UGA - Franklin - Freiburg Study Abroad : Reviews (Frankfurt)
The following program review responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Program Evaluation
Ian Edison Van Giesen,
Summer 2017 Participant
Dr. Crawford and her assistants ensure that every detail is accounted for and that unexpected events are handled responsibly and coolly.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I was fully aware of our trip itinerary. Dr. Crawford explained everything very clearly and made sure we were aware of any changes.
Summer 2018 Participant
During the trip, nothing came as a surprise due to the quality of our orientation materials and orientation sessions.
Summer 2018 Participant
Orientation materials were very thorough and really answered any possible question, in my opinion.
Ava Marin Burgess,
Summer 2019 Participant
The orientation sessions were very helpful, but I don't think there needed to be any more.
Summer 2019 Participant
I felt completely prepared going into the study abroad based off of the materials given at the orientation sessions.
Summer 2022 Participant
Dr. Crawford and Stephanie did an excellent job at preparing us for the trip. We heard lots of useful information about what to expect and how to prepare.
Summer 2017 Participant
Though I did not require health care during the study abroad, I knew it would be accesible and a priority if I did.
Summer 2018 Participant
There were several health care professionals in the vicinity of our housing accommodations, and these offices seemed to be of high quality.
Summer 2019 Participant
Had I gotten sick, I feel as though getting medical attention would have been easily accessible.
Summer 2023 Participant
I chipped a tooth, and I had no issues seeing a dentist about it.
Hannah E Bass,
Summer 2016 Participant
Freiburg felt very safe! I felt comfortable going running on my own around town and walking around at night with other people.
Summer 2016 Participant
No problems occurred and I never felt unsafe
Ian Edison Van Giesen,
Summer 2017 Participant
Although the program took place in a city across the ocean, due to location of our dwelling and school, I often felt just as safe, if not safer, than I do back home.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
Excursions were informative and fun, transportation was dependable, and the location was absolutely amazing.
Summer 2018 Participant
Very safe.
Summer 2018 Participant
I never felt uncomfortable about my safety or my environment during this program.
Summer 2018 Participant
I felt very safe in the dorms, at school, and even around the city. I felt comfortable everywhere.
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
The area of Freiburg is wonderful. I never felt any fear for my safety.
Summer 2019 Participant
I felt completely safe during all excursions.
Logan Alexander Tieg,
Summer 2019 Participant
The UGA faculty director and co-directors were extremely attentive to student safety and understanding during transportation between facilities as well as on excursions. The place of residence within Freiburg was well-attended and comfortable, as well as being located convenient to local food and groceries.
Summer 2022 Participant
The living facilities and the school were very close as were the bus stops, and the regional train station.
Summer 2023 Participant
Transportation was easy to use and helpful. I was able to walk everywhere around Freiburg. The facilities were clean and nice. The excursions were very interesting and well-done.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
The workload was very manageable. I did not feel overwhelmed or stressed; it was a good amount of work in and out of class.
Ava Marin Burgess,
Summer 2019 Participant
Each student has the flexibility to say whether their class is too easy or too hard and to make sure they are in the class that is the best fit for them.
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
My German class size was under 10 people. It was wonderful. Workload could get rough with combined assignments from both required courses. German homework was usually optional but necessary if you wanted to really learn the language.
Logan Alexander Tieg,
Summer 2019 Participant
Goethe Institute staff were very supportive and considerate of each student's individual competency in German.
Hannah E Bass,
Summer 2016 Participant
I really liked Oberried and the soccer stadium.
Summer 2016 Participant
All excursions I went on were great
Katherine Russell,
Summer 2017 Participant
Great excursions!
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite tour was to Oberreid. I liked getting to see the Schwarzwald mountains. I also liked the optional excursion to the Schluchsee. I recommend for that excursion to be in future itirneraies as well.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I love Freiburg and all of its surrounding areas. I can't wait to visit again in the future.
Summer 2018 Participant
All sites were very interesting and relevant to our course.
Summer 2019 Participant
I enjoyed all of the excursions and found them enriching to the study abroad experience.
