Overview
Location: Freiburg, Germany
Calendar (semester dates are approximate):
- Summer term: April to September
- Winter Term: October to March
Program Length:
- Semester or Academic Year
Eligibility:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- At least sophomore standing
- Degree-seeking student
- Two years of German language study
Program Description
BW/NC has been offering University of North Carolina System students study abroad opportunities since 1996 and the program for UNC system students is based at the University of North Carolina Greensboro's campus.
The University of Freiburg is among the oldest universities in Germany and has a rich tradition. The humanities and social sciences have traditionally played an important role at the university. Outstanding achievements in philosophy, philology, and historical research as well as in economics and law are associated with the names and publications of Freiburg scholar such as Heidegger, Husserl, Weber, Eucken, and the Nobel Prize winner von Hayek. In addition, the university offers an extensive range of subjects in the natural sciences and medicine. Famous professors such as the Nobel Prize winners Spemann, Staudinger, von Hevesy, and Krebs taught in Freiburg.
Especially for international students, Freiburg has a lot to offer: its position in the Tri-National Triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains right outside the door, 28,000 students from all over the world, prestigious academic institutions and the Studierendenwerk’s Service Packet including a room, health insurance, and the aid of friendly dormitory assistants. Because of the international flavor of Freiburg, there are many things to do during your free time including countless options for entertainment, dining and dancing.
The University of Freiburg created a guideline for international students, covering the most important issues. Moreover, the International Club, a forum for local and international students who would like to do more socializing and are interested in other cultures, is meeting regularly. To learn more about this and other intercultural encounters such as the Buddy Program, Language Tandem Program, and others click here.
Click here for printable program information.
Coursework
A four-semester proficiency must be demonstrated in order to take regular courses in
German. Most courses at the University of Freiburg are held in German and only a handful of courses are offered in English. If you want to improve your German before starting your studies, you have the opportunity to take
intensive German courses at the university's
Language Teaching Center in September or March. In addition, you can also improve your German in the international
summer courses in August. The Language Teaching Center also offers language courses for international students during the semester at no extra charge. Finally, you have the opportunity to participate in a
Tandem Language Program which is based on the concept that two people with different mother tongues meet regularly to learn each other’s language.
Search for courses in
English: The current system used by the University of Freiburg for its courses is
HISinOne. Unfortunately, the department name, course title and description are only available in German. Therefore you may want to use Google Translate.
For more information about courses and what it's like to study at UF as an exchange student, visit the International Student Services
website.
Housing & Meals
Students have the option to live either in university housing or in a private apartment.
The
Studierendenwerk offers in Freiburg and Bad Krozingenl approximately 4.000 dormitory beds, from single apartments to large shared living facilities. Because of their cost-effective rent and pleasant environment, these student houses are very popular. Living together in a dormitory offers many chances to make friends, but it also has its quirks and is subject to certain rules. Most students in Freiburg who live in dormitories live in groups which share a kitchen and sanitary facilities. The residents of the dormitories are collectively responsible for the cleanliness of communal spaces, which means everyone gets a chance to clean. Obviously, everyone is also responsible for his or her own room.
When looking for a room on the private real estate market, you have a variety of options. There are single rooms in the apartments of lessors, which are usually furnished and offer bath and kitchen usage. There are also small apartments, in some cases in the lessor's own house. There are also shared apartments, which usually consist of three to five students. These so-called Wohngemeinschaften (WG's) are usually mixed gender and everyone shares the household tasks. Further information can be found
here.
Finances
You will pay your tuition and fees to UNC Asheville and accommodations and meals (if included) to the University of Freiburg. Refer to
UNCG's website for more information on costs.
Scholarships
The UNC Asheville Study Abroad Office awards need-based scholarships on a competitive basis to participants on UNCA exchange programs. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,500 and are scaled in proportion to program budget and demonstrated financial need.
The Study Abroad Office advises students to research and pursue a wide range of available funding opportunities. To find scholarships applicable to your program,
browse the Cost and Financial Aid page of Study Abroad website.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Contact Information
Study Abroad
028 Ramsey Library, CPO 1560
828.232.5037
studyabroad@unca.edu
Useful Links
