Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg: Introduction
Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg (EH Freiburg), also known as the Evangelical University of Freiburg and Protestant University of Applied Sciences Freiburg, is an academic institution that transcends conventional education’s boundaries.
The university has been around for over 100 years.
Rooted in a rich history and guided by a profound commitment to Christian ethics, this university symbolizes holistic learning and personal growth.
As you continue reading, you will delve into its origins, mission, and role in shaping the minds and values of its students.
Beyond being a center of higher learning, EH Freiburg represents a unique approach to education. Pursuing knowledge is inseparable from character development and a deeper understanding of the world.
A Glimpse into the Past: A Trailblazing Legacy
The university’s journey began over a century ago when it was founded as the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Freiburg.
In 1918, this visionary institution began offering a vocational school for women pursuing religious and social work.
The inaugural class was composed of 12 pioneering women aged 20 to 42.
A significant turning point occurred in 1956, when EH Freiburg opened its doors to six men. This further diversified the school’s student body and solidified its legacy as a trailblazer in education.
MISSION STATEMENT Of Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg
The university aims to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable, democratic society that upholds human dignity locally and globally.
The university embodies a reformatory approach to education, emphasizing responsible maturity and active participation.
It views education as a collaborative process that fosters skill development, personal responsibility, and solidarity.
While it operates within the public education system, it also fulfills the church’s educational mission, addressing societal challenges and promoting freedom of research and teaching.
KEY OBJECTIVES: NURTURING EXCELLENCE AND DIVERSITY
The Evangelical University of Freiburg operates with a set of key lenses:
Academic Qualifications: The university offers bachelor’s and master’s level academic qualifications, combining theoretical and empirical research with practical application.
Promoting Talent: It supports young scientists, including doctoral candidates and offers lifelong learning opportunities for graduates in social and educational fields.
Coopеration and Nеtworking: The university collaborates locally, nationally, and internationally in tеaching, rеsеarch, and further education with universities, rеsеarch institutions, and partners in various sectors.
Rеligions and Worldviews: It explores religions and worldviews as lenses shaping professional and spiritual actions, fostering self-reflеction and practicе.
Divеrsity and Equal Opportunitiеs: EH Frеiburg values diversity, promoting equal opportunities and adding prejudices and discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, abilities, gender and more.
Sustainability: Committed to sustainable development, it encourages members to engage in global discussions on livelihoods and social justice.
Internationalization is fundamental. Collaborations and mobility programs increase members’ ability to operate in international contexts .
Transparent Organization: EH Frеiburg emphasizes transparency, clear structures and participation, promoting personal responsibility and trust among all stakeholders.
Hеalth: It designs working conditions to support hеalth maintenance.
Values and Visions: The university celebrates values and visions through church services, festivals and artistic events, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared goals among its diverse members.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
EH Freiburg offers various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral academic programs.
It is particularly renowned for its social work, theology and education programs.
The university’s faculty comprises dedicated experts passionate about their fields and deeply committed to nurturing their students’ intellectual and spiritual growth.
The degree programs are,
- Social Work (Bachelor of Arts)
- Religious Education / Community Diakonia (Bachelor of Arts)
- Childhood Education (Bachelor of Arts)
- Social Work (Master of Arts)
- Religious Education (Master of Arts)
- Peace Education (Master of Arts)
- Education and upbringing in childhood (Master of Arts)
- Social Management (Master of Arts)
Further Training / Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning Opportunities
In addition to traditional degree programs, EH Freiburg offers a wide range of continuing education programs, including advanced master’s degree programs on a part-time basis.
These programs are designed to support professional development and lifelong learning.
Topics range from social management to supervision and coaching, reflecting the diverse interests and needs of the student body.
The programs are,
Advanced master’s degree programs, part-time
- Social Management (Master of Arts)
- Supervision and Coaching (Master of Arts)
Peace Policy University discussions
- Peace Institute Freiburg
Further training courses in childhood education
- Early Childhood Education Network QuiKK
- Childhood education/child and youth research
- Daycare profile language
Further training on other topics
- Preacher service
- Palliative care pediatrics
AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS
The Evangelical University of Freiburg places internationalization at the core of its educational mission.
It actively cultivates the ability of its members, including students, faculty and staff, to engage in international research, teaching and practical contexts through sustainable collaborations.
The university fosters a culture of participation in shaping its internationalization strategy.
It encourages exchange programs, offers top-rated support for students studying abroad and hosts International Talks to enhance global perspectives.
Recognizing the value of international experiences, the university aims to prepare graduates with essential skills for the global job market, emphasizing language, social and communication proficiencies.
International Office and Senate Committee
The International Office is a hub for internationalization and is directly affiliated with the Rector’s office.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Internationalization and International Relations, including student representatives, actively shapes the university’s global engagement.
