Student Life
Where academics meet discovery.
Studying abroad with the Fribourg Institute means pairing serious academics with unforgettable experiences. From your home base in Switzerland, you’ll dive into rigorous coursework while also exploring a vibrant European city, traveling to world-shaping institutions, and connecting with peers who share your drive.
Programs balance structure and freedom: mornings of seminars, guest lectures, or briefings at international organizations; afternoons for reflection, projects, or simply discovering Fribourg; weekends that open doors to Switzerland’s mountains, castles, festivals, and more.
The Fribourg Experience ties it all together—debates and excursions, shared meals and travel, the small and the extraordinary moments that make a summer abroad both academically rigorous and deeply rewarding.
A Day in the Life
Your weekdays strike a balance between academics and independence. A typical day might begin with breakfast in the university cafeteria, followed by a seminar or guest lecture on campus. Some days you’ll travel to Geneva, Bern, or Strasbourg for exclusive briefings at institutions such as the UN, NATO, or the Council of Europe.
Afternoons often include time to study, prepare for group projects, or meet with classmates over coffee in one of Fribourg’s historic cafés. Evenings are yours to enjoy — whether that means working on your assignments, sampling Swiss cuisine, or gathering with friends to compare the day’s experiences. Group dinners, debates, and student-led activities round out the rhythm of the program.
Housing & Accommodations
Students live in housing on the University of Fribourg campus, designed for convenience, community, and comfort. Accommodation typically includes shared rooms, common kitchens, and group study areas, giving you independence and the chance to build strong friendships.
Your housing is centrally located, making it easy to walk or take public transit to campus, shops, and restaurants. The setting combines the familiarity of a student residence with the excitement of living in an international city.
The Fribourg Experience
Life at the Fribourg Institute extends far beyond lectures and assignments. Built into each program are academic excursions — from briefings at institutions in Geneva or Strasbourg to cultural visits across Switzerland and neighboring countries. Alongside these, you’ll enjoy free weekends to shape your own adventures: hiking in the Alps, floating down the Aare River, touring chocolate and cheese factories, or attending world-class events like the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Whether traveling with your cohort to iconic sites like NATO or the Aletsch Glacier, or planning a weekend trip to Gruyère Castle or an international football match, these moments give you the chance to immerse yourself in European culture. Just as importantly, they help you build friendships and memories that will last long after the summer ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switzerland safe for students?
Absolutely. Switzerland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Combined with the Institute’s comprehensive health coverage and 24/7 staff support, you can focus on learning and exploration with peace of mind.
Who will I live with?
Housing is shared with other Fribourg Institute participants, fostering a strong community of peers who share your academic drive. Swiss and other international students live nearby and share common areas, offering daily opportunities for cultural exchange. Double accommodation is included in the base program fee; single accommodation is available at an additional cost.
Will I have time to travel on my own?
Yes. Students typically have two free weekends to travel independently, as long as assignments are completed. Many use this time to visit nearby cities or landmarks with classmates.
What kinds of activities can I do outside the classroom?
In addition to structured program travel, you’ll have opportunities to hike in the Alps, float down the Aare River, tour Swiss chocolate and cheese factories, attend the Montreux Jazz Festival, or catch an international football match in Geneva or Zurich.
What is the balance between academics and experience?
The program is academically rigorous, with readings, discussions, and a capstone policy paper required. At the same time, built-in travel, cultural excursions, and free evenings and weekends ensure students enjoy their time abroad as much as they learn.
