Germany (Colgate)
The Freiburg Study Group provides students with first-hand experience of German Culture in its diversity, gives them an opportunity to develop and enhance their language skills through immersion in a German-speaking environment, and enables them to pursue academic study at the internationally renowned Albert-Ludwigs-Universität.
- Based in Freiburg, Germany
- Spring semester (March - July)
- NY6 exchange program- Enrollment caps may be limited based on exchange numbers between schools.
- Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA, German 104
- Take courses with international and domestic students
- Live in student housing
Apply to Study in Germany
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
Freiburg im Breisgau, a vibrant university city in southwest Germany’s Black Forest, is known for its temperate climate and reconstructed medieval old town, crisscrossed by picturesque brooks (bächle). In the surrounding highlands, hiking destination Schlossberg hill is linked to Freiburg by a funicular. With a dramatic 116m spire, the Gothic cathedral Freiburg Minster towers over the central square Münsterplatz.
Academics
Required Courses
GERM 341 Advanced Conversation and Composition This course focuses on the language skills needed for excelling as a student at a German university. The first part is taught by the director while the group travels through German speaking Europe; the second part is taught in Freiburg by the director and local personal tutors in accordance with the specific needs of the individual student.
GERM 457 German Culture and Literature This course conducts an on-site study of German culture beyond the university setting. Students deepen their knowledge of German culture and history and explore contemporary social and political issues in conjunction with their lived experience of German-speaking Europe. The study trip to key cities and regions of central Europe is an integral part of this course, and includes guided tours, special lectures, visits to museums, and attendance at theater performances and concerts. Upon return to Freiburg in April, the course meets regularly during the semester at Freiburg.
Electives (students select two courses)
During the semester at Freiburg, students may enroll in two courses from any field of study at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität (subject to availability and the satisfaction of pre-requisites).
Co-curricular
The program consists of two parts: a four-week group trip through German-speaking Europe, followed by the semester enrollment at the University of Freiburg. The Freiburg Study Group is sponsored by Colgate University’s German Department, but is open to students in all fields.
Students may participate in various university and community extracurricular activities such as sports, choruses, or orchestras, etc.
Housing
Students are housed in the dormitories of the University of Freiburg together with other Freiburg students. Students may participate in all university and extracurricular activities such as sports, choruses, orchestras, theatre groups, etc.
Calendar
See Colgate's Freiburg Study Group website for program dates. The Spring semester usually begins in mid-March and ends in July.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock, pre-departure preparations, as well as safety and security while abroad. Three orientation sessions in the fall prior to departure help to prepare students for their experience at a German university. Previous study group participants and native German students in residence at Colgate will serve as resources for the new study group.
On-site: Orientation in Germany is conducted during the first four weeks of the program.
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Germany (Colgate) program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about applications, eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Brook Henkel- Questions about program academics.