Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Strasbourg is the place to go for international relations. Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 04/26/2013 with

Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Always use cash, be aware of your surroundings, and always travel in groups (small groups are preferred).

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great host family. The food was delicious and the family was very welcoming.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because it was a center just for the students in the program, it was difficult to meet people outside of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between 30 and 70 euros depending on the week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find the restaurants that have inexpensive food for lunches and meals that the host family doesn't provide, but treat yourself to a good meal every one or two weeks so that you don't get tired of eating the same thing. Also, if the program allows you to eat at the university cafeteria (usually less expensive even if you pay for it yourself) take advantage of it. The food is usually pretty good and it allows you to have variety in your meals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The director and most professors encouraged us to speak to them and to each other in French.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French classes prior to the program were not necessary but my highest level course prior to departure was French Literature.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? With your host family and professors. They will help you improve your language skills because they can correct you or help you figure out what you are trying to say.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Host Family
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Program Information Prior to applying
  • More involvement with the local community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take a backpack that was specific for traveling around.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modern French Drama
Course Department: French
Instructor: Bach
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was definitely challenging. My French speaking and writing skills were improved during the course of the semester thanks to this class. We went on field trips to become exposed to the French theater scene in Strasbourg. I participated about the same amount if not more than I normally would in a French class at my university. I was graded fairly and promptly. Overall, it was a great course.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not.
Course Name/Rating:

International Communications
Course Department:
Instructor: Guiseppe Zaffuto
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was very interesting. The professor brought speakers that were experienced in international communications. The professor was very knowledgeable about the topics of discussion and did a great job of explaining various concepts.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

France from WWI to the EU
Course Department: French
Instructor: Grosjean
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This class was one of the most challenging classes I took while I was abroad. It definitely improve my French language skills, since I had to pay close attention and listen to the professor in order to understand the topics. I really enjoyed this class because of how challenging it was and because of how much I learned both about France and about the language. I participated more than I usually would.
Credit Transfer Issues: