Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Ella Majeski '26

Major/minor: Politics and Women, Gender, and Sexuality majors, Legal Studies and German Studies minors

Study abroad program: Summer European Union Studies in Freiburg (IES), Summer 2025

Reason you chose this program: Built-in travel opportunities, location, language, opportunities in politics and international relations.

Favorite classes: EU-US Relations with Professor Arndt Michael

How did you incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your study abroad experience? Both of the classes I took abroad counted towards my major. I was able to apply everything I had learned in the US to an international context as I visited different EU buildings such as the Parliament and Commission.

Housing situation: I lived in University of Freiburg housing with other students from the university. A few people from my program lived in my building.

What was your greatest challenge? Leaving! I miss it so much, and I hope I can go back in the future.

Favorite memory: Going on a Stockholm ghost walk with some of my friends during our off day. Our program took a flight to Sweden where we learned about the Swedish political and welfare systems, and during our days off I was able to explore the culture and embark on some very fun opportunities.

Did you apply for any scholarships? If so, which ones and how did they impact your time abroad? Yes, I received scholarships from IES and Brandeis, and I also received the Max Kade Travel Grant from the Center for German and European Studies (CGES) at Brandeis. Without these financial opportunities, I would not have been able to study abroad at all, and I am very grateful to have received so much aid. My study abroad advisor, Ash, had a great impact in helping me apply for these opportunities, and ultimately, in securing them.

What do you know now that you didn't know before? The European Union is a very complicated organization, which makes it super fun to learn about!

Fact about Germany that you think people would be surprised to learn: In Freiburg, there are little ravines that run throughout the city called "Bächle." There is a superstition amongst Freiburgers that says if you fall into one, you have to marry a native to Freiburg.