Alumni Testimonials

Kelley-"4 credits shy of receiving my Bachelor of Arts in French, I decided that instead of staying in Minnesota for another semester, I would put my language skills to the test in Fribourg, CH. What started as an academic and linguistic endeavor ended up being one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My only regret? Not staying a full year!"

Addy- "I miss my year abroad and all of the wonderful people I met there more than I could have ever imagined. In fact, I had such a wonderful time studying abroad, I would very much love to do it again!"

Jeffrey- "I chose to spend a year with the American College Program (ACP) in Fribourg because it allowed me to enroll directly at a prestigious university where I could take classes in both French and German in a completely bilingual environment. All of my classes were with Swiss students, and courses at all of the departments of the University of Fribourg are available to ACP students. Fribourg is a beautiful university city, with a well-preserved medieval center and an alpine backdrop. Being in Switzerland enabled me to travel and explore not only the different cultures and languages within the country, but also elsewhere in Europe, due to its central location and world-renowned public transportation system. Those accustomed to the big city will be happy to know that the capital Bern is only a twenty-five minute train ride away; Geneva and Zurich a bit longer than an hour. I would recommend the American College Program to anyone interested in a French or German submersion experience, through direct university enrollment, that is uniquely Swiss."

Jennifer- "I had a wonderful experience with the ACP. Being able to study at the University of Fribourg was the perfect way to really be immersed in Swiss culture. There were so many opportunities to take advantage of, from attending lectures in French, to learning how to fence, to writing for the school paper, to meeting people from all over the world...every day brought new challenges and adventures! Fribourg is conveniently located and was a great home base for exploring the rest of Switzerland and Europe. I'll have some incredible memories to look back on--my only complaint is that the semester went by too quickly!"

William- "I don’t think any two of the students who were in Fribourg with the American College Program this year had the same expectations. We all came for our own unique reasons, and our individual experiences this year were shaped by those differing expectations. My American College Program experience was, in a word, great. I got out of it just what I had hoped for. I made new relationships, strengthened already existing ones, expanded my viewpoint, and, most importantly, gained a clearer idea of what I’d like to do in the future."

Alexia- "I found the American College Program on the Internet. I was searching for a University in Europe where I could study French or German. I was applying at this time also for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship so I needed to know quickly where I wanted to go. When I found the ACP website, I was positive it was the right program for me. Eleven months later, I am now also sure that I made the right decision. I have improved so dramatically in my French and German, met so many people from so many different countries (Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Morocco, Iran, Spain, Argentina, Columbia, Peru, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, France, Singapore, China, Japan, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Georgia, Romania and more) and I have so many fond memories of Switzerland and other countries. Perhaps the best thing about Switzerland, besides the cheese and chocolate of course, is the fact that it’s centered in Europe so almost every country is close by. I will really miss all the friends I made in Fribourg, but I am sure without a doubt that I will be back".

Jillian and Krystal- "The four months we spent in Switzerland have been the best travel experience we have had to date. Fribourg's location in Switzerland works perfectly for easy day trips, and Switzerland's central location makes traveling in Europe a breeze. The best part of all was being able to see the Alps every day while walking to classes at the University."

Eleanor- " Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single experience during my time with the ACP. I didn’t know what to expect when I came, I just knew I wanted to experience something new. That semester opened my eyes to so many places and opportunities. I also made friendships that will last a lifetime. Fribourg was the perfect location for travelling, throughout Switzerland and Europe. I vastly improved my German and French skills and really enjoyed being able to take regular classes at the university with students from all over the world. My life will never be the same and I’ll never forget my time in Switzerland! "

Isabel- "As a student in the American College Program at the University of Fribourg, I enjoyed complete immersion in the Swiss university system. At the same time, the ACP staff offered just the right amount of support to make me feel at ease in the university. This unique combination allowed me to experience an unfiltered Fribourg, a town of both rich historical roots and fresh student life. The location is perfectly positioned for domestic and international travel, but also boasts its own linguistic and cultural diversity. In sum, my semester at the University of Fribourg was exceptional. As I look to the future, I cannot forget the permanent mark that it has left on my memory."

