European Union Summer | IES Abroad

Freiburg Summer - European Union

Why the European Union?

Why study abroad in one location when you can experience the politics and cultures of different European cities? Our European Union Program allows you to learn about European politics, economics, business, and international relations in a whole new way.

You will build your knowledge about the structure, origins, crises, and challenges of the EU in the classroom.
You will experience the EU by visiting European destinations and by interacting with officials and other representatives.
You will debate the current agenda of the EU by role playing the EU politicians during the Model EU.

What You'll Study

Freiburg will be your home base. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, it’s in this beautiful, small university town that you’ll take English-taught courses in disciplines like Political Science, International Relations, and Economics. As part of the program’s required Integrative Seminar, you travel for 14 days to gain exposure to the European Union and beyond. Not only will these course-related trips give you better insight into the strengths and challenges of the European Union, they will also give you the experience you need to build your résumé, and to prepare you for an international career. As you visit different countries, you develop an understanding of the European Union, its history, and its institutions.

Europe will be your classroom. Imagine visiting the European Parliament and discussing current social and political issues with EU officials, or meeting with political and NGO professionals of different countries to debate important and controversial EU policies.

You also engage in a Model European Union, where you assume the role of a head of state or foreign minister of an EU country to analyze and debate issues of current concern in Europe, such as migration and immigration, security and foreign affairs, U.S.-EU relations, relations with Russia, and more. The Model EU concludes the Integrative Seminar and is the capstone of the program.

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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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 world-class professors and course-related excursions enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

You take two courses: the 4-credit Integrative Seminar and a 3-credit elective course for a total of 7 credits.

PO350 - EU Studies Integrative Seminar

Two elective courses (Students will select ONE)

PO/IR370 - EU-US Relations: A Multi-Dimensional Partnership
PO/EC246 - European Union Policies in Practice

Students will also participate in a "Survival German" class during the first two days (no 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.

Economics
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
EC/PO 246 - European Union Policies in Practice	Summer	English	3

International Relations
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
IR/PO 370 - EU-US Relations: A Multi-Dimensional Partnership	Summer	English	3

Political Science
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
EC/PO 246 - European Union Policies in Practice	Summer	English	3
IR/PO 370 - EU-US Relations: A Multi-Dimensional Partnership	Summer	English	3
PO 350 - EU Studies Integrative Seminar	Summer	English	4

Field Trips & Events

Field Study

The program begins in the heart of Europe—Freiburg, Germany—where you’ll start a specialized curriculum that will take you on altogether 14 days of academic explorations to Strasbourg, Brussels, Paris, and Stockholm.

One of the highlights of your academic trips is the visit of the major EU institutions. We will first take you on a one day trip across the border to Strasbourg, the official seat of the European Parliament.

Later in the program you will travel for one week first to Brussels, the so-called capital of the EU where you will visit the European Commission and the Council of the EU. In addition, you will meet with other actors on the Brussels scene such as representatives of lobbying organizations, think tanks, and NGOs. From Brussels we take you to Paris in order to learn about the genuine French perspective on the EU and its current challenges.

On your second trip, you will visit Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Here you will explore EU-Russian geopolitical competition especially in the Baltics, Ukraine, and Belarus. Another focus will be the Scandinavian approach to welfare policies, fighting climate change and sustainability as a whole.

Throughout, you will visit sites of historical significance and beauty, and you will engage with your fellow students, your faculty, and local players to take your learning far beyond the classroom.

The cost of the course-related excursions is included in the program fee, but you should budget for some meals and spending money.

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

Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Freiburg staff, your fellow students, and the city of Freiburg.

Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues through arrival to Freiburg, where you'll participate in a 1-day comprehensive orientation where you'll:

Attend a welcome reception, during which you will be able to meet and speak with IES Abroad faculty, staff, and fellow students
Settle into your housing and learn about student life in Freiburg, including transportation and health and safety
Receive an overview of the program, including its academic policies and goals
Finalize course registration
Tour Freiburg and take an excursion to the Black Forest
Participate in basic local language instruction

Additionally, CORE, IES Abroad's Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins before you arrive and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.

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.

Meals are not included in the program fee. Students typically prepare meals at their residences 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.

Term: Summer 2023
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Summer 2023	$6,242	$2,084	$135	$8,461

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

Summer Need-Based Financial Aid

Up to $1,000

Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:

Level of financial need as determined from information provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

While in Freiburg, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Freiburg 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 Freiburg experience.

Located in the heart of beautiful Freiburg, the IES Abroad Center is within easy walking distance of the University of Freiburg, the Freiburg Theater, and the main shopping district. And, of course, the Center (and all of Freiburg) is very close to the Black Forest.

Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
Meet with staff in their offices
Relax with friends or study in the student lounge and garden
Make use of the library

Other features include WiFi, printer access, and photocopier/scanner.

Our Staff

Merle Peitsmeyer

Center Director

Merle Peitsmeyer 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 US, 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 Freiburg Staff

Dr. Işık Gurleyen
Academic Dean

Dr. Jan Völkel
Academic Dean ESS/LAS

Dr. Karin Hunn
Field Study Manager

Katie Kraker (Maternity Leave)
Director of Housing & Student Affairs

Dörte Peters
Student Affairs & Housing Coordinator

Karin Jors
Health & Safety Coordinator

Julian Zimmerman
Customized Programs & Internships Coordinator

Mary Rose Hess
Accounting & Office 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.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

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 orientation 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!

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