Logan Alexander Tieg,
Summer 2019 Participant
Director-led dinners and excursions were elegant and offered a wide look at local culture.
Hannah E Bass,
Summer 2016 Participant
Great living accommodations, wifi is the only complaint.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
Housing was great!
Summer 2018 Participant
Excellent housing. Much better than uga dorms.
Gemini Sharma Kaushik,
Summer 2018 Participant
The housing was great! I shared a room and bathroom with someone, and the view out of our dorm was beautiful.
Summer 2018 Participant
There were no flaws or drawbacks with the housing. It was superb.
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
The rooms were nice. However, no sun blinds with the summer sunrise at 5 am.... Mixed housing with students around the world. I was placed with an Asian who spoke little English. I had a great time getting to know him, joking around, and using google translate.
Summer 2019 Participant
Great housing situation!
Summer 2022 Participant
The housing facilities were very nice.
Summer 2023 Participant
Housing was very clean and located close to our classroom facilities.
Summer 2016 Participant
Group meals were excellent and gave options for everyone
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I love German food already, so this was never really an issue.
Summer 2018 Participant
We were responsible for all meals except two, and accessibility for grocery shopping, cooking, etc. was so easy and as good as you can expect. There were many cheap and local options at all times. Eating in Freiburg was a pleasure.
Summer 2023 Participant
Mensa meals were top tier #MensaMenschen
Lesleigh Lane Irvin,
Summer 2016 Participant
Loved our meet and greet with the Freiburg Univeristy students!
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
The first week we were in Freiburg, we had a welcome party with English students from the University of Freiburg. This was a great opportunity for the UGA students to work on their German. We made many friends just from eating lunch in the city, hanging out around campus, and from the welcome party.
Summer 2019 Participant
Since we mainly stuck together on all excursions and free time activities, there were not many opportunities to interact with local people/culture, though, admittedly, this was also my own fault.
Summer 2017 Participant
I commend Dr. Crawford and the program assistants, Al Byrnes and Vivian Langer, for their hard work to keep the program running smoothly.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
Dr. Crawford, Vivian Langer, and Al Byrnes are three amazing instructors and they deserve a million thanks for arranging this program. They worked so hard to make sure everyone was enjoying their time in Freiburg. I am so lucky to have had them leading our program.
Aileen Hephzibah Nicolas,
Summer 2018 Participant
The staff was wonderful. Dr. Crawford put so much work into this, and it was obvious. Al and Vivian were helpful at all times.
Summer 2018 Participant
Both the director and the TAs were fantastic and provided really useful advice.
Summer 2018 Participant
The staff was abundantly helpful and friendly to us.
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
Staff in institute and accompanying UGA faculty were great. No complaints.
Summer 2023 Participant
Excellent. Absolutely zero complaints. Dr. Crawford, Tobi Müller, and James Thompson were perfectly suited for their roles.
Summer 2017 Participant
Program staff was excellent! Everyone was extraordinarily attentive and made sure we were all constantly safe and was always there for us any time no matter what we needed. Excellent.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I fully believe Dr. Crawford, Vivian, or Al would have helped us in any way they could. They always said "call if you ever need anything at all." Knowing that I had someone to call in case of an emergency was very reassuring.
Lesleigh Lane Irvin,
Summer 2016 Participant
I found the program to be very cost efficient, as I had more than ample amount of allotted cash for groceries.
Kari Dawn Hiner,
Summer 2017 Participant
I'd give it more stars if I could.
Summer 2017 Participant
Fantastic value
Summer 2017 Participant
very affordable
Ian Edison Van Giesen,
Summer 2017 Participant
One of the best value program out there. Dr. Crawford realized that cost can be an issue for students, so the clear communication about the total program fee beforehand seemed responsible and just.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
It was well worth the money.
Summer 2023 Participant
Very cheap for a study abroad program, and the value was immense
Kari Dawn Hiner,
Summer 2017 Participant
This program exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Freiburg is an amazing city to host students and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I already had high expectation for this trip..... but they were far exceeded.