Shelby- "The American College Program was a really affordable and great way to experience Switzerland. I was given helpful guidance, but also the freedom to explore the city and university on my own. The University of Fribourg was academically challenging and I was able to interact with a variety of other interesting students from around the world."

Kristen- "Spending a year in Fribourg with the help of ACP might be the greatest thing I have ever done. I can't even explain how much I have grown personally and academically. By choosing to integrate myself into life here, to meet local people, to learn the languages, I have become a more interesting and complete version of myself. The ACP program is a wonderful launching point into a life-changing experience. And take my advice: If you have the option, stay for the entire year!"

Olivia - Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland in 2021 was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian and security organizations in the context of international security issues. In addition to visiting sites such as the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, I was able to receive support by kind academic and program professionals with insightful field experience, build new perspectives on current events, form life-long friendships with my peers, and leverage this experience to create new career opportunities. The experience and knowledge that I gained from this opportunity abroad helped me to later acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO! I would highly recommend this unique program to all prospective students.

Katie - My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume builder that is asked about in every job interview I’ve had since, it also helped me find what I am passionate about and steered me towards a career I love. Not in small part become of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. On top of the professional benefits, this program let me spend a summer in one of the most beautiful countries on earth and meet so many wonderful people. Several of whom are still very close friends even years later. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

Zach - My time in the International Security Studies and Global Environmental Justice programs at the Fribourg Institute was the highlight of my college education! They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the diplomats, politicians, and activists who are writing the next chapter of our world’s history.

Bradley - Thank you for allowing me to participate in the ISSP 25' program. The program was such an important experience for me both academically and personally, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. The class content, in addition to your lectures (yes, even the bus ones) really helped shape the way I think about international security / IR, and our private conversations had a similar impact. They gave me a unique perspective that I feel has given me a distinct advantage among my peers, and I know that experience will stay with me for a long time. I'm writing to share that your program, both in what I learned, the experiences I had, and my reflection on said experiences, has helped me to earn a position with the Congressional Research Service, where I will be supporting analysts working on the NATO defense spending commitment from the Hague Summit, and my role specifically requires tracking country-by-country spending trends, then subsequently providing briefings for CRS analysts. with. The things I learned and the growth I had in Switzerland played a direct role in opening that door for me. I even spoke about it in my cover letter. So, I thought it was only right to thank the person directly responsible for me getting the chance to be a part of ISSP 25.

Anthony - My experience in the International Security Study Abroad in Fribourg, Switzerland was an experience I will never forget. Truly, Dr. Armstrong’s sales pitch of the program was not over exaggerated in the slightest. To travel Europe in a scholarly group, visiting organizations like NATO and the UN was a blessing that I’ll forever be grateful for. If you’re majoring in or are interested in foreign policy and international law, you’ll find yourself falling in love with it through this program. It was an absolute honor to study under Dr. Armstrong and Professor Lushnycky (the European program coordinator) and to learn about some of the most important matters in society. Aside from academics, exploring Europe both with my program group and on my free time is a walk through history, culture, and a timeless, immeasurable feeling of wonder.

Cody - The Environmental Justice Program was a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did I make some fantastic friends but I also got to explore amazing cities while learning about what I love. I got to visit UN buildings and speak to experts in a variety of fields, and feel better equipped for my post-grad life.

Recommended Application Deadlines

Academic Year Program (AYP)/ Autumn Semester Program(ASP) April 15
Spring Semester Program (SSP) Sept. 30
Survey of International Organizations (SIO) March 15
International Security Studies Program (ISS) March 15
Global Environmental Justice (GEJ) March 15
Winter Survey of International Organizations (WSIO) October 10