Studying Abroad in Strasbourg, France Past Review

By (Communication Arts and Culture, Centre College) for

Centre College: Strasbourg - Centre in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not on;y did i grow academically but i gained first hand experience about europe. i was able to travel around europe which really broadened my horizons. i also went through a lot of personal growth

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses where challenging but the teachers were always available for extra help. overall, i feel like i re3ally learned a lot this semester

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program coordinator, was not often availible and could have been more attentitive/personable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family outside of the city. The family was very busy in general but nonetheless kind and helpful. I had to take a bus and a tram to get into the city/the classroom which occasssionally proved difficult as it could take anywhere from 35 min to 1h 30min(on the weekends or at night) to get into town. <br /><br /> Although the house was farther away than most homestays the majoity of times i was able to get into the city in around 45 min. It was worth living so far away to be able to stay with this family and in a quiet neighborhood.

* Food:

The family always ate healthy anf delicious food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

we had 3 day weekends which allowed us to travel arounds europe.. also, the choice to stay with a host family proved to be a great cultural experience.

* 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? the food stipened was not enough to buy adequate food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? dont buy food from cafes everyday, go to the store and buy stuff to prepare your own meals.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

My language skills improved; however, it was mostly my comprehension that improved and not my speaking. I would have liked to ben more confident in everyday french conversations.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Stay with a family, practice french every chance you get, even with other centre students.