Summer 2018 Participant
My expectations were high before I left, but this program exceeded my expectations.
Summer 2018 Participant
This exceeded my expectations in so many senses. No expectation can compare to the real, day-to-day living and learning in Germany.
Christopher Rion Dionglay,
Summer 2019 Participant
Expectations were exceeded in every way.
Summer 2019 Participant
Everything was well put together. The only thing was the lack of air conditioning and good wifi, but it's not the programs's fault.
Summer 2022 Participant
Definitely went beyond my expectations
Summer 2023 Participant
greatly exceeded my expectations
Summer 2023 Participant
This program met my expectations and went beyond.
Summer 2023 Participant
Exceeded all my expectations
Kari Dawn Hiner,
Summer 2017 Participant
Overall a great program where students can be immersed in the language and learn a lot about the city and "green" culture. I learned more in a month on this program than an entire semester back home. The cultural course about Freiburg's renewable energy and green living was probably my favorite class I've taken at UGA. The knowledge I gained from the books and tours has already made a huge difference in my life back in the states. I enjoy sharing what I learned with other people and it has inspired me to one day work in a field where I can help have a positive impact on renewable energy and green communities.
Summer 2017 Participant
Overall I had a wonderful experience learning about Germany and Sustainability by being in the most sustainable city in the world.
Summer 2018 Participant
I really enjoyed the program.
Alixandra Suzanne Green,
Summer 2018 Participant
The trip was great!
Summer 2019 Participant
Really enjoyable, and I learned a lot. Now I know clean energy is best energy.
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
The program should be longer. At one month, it felt very short. More time would allow for more excursions and more weekends for longer travel plans.
Summer 2019 Participant
Although I greatly enjoyed the Freiburg study abroad experience, I wish the program would have lasted longer than one month. Had the program lasted longer, I think I would have improved my German even more than I did and had more chances to interact with locals.
Summer 2022 Participant
Great trip, I want to go again.
Summer 2023 Participant
Dr. Crawford, James, and Tobias were the best at ensuring this program went well for every student!
Summer 2023 Participant
Everything was well planned and organized.
Summer 2023 Participant
It was a lot of fun!
Mark Evan Ogletree,
Summer 2016 Participant
Be sure to fully immerse yourself in everything that Germany/the local area offers you.
Summer 2016 Participant
Make the most of your time. It can sometimes be hard to find enough of it.
Summer 2016 Participant
Travel as much as possible on the weekends.
Kari Dawn Hiner,
Summer 2017 Participant
My advice: Do as much as you can while you're there. I saw people who hardly ever got out and did things outside of class and excursions and that really made me sad. Just live it up.
Katherine Russell,
Summer 2017 Participant
Take the opportunities that you're given to branch out and meet people - interact with the other international students in your classes, the dorms, and about the city. You'll learn a lot about daily life, norms, and culture in other countries (and in your own!) just by talking to them.
Summer 2018 Participant
Take every opportunity you can to go explore and meet locals. You'll meet a lot of really interesting people and get to see a lot of cool places.
Alixandra Suzanne Green,
Summer 2018 Participant
Start applying for scholarships early.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
PICK FREIBURG!!!! You will not regret it!
Summer 2018 Participant
This is a wonderful program, and I would encourage anyone considering it to seize this opportunity.
Summer 2018 Participant
Go with an interest or a personal passion for German culture, no matter what part. Whether it's food, language, politics, business, etc., -- go with some personal interest and know what you want to get from the experience. Then when you get there, make that your focus. The fun times that will come alongside that focus are inevitable.
Nicholas Walter Beech,
Summer 2019 Participant
Honestly, the program is really well set up and managed
Summer 2019 Participant
Take advantage of the weekends and go see different cities while you have the time. With a Eurail pass, it is amazing how much you can see in so little time.
Summer 2019 Participant
Participate in local culture! It will improve your German greatly and make the experience more enriching.
