Freiburg, Germany

Language & Area Studies

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

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Academic Year 2024: Late August - Mid June
  • Spring 2025: February 24 - June 07
  • 2025 Fall: August 26 - December 13
  • Academic Year 2025: Late August - Mid December

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$21,990

Housing:

Apartment

Language of Instruction:

German

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level German; enrollment in a German course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

About the Program

Tucked at the foot of the Black Forest, Freiburg is the quintessential southern German town, with its winding streets and historic architecture. Ideal for students interested in rapidly improving their German language skills, the Language & Area Studies Program offers you IES Abroad and university courses at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität taught in German by distinguished local faculty. 

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Study at a Local University

Enroll in courses at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.

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Meet with a Language Partner

Participate in our language partner program to practice your German.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship to helps contextualize what you’re learning.

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University Events and Cultural Activities

A number of events and activities are available to you.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

August 26 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
21,990

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

An arial shot of Freiburg, Germany.

Why Freiburg?

Tucked at the foot of the Black Forest, Freiburg is the quintessential southern German town, with its winding streets and historic architecture. It is also home to the Albert- Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, consistently rated one of the top universities in Germany. We invite you to study abroad in Freiburg, and to immerse yourself in student life and German language in this vibrant university town.

Learn More About Freiburg

Get to Know Your New City

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Appreciate the Architecture

Take in Freiburg’s colorful architecture.

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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.

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

February 24 - June 07

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

August 26 - December 13

Application Deadline:

NOTE: If you choose to take Partner University Courses, your program's end date will be different:

  • Spring 2025: February 26 to July 25 (LAS program + local courses)
  • Fall 2025: End of February (LAS program + local courses)

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 Albert-Ludwigs-Universität enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Partner Institutions

a photo of the outside of a Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg building
  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  • PH Freiburg

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

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. 

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

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Courses

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) 

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 (15)

Art History (2)

Partner Institution Courses

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg 

An extra fee applies for students participating in more than one course at the Art and Music schools. 

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
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Geological Sciences 
  • Economics and Behavioral Sciences
  • Environment & Natural Resources 
  • Law 
  • Mathematics and Physics 
  • Philology
  • Philosophy
  • 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. 

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Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg

An extra fee applies for students participating in more than one course at the Art and Music schools. 

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. 

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Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores 
  • 4 semesters of college-level German Language or the equivalent is required 
  • Enrolled in a German course within the year prior to the program start date 

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.  

 

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 coed suite with a shared kitchen and bath. Suites are shared with German and international students, and have Internet access. 

Students usually prepare meals at home or dine in Freiburg’s affordable student cafeterias. Meals are not included in the program fee. 

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. 

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Black Forest

3-5 Days Fall & Spring

Study the flora and fauna on a series of day trips hiking through this famous forest, located just outside of Freiburg.

student posing in front of Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Berlin

5 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Tour Germany's dynamic capital city and marvel at the history all around you as you walk the line between former East and West Germany and visit modern museums and memorials.

Outside the bell tower in Munich, Germany.

Munich

5 Days ($) Spring

Visit the beautiful capital of Bavaria, which will captivate you with its mixture of contemporary culture and tradition. Think Lederhosen and Dirndl!

Center square in Nuremberg, Germany

Leipzig & Nuremberg

5 Days ($) Fall

Follow in the footsteps of Goethe as you make your way to Leipzig. Then, travel back in time in Nuremberg, home to one of the most important imperial palaces in the Holy Roman Empire.

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. 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

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Charities & Nonprofits

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Arts & Culture

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Politics

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.

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
17,245
Housing
$
4,500
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,990

2025 Fall

Tuition
$
17,190
Housing
$
4,500
Insurance
$
300
Total
$
21,990

Academic Year 2025

Tuition
$
34,380
Housing
$
9,000
Insurance
$
650
Total
$
44,030

2026 Spring

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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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.
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.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.

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.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

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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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