IES Freiburg: Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Location: Freiburg, Germany
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Freiburg is a city of curving streets, medieval architecture, and beautiful cathedrals. With a young population and a small-town feel, Freiburg offers many opportunities for cultural integration, making it the perfect place to study German. A center for progressive thinking on environmental issues, Freiburg is also known for taking the lead in the development of eco-friendly technologies and architecture. The city now attracts researchers and environmental organizations from around the world. Located on the edge of the scenic Black Forest, an hour away from the towering Alpine mountains, France, Switzerland, and other exciting regions of Germany, Freiburg is a year-round sports center and an ideal starting point for exploring Europe.
Steeped in rich history, Freiburg is also a modern bustling town and home to the renowned Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, one of Germany’s top universities, and takes great pride in its traditions. Founded in the 15th century, the faculty and researchers have made history in numerous disciplines. Today the University is flourishing more than ever—it ranks among the top 8 universities in Germany and was recently awarded the Excellence Initiative by the German government for promoting science and research.
- Visa:
Not required; must obtain a temporary residence permit. Non-US citizens should consult with IES and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition and room to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payments to the program.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Students must enroll in an appropriate-level IES German language course. This program is not for German majors – courses are taught in English. This program does NOT fulfill the language requirement.
Academic Credit
Students must carry 16 credit hours per semester. Transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C (2.0) or above.
Curriculum
Organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences at the distinguished University of Freiburg, the program offers English-taught courses taken alongside German and international students. Courses are organized as a series of three-week modules that focus on the sustainable management of natural resources, with a special emphasis on the adaptive management of forests. Additional topics include ecological processes in ecosystems and human effects on the environment. Post-program research assistantships and extensive field study trips to the Swiss Alps, the Rhine River Valley, and the Black Forest give you hands-on experience. Students participate in German language courses at the beginning, intermediate, or advanced level taught at the Sprachlehrinstitut of the University of Freiburg.
Research Assistantships: Spring semester students may apply for a research assistantship to enhance their educational experience by working with a University faculty member on a specific research topic. Research assistantships take place after the conclusion of the spring semester and last approximately six weeks. Students who participate in a research assistantship must remain in Freiburg through the end of the assistantship. Getting an assistantship is competitive and placements are not guaranteed. Placements depend on availability, students’ background and skills, and CV/resume quality. Language requirements may apply. Final placements are determined by an on-site interview. Examples of assistantship locations include the Departments of Forest Biometry and of Vegetation Science and the Institutes of Forest Growth, of Silviculture, and of Forest Zoology.
Course Highlights
Cities, Environmental Studies, Research Opportunities, Urban Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Provided by IES
Number of Students
Approximately 40-60 students attend each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Apartments – Students 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 in their housing or dine in Freiburg’s affordable student cafeterias. Meals are not included in the program fee.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- IES Abroad Student Diversity & Access
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
- STEM Courses Offered
Dates
- Semester I: Late August to late December
- Semester II: Late February to late June
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: October 5