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author
Sebastian Abdou
Sebastian
faculty
Fakulta humanitních stu
academic year of the stay
2025/2026
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author
Sebastian
faculty
Fakulta humanitních stu
academic year of the stay
2025/2026
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg
How does Sebastian rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university | organisation
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
The university is the center and the beating heart of the whole city. Communication with all aspects of the university was very straightforward and easy; students are provided with all the necessities to study (libraries, study rooms, quiet zones, recreational areas, social events, and a collegial atmosphere). As a student city, even non-student visitors were heavily present and active at the lectures offered by the university to both students and the public. The university, as well as all of Germany, is, however, heavily German-focused, meaning that a proficient level of the German language is a significant advantage, and a rudimentary level is absolutely necessary. A mobility to Germany would not be recommended without a basic knowledge of the German language.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
I would certainly recommend Freiburg University to other visiting researchers. In fact, scholars from around the world were already there during my stay, working in various capacities and positions. The host professors were highly receptive to visiting academics and even offered to host me again in the future through alternative funding channels. A demonstrable connection to the faculty or the specific field of study is, however, absolutely necessary. My placement was secured through my focus on Nietzsche, for which Freiburg is a major center. Nevertheless, other researchers were there based on tangential connections to Nietzsche or even distinct literary studies. Because the Freiburg approach to Nietzsche is heavily philological and literary, a background in either philology or literary studies can be instrumental in securing an invitation.
What is student life like at university?
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
While the faculty, staff, and student body were proficient in English, German remained the overwhelmingly dominant language of communication and instruction, with very few seminars or lectures offered in English.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
Freiburg boasts a remarkably rich student life, with the entire city effectively centered around the university. It functions as a progressive, ecologically conscious, and culturally open oasis. For those seeking this type of environment, Freiburg is an exemplary destination, offering a continuous array of activities, particularly student-led and student-oriented events.
Nevertheless, as a southern German city, Freiburg differs from metropolises like Berlin or Amsterdam; its vitality is more subdued and traditional, reflecting the region's relative affluence. It is also worth noting that Freiburg is renowned as Germany's warmest and sunniest city. Consequently, conducting my research stay there in July proved to be physically demanding. For this reason, I would highly recommend scheduling future mobility periods during the cooler months of the year.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
Because I had to secure housing on the open market, a significant portion of my scholarship was allocated to accommodation costs. While the city is certainly not an inexpensive destination, some expenses—particularly groceries—are surprisingly lower in Freiburg than in Prague.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
Utilizing dedicated student facilities is highly recommended. Unless your accommodation is within walking distance of the campus, acquiring a bicycle is equally essential. Additionally, I advise preparing meals at home, as dining out in Freiburg is considerably more expensive.
about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
Securing accommodation in the university dormitories requires making arrangements well in advance of the mobility period. Furthermore, I was informed that visiting researchers are not prioritized for on-campus housing. Consequently, I rented a private apartment on the open market just outside the city.
During my search, I encountered various channels offering different types of housing. Prospective visitors should be aware that Freiburg's bustling student life makes the local housing market susceptible to scammers exploiting the high demand for accommodation. I strongly advise thoroughly verifying any company or individual before transferring funds. Utilizing reputable booking platforms, such as Airbnb, is a secure alternative—and the route I ultimately chose. It is also worth noting that some hosts on these platforms offer significant discounts for monthly stays.
about experiences
Did you use your stay to travel around the country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
The wider region is a prominent destination for visitors, and Freiburg itself offers a wealth of attractions. Additionally, the Rhine River is nearby, providing easy access via short train rides to notable cities such as Basel, Colmar, and Strasbourg. To the east lies the renowned Black Forest, which provides extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, winter skiing, and a wide array of other outdoor pursuits. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Black Forest is an exceptional experience; I particularly recommend visiting Schluchsee, Titisee, Feldberg, Todtnau, and Hinterzarten.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
The academic community was exceptionally supportive and patient with my efforts to practice the language. I was actively encouraged to immerse myself in German, which has led to a significant improvement in my linguistic proficiency.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Because I had to arrange my mobility on short notice, I experienced some pressure regarding securing the acceptance letter, finding accommodation, and coordinating my travel arrangements all within a short time. Aside from these initial time constraints, the entire process proceeded smoothly.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
For my research, the institution's primary appeal was its unique status as a prominent center for Nietzsche studies.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
The academic environment proved less formal than I had anticipated. Social and student life plays a central role for the entire community, with faculty members frequently joining students at various events.
What surprised me most was that...
The hardest thing for me was...
Leaving after having stayed there.
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