Global Collaborations
The Evangelical University of Freiburg fosters international ties for teaching and research, partnering with regional universities like Basel, Mulhouse, and Strasbourg and maintaining connections with institutions in Europe and worldwide.
Global Collaborations: Connecting with the World
EH Freiburg proudly welcomes students worldwide, creating a truly international community.
The university offers numerous exchange programs and partnerships with institutions worldwide, enabling students to study abroad and broaden their horizons.
Some of the partner universities are,
- Brazil’s University of the Amazon
- France’s European Higher School of Social Intervention (ESEIS)
- Austria’s FH Campus Vienna (Department of Social Affairs)
- Switzerland’s University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
- Czech Republic’s Charles University in Prague
Internationalization in teaching: Offers for students
The university offers the following features,
International Mobility: Encourages student, lecturer, and staff mobility; there is also “international@home” for non-mobile students and foreign guest lecturers.
International Talks: Regular online discussions on global issues; open to external participants; fosters global awareness.
RECOS Trinational Cooperation: Trinational cooperation for social work, mutual degree recognition and job opportunities in neighboring countries.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (International Profile): Specialization in international social work enhances global understanding and fosters intercultural competence.
Language Skills: Supports foreign language proficiency; offers language courses and test subsidies.
Study Abroad Opportunities: This organization promotes study abroad through scholarships, an extensive partner network, excellent support, and recognition for achievements.
International Week: Supported by Erasmus+ and Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg International Office, teachers, administrative staff, and social work students joined Utrecht’s International Week. The week aims to establish annual mutual study trips.
PIONEERING RESEARCH ENDEAVORS AT EVANGELICAL UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG
The university actively engages in various research projects that address pressing societal issues and contribute significantly to academic discourse.
Faculty members and students collaborate on research endeavors that span various disciplines, thus promoting innovative solutions and advancements in their respective fields.
Research Profile
Diverse and Outstanding Research
Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg prioritizes research that critically examines current technical and political issues. The university’s research strength is evident in third-party-funded projects and scholarly publications by faculty and research staff.
Enhancing Teaching Quality
Faculty research activities play a pivotal role in improving the quality and relevance of teaching and further training. The Science Council recognized the institution’s programs for their “strong research basis” during its 2014 institutional reaccreditation.
Affiliated Research Institutes
The university has a long-standing tradition of research conducted in affiliated institutes, such as FIVE, which has been a hub for practical research since 1984. Additionally, professors conduct independent research projects.
Institute for Applied Rеsеarch
In September 2022, Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg launched the Institute for Applied Rеsеarch (IAF), including the Cеntеr for Child and Youth Rеsеarch (ZfKJ). The IAF is under the leadership of Vice Rector for Research and Transfer, Fabian Frank.
Interdisciplinary research foci
The following are the research foci,
Gender Studies:
Gеndеr Studiеs at EH Frеiburg is lеd by distinguished professors in sociology and political sciеncе, supported by a dеdicatеd rеsеarch tеam that includes expеrts in sociology, social pedagogy, demography and biology.
Pedagogy of Childhood / Childhood Pedagogy:
The focus on Pedagogy of Childhood / Childhood Pedagogy benefits from the leadership of prominent professors in the field and a research team comprising specialists in educational science, psychology, and childhood pedagogy.
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Modern Infrastructure and Amenities
Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg has state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, and a comprehensive library with extensive academic resources.
Beyond academics, the campus features serene gardens and communal areas encouraging relaxation, reflection and socialization.
A Green Commitment
Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg is deeply committed to sustainability, which is evident in its eco-friendly campus practices.
The university strives to create an environment that reflects its values of responsible stewardship of the Earth.
From energy-efficient buildings to recycling initiatives, EH Freiburg’s green initiatives are a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and environmental responsibility.
VIBRANT STUDENT LIFE in Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg
A Community of Support and Growth
Student life at Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg is characterized by vibrancy and diversity.
The university strongly emphasizes holistic education, focusing on academic achievements, personal growth, and well-being.
Various student clubs and organizations cater to multiple interests, from cultural and artistic pursuits to sports and community service.
Building Lasting Connections
The close-knit community at Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg fosters strong bonds among students.
This sense of community creates a supportive environment for learning and personal development.
Whether through extracurricular activities or student-run initiatives, Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg encourages students to engage with their peers and the broader community, forming lasting connections far beyond their time at the university.
CONCLUSION
Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg witnessed the harmonious convergence of faith, ethics and academic excellence.
Its rich history, diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life make it a top choice for individuals seeking a transformative and holistic higher education experience.
Evangelical University of Freiburg’s dedication to research, internationalization, and community building ensures its graduates are well-prepared to excel in their careers and positively impact society nationally and globally.
As you consider your academic journey, exploring EH Freiburg is an opportunity not to be missed.
