Strasbourg, France: Musicians can study abroad too! Past Review
By Rosie B (Music., Ithaca College) for
Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg
I gained proficiency in French, a desire to live abroad again; came up with the idea of doing Grad school in Europe, and changing my major to be able to add in more Language classes.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Conservatoire du Strasbourg |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had half of my classes at the Syracuse center and half of my classes were at the Conservatory of Strasbourg. The American classes were of a lighter nature at some points, especially considering my French class. However, I felt that the workload was organized intelligently in that our professor knew exactly when we could handle a heavier load. At the conservatory I had voice lessons and a choir class. These were both very different experiences from their American equivalents. This too was amazing in how well it worked for me. The teachers were fairly blunt at times, but just as open and warm-hearted as their american counterparts. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt like the organization and administration was amazingly welcoming and clear at all times. Even coming from a different college I got to know most of the faculty fairly well. At all points they were helpful in their guidance and counsel. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My Host Family was absolutely amazing. They provided meals, laundry, and comfort. They permitted me to come and go as I pleased, but were always respectful and considerate to me in a warm and loving manner. When I stayed with the host family it was approximately 10 minutes from the Syracuse center, and 15 from the conservatory. The area is close to the center of town with plenty of lights and people. |
| * Food: |
First of all, it's France, so the food is amazing. On top of that, it's an international city with a large tourism industry, so there are plenty of helpful guides to be found. Favorites included: Au Brasseur, Maison Kammerzell, Au Diable Bleu, La Corde à Linge, and Schluch. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Music option of the programs took a week-long trip to Leipzig, Berlin, and Beyreuth. It was amazing to be in Bach's church for Easter Sunday as well as see Wagner's Festspeilhaus. We started off the program touring Paris for a few days as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have any concerns with my health except being sick once, in which I was taken care of by my host father, an ENT doctor. As far as the safety of the city, Strasbourg is a town full of diplomats and they try to put as much money as they have into making it look pretty and safe. There are some homeless people and single men that may bother the odd American from time to time, but nothing worse than any other European city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 22 euors per month for tram transportation. 40 euros per week for restaurants and bars. probably an average of 200 a month for traveling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I didn't expect to spend so much money on water, as no one really drinks tap water, and there are almost no water fountains. Also, the currency exchange rate was hard to remember and I would end up spending more than I had thought when I bought the item. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Syracuse offered four different types of programs, and in choosing the "Option IV: Music", it wasn't necessary to know French before beginning the program, but it certainly did help. It was required to stay in a Host Family, so it was mandatory to speak French on a daily basis. Additionally, it was obligatory to take a French language course, and the courses at the conservatory which were either taught all in French or in broken english. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Syracuse University's Option IV: Music Program in Strasbourg suites Sophomore level musicians looking for an intensified music experience in another culture. If you're wanting to see what it would be like to have only music classes, live in Europe, or challenge your pre-existing notions of the world, this program has it all. |
