Canadian Year in Freiburg

For over three decades, the Canadian Year in Freiburg (CYF) exchange program has offered students the opportunity to study at one of Germany’s top academic universities, to immerse themselves in German culture and society and to explore Europe.

Application
Students with a letter of permission from their home institution need to apply to Acadia University and pay Acadia University tuition for two terms (or for one term for one semester stays). The tuition covers study fees of the Albert-Ludwigs-University in Freiburg for the first semester.

Duration
The program starts in September and runs until the end of July of the following year (two semesters in total; one-semester stays are also possible).

Financial support
A limited number of scholarships from the Landesstiftung Baden-Württemberg is
available.

Accommodation
Rooms in student residences are provided at a cost similar to or below Canadian university rates.

Curriculum
The CYF program offers at least 15 credit hours (or five courses) for the academic year, normally taught through the U. of Freiburg Language Institute (SLi). Individual courses may also be offered directly through the program. These courses are offered exclusively to exchange students and meet Canadian academic requirements. Students are expected to take the remaining needed credit hours at the Albert-Ludwigs-University or at the Sprachlehrinstitut (SLI).

Typically offered courses  

Immersion Period
Advanced German Language I (intensive course in September prior to the actual start of the winter semester in October. (three to six credit hours)

Winter Semester
Advanced German Language II
(three to six credit hours)
Cultural Studies* (Landeskunde)
(three credit hours)
German Film (or other Cultural Studies Course)
(three credit hours)

Summer Semester
Advanced German Language III
(three credit hours)
German Literature (or other Cultural Studies Course)
(three credit hours)
(*NOTE: up to three Cultural Studies courses can be taken at the SLI in one semester. To earn credit for individual Cultural Studies courses, an extra work component is required for each course. Up to four courses with extra work can be taken at the SLI in the academic year. However, two or three Cultural Studies courses taken without extra work under consultation with the CYF program coordinator can be combined to award credit. (Consult with the program coordinator for details on course selection and how course credit is awarded.)

International Office
The CYF program provides local support to students: The U. Freiburg International Office staff assists students in settling in and with the registration process. Students can also be assigned a “student buddy,” who provides support throughout the semester. The coordinator (in Canada) communicates with the students and looks after the academic issuing of transfer course credits to Canada.
For further information, contact christian.thomas@acadiau.ca