IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability
- Location(s): Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
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The environmental movement took root in Freiburg long ago—and now it’s a way of life. Known for taking the lead in the development of eco-friendly technologies and architecture, Freiburg also attracts researchers and environmental organizations fr... read more
All Reviews
very worthwhile A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned about renewable technologies and urban studies, which were fields I wouldn’t have had the time or availability to try at my home institution Jessa - DePauw University View Entire Review
My studies have greatly shaped what I hope to do over the next chapter of my life. Before traveling to Freiburg, the green city of Europe, I was unsure how to convert my passion of environmental sustainability into a career. While abroad I learned about the various sectors and industries that utilize green aspects. I now feel co... Myiah Smith - Georgetown University View Entire Review
I’ve made some lifelong friends from around the world through my experience with IES. Study abroad is what you make of it. My best advice is to let yourself be uncomfortable; make new friends, use the language, branch out, and enjoy your time abroad! A student - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater View Entire Review
My program really gave me a chance immerse myself in a completely different way of life. I learned how rewarding experiences can be when you do tings because they sound interesting or they challenge you, not just to fulfill some requirement. And I really learned how to just take a breath, calm down, and take life a little less s... Suzanne Cole - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned to put myself out there and get out of my comfort zone. I traveled alone, got to know the city, exposed myself to so many other cultures. It was absolutely worthwhile! Manuela Tauscher - Skidmore College View Entire Review
Studying abroad has been one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. When I was younger I was timid and shy, and as the youngest of 3, I tended to ask a lot of questions and didn't try to figure things out on my own. I am so thankful that I decided to travel abroad on my own, with no friends, because I wanted to gain the ind... Allison Koch - Hobart and William Smith Colleges View Entire Review

I gained conversational German skills, life-long friends, and a deeper understanding of the challenges of international relations. I better appreciate the struggle of learning a new language and working with others to better our world. It was most definitely work it! A student - University of Rochester View Entire Review
My Study Abroad experience was liberating because it helped me gain different perspectives on life. The field trips to Turkey and Bosnia were especially enriching. Liberation is not escapism, it is a way of reflecting on life. A student - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities View Entire Review
Studying abroad has been the most incredible experience of my life. It has been both challenging and rewarding. The experience of living and learning in a culture different from my own, in a language foreign to me has been one of the most thrilling times of my life! I am sad to see the experience come to an end because the many ... A student - Scripps College View Entire Review
I learned to step out of my comfort zone. You won't be able to experience anything if you don't challenge yourself to. This particular study abroad experience is exactly what you make it. If you dive in, you will get even more back. A student - Georgetown College View Entire Review
I became a much more confident German speaker, and I also became more culturally aware. The program was definitely worthwhile. Michael M - Wofford College View Entire Review
I learned how to live independently and improved my German skills tremendously. Jessica E - Trinity College View Entire Review
I learned so much about living a sustainable lifestyle. I also learned some German and made a lot of international friends who gave me new perspectives. This was the most informative few months of my life, including time outside of the classroom. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I had amazing experiences with students from many different countries. Freiburg was also a city that is both easy to navigate but full of different opportunities and things to do. My family comes from Germany, but this experience made it feel more like home than it ever had before. A student - Temple University View Entire Review
great outdoor experience, great courses, really made use of the location, learned about the history of Freiburg and how it becomes so green A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained close international and American friends, German language and cultural skills, more confidence, urban planning and forest ecology knowledge, and fond memories for a lifetime. A student - University of Virginia View Entire Review
I gained so much independence and confidence in myself traveling alone. I was able to practice my language plenty and gained many new friends and, most importantly, a new perspective of the world. It was a very challenging experience but absolutely worth every second of it. Lydia Rautman - Emory University View Entire Review
I learned more than imaginable about myself and what I need in order to make myself happy. Alex Hoots - Wofford College View Entire Review
My time spent in Freiburg, Germany through the Environmental Studies & Sustainability program was a dream come true! Freiburg is a small but lively city that has made vast changes in recent decades to make it one of the most environmentally progressive towns in the world. Learning about the efforts made throughout the region to ... Alyssa - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review

I had an amazing time in Freiburg and the region. My German language skills improved, thanks to formal instruction and casual conversation. My travel skills improved, thanks to excursions in the Black Forest, Munich, Berlin, France, and Switzerland. The program office was very supportive and helpful as I adjusted to life here. I... Kristen A - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities View Entire Review
I became a much more confident person. Adri D - Rice University View Entire Review
Going abroad to Freiburg gave me not only practical, concrete knowledge of issues in current Germany as well as locally and a broader cultural appreciation, but also taught me how to live independently on my own for the first time. A student - Wake Forest University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself, how good I could become at German if I only pushed myself to take the chance. I became more self-sufficient, matured thoroughly, and had my eyes opened to the unendingly various ways in which people could live. It was awareness-widening and character-depeening. Absolutely worthwhile. A student - Georgetown University View Entire Review
Absolutely. I increased my confidence in my independence and became more understanding of the ntion that no matter what culture we come from ,our similarities are greater than our differences. Emmilea O - University of Redlands View Entire Review
About
This English-taught program allows you to explore topics in Environmental Studies, Forest Ecology, and Sustainability while living in Freiburg, located near the beautiful Black Forest and Rhine River Valley.
Freiburg and the surrounding regions will be your classroom. Imagine traveling to the Rhine River to take samples and observe local ecology, or the forests of the Swiss Alps to further your discussions on forest management and tourism. Wherever possible, your courses take you outside the classroom to give you hands-on experience and to take advantage of all that your study abroad location has to offer.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Geography
- Political Science and Government
- Urban Studies
- International Business
Minimum GPA:
2.75Website
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