Summer 2019 Participant
go early in your German career, like 2000-level classes or for 3010
Logan Alexander Tieg,
Summer 2019 Participant
1. Drink water from your sink, not restaurants 2. One rain jacket and one pair of jeans should suffice for colder weather 3. Bring a personal wash cloth
Summer 2022 Participant
I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the German culture.
Summer 2022 Participant
They'll tell you to pack light, and it's absolutely best to follow that advice. Minimize bringing heavy clothes like denim or boots! And don't be afraid to use the local laundromats.
Summer 2022 Participant
Visiting cities around Germany on the weekends is a great way to spend time.
Summer 2023 Participant
Make friends with the other UGA students in your program and with other people in your classes that come from all over the world. It's so worth it!
Summer 2023 Participant
Apply if you can, and if you get accepted and you have the means to do it, then absolutely do it.
Summer 2023 Participant
Use the free time as a way to explore new cities and countries.
Summer 2023 Participant
Get out of your comfort zone! Spend time with new people from UGA and around the world, and try to speak German as much as possible, it really helps!
Hannah E Bass,
Summer 2016 Participant
I had such an incredible time on this trip! I loved meeting people from all over the world through the Goethe Institute, as well as getting to know fellow UGA students better. Classes allowed me to learn a lot while still leaving enough time to explore Freiburg and surrounding cities on my own. I also really enjoyed the excursions; it was really cool seeing in person the information we had learned about in our "Freiburg: Green City" course.
Jacob Alexander Emerson,
Summer 2016 Participant
This program is great and is better the more you do and explore.
Lesleigh Lane Irvin,
Summer 2016 Participant
"Freiburg was an amazing experience! It was the first time I found sitting in a classroom for 5 hours a day to be fun and would look forward to doing it again the next day! The Goethe teachers are amazing and it's definetely a different, but rewarding learning experience."
Mark Evan Ogletree,
Summer 2016 Participant
If you really involve yourself, you'll never really leave.
Summer 2016 Participant
I will never forget all the memories I made in Freiburg. To experience the culture at my own will was amazing.
Summer 2016 Participant
"This program is a full immersion into the language and culture along with an educational outlook on the sustainable living in the area."
Benjamin Thomas Giebelhausen,
Summer 2017 Participant
If I could give this program three thumbs up I would! Easily the best way to learn German and to see Germany!
Summer 2017 Participant
An excellent experience-- a perfect mix of personal freedom and educational structure.
Summer 2017 Participant
Amazing experience and one I would highly recommend.
Kari Dawn Hiner,
Summer 2017 Participant
Freiburg becomes a home away from home where you'll learn more in a month there than four months in America.
Summer 2017 Participant
Great way to advance German language skills while learning about the culture of Germany and other places. Classes at the Goethe Institute are full of students from all over the world motivated to learn German. It creates a great environment in which to learn.
Katherine Russell,
Summer 2017 Participant
The freedom and opportunities for self-discovery offered by study abroad would be hard pressed to be matched by a domestic program. The small daily challenges and daily victories encountered by the student nurture a sense of self-reliance and competence, leading to personal growth in ways that are difficult to quantify on a purely academic scale.
Summer 2017 Participant
I learned a lot from the Freiburg Study Abroad Program about German attitudes toward sustainability and developed my German speaking skills. Sustainability was interesting, because that has not been a focus of my education so far; it was good to widen my perspective there. I also enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment from holding conversations entirely in another language.
Ian Edison Van Giesen,
Summer 2017 Participant
What a fantastic experience! Program pushed me in more ways that I could have imagined to exercise my german authentically and to dive into the vibrant student culture in Freiburg. Be prepared to be challenged, but highly rewarded.
Summer 2018 Participant
This is an excellent program! The classes are interesting and you get several opportunities to go and explore different places and meet new people. I highly recommend this program.
Alixandra Suzanne Green,
Summer 2018 Participant
My study abroad was the trip of a lifetime and it didn't even break the bank.
Madison Danielle Helmick,
Summer 2018 Participant
I had no idea I would meet my best friends on this trip. Having the opportunity to spend a month in the Green City, learning the German language and about the culture of Freiburg, is an experience I will never be able to fully thank UGA for providing me with.
