Freiburg, Germany

European Union: Politics, Law & Economics

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment

Credits:

16 to 20 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, German

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Additional Fee

About the Program

Previously known simply as European Union, on this program, 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, Economics, and Business. As part of the program’s required Integrative Seminar, you travel for approximately 22 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, but they will also give you the experience you need to build your résumé, and to prepare you for an international career. 

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Travel for Approximately 22 Days

Develop an understanding of the European Union and its history.

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Europe Will Be Your Classroom

Imagine meeting with leaders of multinational corporations.

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Participate in Model European Union Capstone

Analyze and debate issues of current concern in Europe.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in a for-credit internship placement in Freiburg.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

Late August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

spencer biery headshot

Spencer Biery

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

the flags of the European Union fly in front of a building

Why the European Union?

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

Learn More About Your Home Base: Freiburg, Germany

Get to Know Freiburg

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(Don't) Step in the Bächle

Navigate the narrow channels of water that run through the streets.

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Hike, Cycle, & Climb the Black Forest

Germany’s densely forested area is right in Freiburg’s back yard.

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Take in the Views from the Schauinsland

A rigorous hike or an easy cable car will take you to the top of this hill.

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Support from Freiburg

On-the-ground staff are available at the Center in Freiburg.

The Student Experience

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Housing

table and chairs in the corner of a kitchen filled with a group of students eating tacos
  • Apartment

Apartment

You'll live in a private single-occupancy 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. 

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.

Courses

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 (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. 

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

NOTE: This is a list of tentative course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (11)

Cultural Studies (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
CU/PO 243 - European Political Cultures Fall, Spring English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Freiburg, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

student posing in front of Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Berlin

5 Days Fall & Spring

Learn how Germany’s history and present effects the European unification.

A student looks out over the ruins of the Parthenon in Athens. The sun is setting in the background.

Member States

7 Days Fall & Spring

Experience economics, politics, and other topics of current importance to the EU in two of their many member states:

Rome, Italy & Budapest, Hungary

OR

Athens, Greece & Bucharest, Romania OR Sofia, Bulgaria

OR

Stockholm, Sweden & Prague, Czechia

Fort Mutzig & Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg field trip

Fort Mutzig & Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

1 Day Fall & Spring

Visit two significant historical and cultural landmarks in Franco-German history and learn about the challenges of overcoming centuries of conflict and rivalry in the heartland of Europe.

Students standing in front of parliament seats

Strasbourg & the European Parliament

1 Day Fall & Spring

Explore the lovely old town of Strasbourg and visit the European Parliament in session.

Students standing outside a barn in Freiburg.

EU Funds in the Region

1 Day Fall & Spring

After meeting with an expert introducing you to the EU’s agricultural and structural funds, you will visit a local farm to learn about how EU funds are implemented in the region.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Freiburg, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Freiburg is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

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 for a greater understanding of work life in Germany. This optional post-program internship carries an extra cost.  

Placement Examples

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Business

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Education

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Government & Politics

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Journalism

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Charities & Nonprofits

Research

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
19,757
Housing
$
4,427
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
24,429

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
19,684
Housing
$
4,500
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
24,429

2025 Fall

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Freiburg Center is located at the heart of the city. Nearby you’ll find notable landmarks like Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the Freiburg Theater, and the main shopping district. With classrooms and student lounging space, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Freiburg
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Freiburg. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Trip to the Black Forest
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.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Freiburg before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 26 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 14 - May 10

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

Late August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

NOTE: If you choose to apply for and are accepted into an internship your program's end date will be different:

  • Spring 2024: European Union program plus internhip - January 9 to June 22 

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • No German language is required

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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