Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My amazing, yet hectic, experience in Strasbourg. Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent. I learned about international relations, French culture, political science, and the city of Strasbourg. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

THe program offered amazing political science classes with excellent professors. I honestly learned so much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

THere were a lot of staff members available to help you at any time. Sometimes they didn't know the answers to certain questions which was kind of stressful. Overall, I really enjoyed interacting with the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really loved my host family. I enjoyd the location of their apartment. I really got to bond with them. The only thing is that there were a lot of other students who came and went without notice. Also, I did feel at times that my host mother was in it for the money- she was very strict about which meals I could and could not eat with her and that made me feel uncomfortable.

* Food:

THE FOOD WAS AMAZING. My host mom was a fabulous cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't really make any French friends which was disappointing, but I learned a lot about the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues.

* Safety:

I felt safe in the city. The only thing is walking back at night was very eery. A girl in my program had some one follow her. However, I still felt very comfortable with my surroundings.

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)

Strasbourg was very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I mean, you just have to be prepared to spend a lot of money. I tried my hardest to save. I made my own lunches, but if you want to travel you're going to have to spend.

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

A lot of the classes were offered in English. My biggest frustration with this program is that they allow students to study in France without having taken any French courses. A lot of the students only talked in English, and they wouldn't even try to speak 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? Advanced Grammar
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? Hang out with your host family if possible.

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?
  • The political science courses
  • The internship component
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • The people admitted into the program- a lot of the students just wanted to party and waste their parents money
  • Integrating the Syracuse students and students from other schools
  • Communication between the website and participants
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Option II requires 12 hours of grammar.

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!