Hi everyone! I’m back with an update on the Freiburg EU program. Last week was the end of the “Intensive phase” of the Freiburg program. During this period which lasts 1 and a half weeks, students only participate in two courses: The EU integrative seminar, and German. In the seminar, we received both a theoretical and historical background of the EU, before we were tested on some of the core concepts in a Midterm on Tuesday. Following the midterm, the intensive phase ended. For the rest of the week, we only had one day in the classroom, with two periods of German. The rest of the week was filled with activities related to the EU seminar.

Namely, on Wednesday, our program travelled to the city of Selestát in France on a “Franco-German History trip”. During this trip, we travelled to a fort which was used by the Germans during both World War 1 and World War 2. Here, we learned about the advanced technology that the Germans used during the first world war, such as motors to provide electricity to the underground fortress. I found it interesting, although, it was extremely cold in the bunkers, and I started to realize how hungry I was when we took a tour of the fortress kitchen and bakery. Moreover, during the Franco-German trip, we stopped by a castle in the French region which was formerly a part of Germany. Here, we learned that one of the Kaisers of the German Empire attempted to refurbish the castle and essentially turn it into a museum of Revisionist history, to express the glory and power of the German Empire. The trip demonstrated that the history of France and Germany has often been one of conflict and attempts to conquer one another. However, the EU has done much to change that relationship since its formation in the 50s.

Moreover, later in the week, we had a chance to learn about EU agricultural policy in-person by travelling to a farm in the black forest. Here, a local farmer explained to us in German (with a translation from one of our professors) the regulations he faces from the EU on his crops and animals. He also noted the incentives he can receive from the body if he engages in certain activities. We got to see his cows, rabbits, and pigs in person. While the farmer was speaking, the pigs in a pen behind got into some scuffles. While hearing some squealing and clanging into the bars, I had to keep from bursting out laughing a couple times.

That was last week abroad! Stay tuned for more updates!