Freiburg: Albert Ludwigs Universität
Spring: Early March - Mid July
Undergraduate Exchange
Learn the tenets of European Business and improve your command of the German language on this program arranged exclusively for UW-Madison business students. A German faculty member founded this program and currently serves as the resident director of the Semester in Freiburg program, assisting students with academic and other concerns.
Sister city to Madison, Freiburg is located in the Upper Rhine Valley at the foot of the Black Forest in southern Germany. The architectural influence of its medieval past is immortalized in the Gothic cathedral which dominates the city center. Modern attitudes prevail, however, as a population of bicyclists and Green Party voters make this university city the Environmental Capital of Germany. With over 190,000 inhabitants, Freiburg provides a variety of cultural activities including concerts, exhibitions, and theater.
The Black Forest's valleys, pastures and mountains provide not only a picturesque backdrop, but numerous recreational activities. Freiburg's location at 'Three Nations' Corner' allows weekend travel to the Alps and other locations in Switzerland, France and Germany for a weekend.
Courses
Receive UW residence credits and grades.
Attend German language courses exclusively with other UW business students. Earn 6 credits of German depending upon your previous coursework: German 204, 225, 226, 331(business), 337 (repeatable), 699.
The professor who organized the Freiburg program for many years is retiring. We are unsure what courses will be available for the future. In Spring 2009 students will attend two special business courses taught by Professor Kammerer earning 3 credits each of Intl Bus 200 (or IB 365) and Econ 364. We assume Spring 2010 students will take regular courses through the university.
Additional courses are available through the university in German. Selection is not announced until you arrive in Freiburg. In spring 2008, students took MHR 423, and found it difficult.
Housing
Live in a single room in a dormitory. Share bathroom, living room and kitchen with German or international students.
Costs and scholarships
The following are estimates only. Costs are subject to change. Estimates noted with an asterisk (*) were calculated based on an exchange rate of $1 = 0.67 euros. Recently the rate has been falling. Check xe.com for up-to-the-minute conversion rates.
Details about financial aid and additional scholarships are available.
Estimates based on Spring 2009.
UW tuition: Full-time
UW program fee: $350
UW-mandated health insurance: $37/full month, no partials i.e. (March 15 - May 30 is 3 months)
Housing: $2,000*
Meals and miscellaneous (various campus fees): $1,650*
Books: $125*
Local transportation: $250*
Visa fee: $60
Airfare: $1000 (estimate)
Entertainment and vacation travel vary widely
Advice from past participants
Read reports from past participants.
Applying
There are generally 12 students admitted per spring. As there are limited spaces, application to this program does not guarantee admission. Minimum requirements are a 3.0 GPA, completion of German 203, 54 credits earned by the time you go abroad and prior coursework in business/economics (usually 9 credits).
Applications are due March 1st of the previous academic year. If space for spring semester opens, the application process will re-open with a deadline of October 1st. Attend an information session, held in February and September. Information session dates, program availability and applications are available on the application website.
Please note that the visa application process for this program is slightly different. Most participants apply for their student visa after arriving in Freiburg. The Consulate in Chicago is reluctant to give this visa, and the process is expensive and time-consuming in the U.S.
Web pages
Scholarships for study in Germany
For admitted students
Predeparture Information: Freiburg
While abroad website