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Freiburg Summer - 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 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. Disciplines taught in the past have included:
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- History
- International Relations
- Political Science
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE/EC 320 - Transition and Development in Southeastern and Eastern Europe | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE/EC 320 - Transition and Development in Southeastern and Eastern Europe | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 360 - Shattered Dreams in Europe's Troubled Borderlands? Eastern and Southeastern European Cultures and Societies between Conflict and Reconciliation | Summer | English | 4 |
| PO/IR 340 - Security Dynamics in the EU's Eastern and Southeastern Borderlands | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 360 - Shattered Dreams in Europe's Troubled Borderlands? Eastern and Southeastern European Cultures and Societies between Conflict and Reconciliation | Summer | English | 4 |
| PO/IR 340 - Security Dynamics in the EU's Eastern and Southeastern Borderlands | Summer | English | 3 |
Field Trips & Events
Course-Related Excursions
The IES Abroad European Union Summer Program features two course-related excursions, one to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia (7 days) and the other to Russia* and a Baltic state (9 days).
During these course-related excursions, you will experience first-hand the cultural landscape of multiple EU accession state candidates and study in-depth the multi-faceted challenges of current and future European integration for the countries visited.
*Please note: Non-U.S./non-EU citizens may be required to obtain a Russian tourist visa prior to arrival.
Meetings
The course-related excursions are academic in nature. Site visits include lectures and discussions on the political, economic, social, cultural, and religious issues involved and is a unique opportunity to meet and talk with:
- EU and government representatives of accession states
- Leaders in multi-national corporations and NGOs
- Official advisors on EU issues
- Leading academic experts
- Journalists
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
Upon arrival in Freiburg, you participate in a 1-day comprehensive orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad European Union staff and program objectives, your fellow students, and the city of Freiburg. During orientation, you:
- 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 during orientation 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.
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 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 | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2021 | $5,820 | $1,945 | $135 |
$7,900 |
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
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 infromation 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
$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 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 European Union Staff
Karin Thomas
Student Affairs Director
Nina Vedder
Office Manager
Katie Kraker
Student Affairs Director
Andrea Lauckner
Customized Programs & Internships Manager
Dr. Işık Gurleyen
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.
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.
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!
Latest from Freiburg
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
