institutes Quarter is just a short walk to the north of the old city center. The Applied Sciences campus, which lies on a former airfield, is about 1.5 miles from the IES Abroad Center and easily accessible by bicycle or public transit. While most university buildings are an easy walk from the IES Abroad Freiburg Center, the commute times to the University from student housing vary from about 10 to 30 minutes.
University Clubs & Events
IES Abroad Freiburg students are encouraged to participate in events and trips planned by the International Club at the University. Excursions are very affordable. Past excursions have included trips to Lake Constance, Geneva, and Bern, and a hike up the Kaiserstuhl with a wine tasting.
Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg
www.ph-freiburg.de
Founded in 1962, the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg is a well-known institute that specializes in training teachers. The Hochschule is also a respected research institution, with a unique focus on international training. In addition to courses in Pedagogy, such as Childhood Development, Mathematics and Computer Science Education, and Media Education, the Hochschule offers courses in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Philosophy, Physics, Social Sciences, and Theology.
Courses
The Hochschule is organized into three faculties or departments. Visit the Hochschule's website for to view current and past course offerings (click on Vorlesungsverzeichnis).
- Faculty I: Institutes for Child Development; Adult Education; Media and Education; and Philosophy.
- Faculty II: Institutes for German Language and Literature; Foreign Languages; Arts; and Sport.
- Faculty III: Institutes for Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Physics; Protestant and Catholic Theology; Mathematics and Computer Science Education; Social Sciences; and Home Economics.
The Hochschule is particularly known for its offerings in Education. You receive approximately 2 to 4 credits upon successful completion of each course.
Course offerings vary from semester to semester. Exact course availability is determined shortly before the start of each semester.
Location & Commute Time
The Hochschule is located in the southwestern area of the city, on the edge of the scenic Naturpark Südschwarzwald, the second largest nature preserve in Germany. Located about three miles from the IES Abroad Center, the Hochschule is easily accessible by bicycle and public transportation. Commute times to the Hochschule from student housing range from 10 to 30 minutes.
Hochschule Events
The Hochschule offers numerous events and guest lectures each semester. Students taking courses at the Hochschule have access to the school’s library and other facilities.
Hochschule für Kunst, Design und Populäre Musik
http://www.hkdm.de
The Hochschule für Kunst, Design und Populäre Musik offers classes in the field of fine arts, integrated design and popular music.
Examples of courses offered in their respective fields are:
Fine Arts
- Art Theory/Methodology
- Artistic Practice
- Art in Public Space
- Color and Light
Integrated Design
- 2D and 3D Space
- Game Design
- Emotional Design
- Studio Technology
- Text/Image Composition
- Visual Concepts
Popular Music
- Harmony
- Ear Training
- Composition
- Music Production
- Songwriting
- Producing
Some music classes may require an audition prior to arrival.
The school also offers opportunities to perform with ensembles in various fields of music. Examples are:
- Funky Jazz
- Funky Marching Band
- Buena Vista Latin Combo
- Afro-Cuban Songs for Latin Ensamble
- Klezmer Band
Location & Commute Time
The school is located less than two miles from the IES Abroad Center and is easily accessible by bicycle and by Freiburg’s public transportation system. Commute times range from 10 to 30 minutes from IES Abroad-located housing.
Events
The Hochschule für Kunst, Design und Populäre Musik hosts, sponsors, and advertises numerous concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and lectures each year.
Internships
Interning while you study in Freiburg 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 your host country
- 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. During the semester, you participate in a 3-credit seminar to prepare you for the internship which begins after the program ends. There is no extra cost for this optional, post-program internship. Placements are limited and an advanced level of German language fluency is required.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see your field listed here? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always seeking out new opportunities for our students.
- Advocacy Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Hospitals
- Cultural Institutions
- Education
- Government & Politics
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Freiburg, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations.
Berlin
5 days | Fall & Spring
Tour this dynamic city and its architecture, and visit museums and memorial sites, such as the Holocaust Memorial.
Padua and Venice
4 days | Fall & Spring
Visit the University of Padua in Freiburg’s sister city, where Galileo Galilei lectured and Nicolaus Copernicus studied. Tour the canals in Venice, see the sights.
Black Forest
1 day | Fall & Spring
A visit to this famous forest may include hiking, snowshoeing, swimming, wine tasting, or a visit to a monastery.
Swiss Alps
1 day | Fall & Spring
Hike through the beautiful mountains of Switzerland.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Freiburg organizes course-related trips in and around Freiburg that complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to your knowledge of German culture and society
Past activities have included:
- Trips to museum exhibitions
- Attendance at theater performances
- Visits to important political, economic, environmental, and cultural organizations
- Bike trips through local neighborhoods
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 three-day orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Freiburg staff, your fellow students, and the city of Freiburg.
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.
Beginning during orientation, you prepare for the semester with two weeks of intensive German language instruction, followed by an optional five-day field trip to Berlin.
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 coed 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.
Housing with Local Residents - A limited number of placements are available for living with local Freiburg residents. No meals are provided, but you have access to a kitchen. Internet access is provided.
Students usually prepare meals at home or dine in Freiburg’s affordable student cafeterias. Meals are not included in the program fee.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Freiburg through our cultural events and activities, such as:
- A tour of the EU Parliament in Strasbourg (spring)
- Theater performances
- Guest lectures
- Volunteer opportunities
University Events and Cultural Activities
A number of events and activities are available to you at the Albert-Ludwigs- Universität Freiburg, such as sports teams, social clubs, and partially-subsidized trips to destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Language Partners
Our staff in Freiburg can assist you in finding a German language “tandem” partner with whom you can practice German. In return, you can help your partner practice English. Having a language partner in Freiburg also gives you unique insight into local student life.
Get to Know Your New City
Freiburg’s architecture takes in German, Austrian, French, and Swiss influences, which all compete for attention in the city’s colorful buildings.
The narrow channels of water that run through the streets of old Freiburg are one of this city’s most characteristic and charming features.
Germany’s massive, mountainous, and densely-forested area is right in Freiburg’s back yard.
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!
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.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
Located in the heart of Freiburg, the IES Abroad Center is within easy walking distance of Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the Freiburg Theater, and the main shopping district.
Features include:
- Classrooms
- Student lounge
- High-speed Internet and printer access
- Small library of books and DVDs
- Photocopier
Our Staff
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Merle Peitsmeyer
Assistant Director
Joanna King
Director of Student Affairs
Katie Kraker
Assistant Director of Student Affairs
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