Gemini Sharma Kaushik,
Summer 2018 Participant
Freiburg helps lower anxiety and depression because it's a green city. Also BIKE PATHS EVERYWHERE
Aileen Hephzibah Nicolas,
Summer 2018 Participant
The Freiburg study abroad program opened my eyes to the potential of sustainability in not only the United States but also the world. I was in awe every single day by the dedication of the German people to the protection of our planet.
Summer 2018 Participant
If you're interested in learning German and experiencing German culture, this program is the perfect opportunity.
Summer 2018 Participant
A very fun experience that lets you immerse yourself in German culture.
Summer 2018 Participant
Going to Freiburg with UGA's study abroad program is opening a door to new friends, perspectives, and opportunities that you'll never want to close. Plus, döner.
Ava Marin Burgess,
Summer 2019 Participant
If you're serious about learning German, this is the program for you.
Christopher Rion Dionglay,
Summer 2019 Participant
"I really wanted the program to go longer, but then the heatwave started and I was content"
Summer 2019 Participant
If you are on the fence about doing this study abroad, just do it. Not only will you improve your German, but you will meet so many interesting people and see places that you will remember for the rest of your life
Summer 2019 Participant
Developing ones skills in the German language in the classroom and community
Jose Ramiro Reyes,
Summer 2019 Participant
German 1 in Germany is intense, and It is perfect for getting a jump start on real conversational German. Also, never too late to take German.
Summer 2019 Participant
Best experience I've had in college thus far!
Summer 2019 Participant
The Freiburg program is the best way to immerse yourself in the German language and culture!
Logan Alexander Tieg,
Summer 2019 Participant
UGA Franklin's program in Freiburg is a culturally-enriching and cozy opportunity to learn about German society as well as work towards one's German minor or major.
Summer 2022 Participant
The program is a great language learning opportunity and international cultural exchange.
Summer 2022 Participant
The Freiburg study abroad program allowed me to improve my German and overall confidence in just a short time. I also was able to form great friendships with peers that I lived and studied with that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Summer 2022 Participant
This program was amazing. I met people from so many different walks of life, and I feel as though I am now more empathetic and able to interact with all different types of people.
Summer 2022 Participant
Studying with the Goethe Institut boosted my confidence with German considerably and gave me a much firmer foundation to work with. I absolutely recommend it!
Summer 2022 Participant
Freiburg is an excellent city to study in. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Summer 2022 Participant
I really enjoyed this study abroad experience. I got to meet so many wonderful people from UGA and from around the world, both in my classes and in extracurricular settings. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone interesting in learning German or visiting Germany more broadly.
Summer 2022 Participant
Going abroad is a great opportunity that everyone should experience
Summer 2022 Participant
It is amazing - absolutely a life-changing experience.
Summer 2022 Participant
This was the most memorable summer of my life! I improved my confidence in German, made new friends, checked things off my bucket list, and decided that I want to move to Germany after college. Thank you for the life changing experience!
Summer 2023 Participant
I am uncertain if the real treasure was the German we learned, or the friends we made along the way.
Summer 2023 Participant
This program not only helped me improve my German speaking skills, but allowed me to immerse myself in a new, wonderful culture.
Summer 2023 Participant
A great way to enhance your overall UGA experience.
Summer 2023 Participant
Studying in Freiburg improved both my German skills and my understanding of sustainable urban development exponentially. It's an experience that I think anyone could appreciate.
Summer 2023 Participant
"I could never have imagined the great impact that this program would have on me, amazing country surrounded by amazing people!"
Summer 2023 Participant
A great experience
Summer 2023 Participant
"The Freiburg UGA Study Away trip is a culturally fulfilling experience where you will be immersed in knowledge about sustainable wind, housing, and solar practices. You will walk away from the program counting down your next visit to Germany!
Summer 2023 Participant
Between the city of Freiburg and the Black Forest and the surrounding area, you will truly become immersed in the beauty of Southern Germany.
Summer 2023 Participant
Honestly, a life-changing trip