Get involved instead of giving up: service learning
Freiburg, 18/04/2025
The Center for Key Qualifications (ZfS) at the University of Freiburg offers students from all subject areas the opportunity to combine their studies with civic engagement in the area of “Service Learning” (SL). This is now possible as a study project in your own subject with regional partners from the field or across different subjects.
“Service” refers to voluntary work in an initiative or project through which students open up new realms of experience. Service learning (SL) combines experience-oriented learning in a charitable organisation with university knowledge and personal development. The Center for Key Qualifications (ZfS) supports and guides students throughout their involvement. Service Learning can take two different forms: interdisciplinary or, from the 2025 summer semester, as a study project in one’s own subject.
New: Service Learning via study projects
In subjects in which a study project is planned, there is now the opportunity to combine specialised knowledge with specific issues from civil society: students develop a project together with community partners (CPs), establish a link between the subject’s learning content and methods and practical application, reflect on requirements and solutions in practice, and further develop their personal skills.
As part of such a study project, the new SL support programme helps students with their project plans: the ZfS cooperates with a large number of civil society organisations in the region and provides support in establishing contacts and coordinating activities. Participants reflect on their practical experiences by addressing key questions in an ILIAS course room, using a personal logbook, attending individual office hours and exchanging ideas with fellow students. They can use self-learning elements to devote themselves to topics such as project management, communication and cooperation, as well as their own skills development. The scope of the support and the workload are determined in advance with the subject.
Further information
Service learning as an interdisciplinary offering
In the interdisciplinary programme, students can get involved with selected community partners such as ROCK YOUR LIFE!, the World Field or the German Trade Union Confederation during the summer semester. Those who are already volunteering with other initiatives can also get credit for their practical work during the semester and take part in the Service Learning programme offered by the ZfS. Workshops, advisors and the exchange with other committed people offer the opportunity to reflect on practical experiences, tackle social challenges and develop solution strategies. Bachelor students can also use them to acquire ECTS credits in the area of “occupationally oriented skills” (BOK).