Germany: Isabella Richter (Sustainability in Freiburg)

Freiburg is known as the “green city,” thanks to its environmentally conscious citizens. Many sustainable practices are incorporated here; after a month here, I barely register them. One important – and initially confusing– German practice is separating trash. My apartment has bins for paper, plastic, glass, and food waste. Apparently, most homes in Freiburg categorize their trash even more!

Freiburg’s public transportation is one of my favorite things about the city. This first month, before classes start, I have prioritized getting to know the city, which is possible thanks to the trams that stop every few minutes. I can get from my apartment to the city center in 15 minutes. There is also a student public transportation pass, the Semesterticket. Recently, the Semesterticket allowed my friend and I to explore a village bordering France; the way there and back was completely free. The extensive public transportation system incentivizes people to live their daily lives (and go on adventures) without needing a car.  Freiburg is also an extremely bike friendly city. Bikers are everywhere and quite assertive – I am often scared to cross the street.  Every street has a Fussgaengerzone (sidewalk) as well as a bike lane.

The environment is of major political importance in Freiburg. Last week, I passed a large environmental protest that shut down the city center.

There is also the Pfand system, which allows you to return used bottles in exchange for money. This practice is alluring to college students on a budget – my roommates have a collective Pfand jar where we collect our (minimal) profits.

Most of these practices are admittedly specific to Germany, and would thus be hard for me to implement when I return to the United States. Still, Freiburg’s environmentally conscious lifestyle has already left an impression on me. When I am back in Madison, I hope to bike more. I did not last year, but Madison is a very bike-friendly city as well.

Isabella Richter

Hometown: Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Major: Political Science; History; German

Program: Academic Year in Freiburg

My main goal on this program is language immersion. I want to improve my German by using it as much as I can every day in academic contexts, casually with friends, and in day-to-day life in Germany. This way, I will feel more comfortable in a different culture and get the most out of my experience.