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IES: Freiburg Language and Area Studies

The IES Center in Freiburg, provides students with an opportunity to study the German language and about Germany in this picturesque university city located in southwestern Germany near the French and Swiss borders. Students can enroll either in courses with other US students at the IES Center or in courses with German students at the Albert-Ludwigs Universitat. All courses are taught by German faculty in German. To further facilitate cultural immersion, participants live in apartment-style university residence halls with German students.

“I loved living with German and other international students...The living situation was one of the most positive aspects of the experience for me, as was the city (Freiburg) itself and the people living there...The program offers a good balance of academic challenge, cultural engagement, and free time for students to explore the city, the country and their own personal interests. It is also an extremely useful language-learning experience, and as long as you are committed to practicing German regularly, I guarantee your skills will improve.” - Katie S. ‘16

Faculty Adviser:

Professor Emily Jones (German Studies & Environmental Humanities)

Fields of study:

German language and literature, art history, film studies, history, philosophy, economics, politics, as well as other fields

Eligibility:

Minimum cumulative GPA requirement 2.8 (Whitman requirement)

Language Prerequisite:

Four semesters of college-level German or the equivalent

Credits:

16-19 credits per semester - Required Courses:
IES Abroad German language course (4 credits)
German-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (3 credits each)
German-taught courses at partner universities (3 credits each)
Internship (includes internship seminar followed by internship placement after the semester, 3 credits)

Credit Conversion:

1 IES credit = 1 Whitman credit

Internships:

Available in areas such as environmental advocacy groups, NGOs, hospitals, cultural institutions, education, and government.  All internships take place post program except placements at schools and some social organizations.

Housing:

In apartment-style university housing with German and international students

Meals:

Students prepare their own meals or purchase them at one of the many student cafeterias in the city.

Semesters Offered:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

Calendar:

Late August–December or late August–February (for those taking university courses or participating in an internship)
February–June or February–July (for those taking University Courses or participating in an internship)

Scholarships:

IES Abroad Scholarships

Program Link:

IES: Freiburg Language and Area Studies

Office Information
  • Memorial Building 205
    345 Boyer Ave.
    Walla Walla, WA 99362
  • Email or Call to Schedule a Virtual Advising Appt.
  • 509-527-4992
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