Germany: European Union

The European Union is the institutional framework designed to coordinate the political and economic policies of its member states. It is also a community of nearly 500 million citizens and one of the largest markets in the world. As the European Union continues to grow in size and influence, understanding it is crucial for understanding Europe and our world. With its central location in Germany, Freiburg makes an ideal starting point for the exploration of this region, and also offers a rich cultural experience in a picturesque university town characterized by a Gothic cathedral and architecture from the Middle Ages.

This program is designed for students with a focused interest in the European Union, and typically draws students majoring in economics, politics, international relations, and public policy. Students are able to study the development and activities of the EU in an excellent, central location, with field trips to sites that are important to the affairs and interests of the EU and its plans for the future. The field trips are an integral part of the academic program and include Brussels, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Paris, Geneva, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Bratislava, and Riga.

All EU program courses are taught in English by European faculty. There are also opportunities to participate in a model European Union simulation or academic internships. All EU courses are held at the IES EU Program Center near the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in the center of Freiburg. All major university buildings are within a five-minute walk from the IES Center.

Dates

Fall semester: early September to late December
Spring semester: mid-January to mid-May

Fields of Study

Economics, political science, international business, and German language.

Eligibility

Pomona highly recommends German 2 or the equivalent, and requires two college-level courses in the social sciences. 9.0 GPA required.

Number of Students

Approximately 5. Total group approximately 50.

Academic Program

All participants are required to enroll in the EU Studies Integrative Seminar (1 Pomona credit) and a German language course ( .75 Pomona credits). German courses are offered at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced level. Students then select three IES courses ( .75 Pomona credit each) for a total of 4 Pomona credits or 16 semester credits. Students may take only one course on a P/NC basis.

Living Arrangements

Students live in German residence halls throughout the city, usually with a mix of German and international students in the living groups.

Faculty Liaison 

Hans Jürg Rindisbacher

Internet Link

https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Programs/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanUnion/europeanUnion.html