Duke U. heads to Strasbourg!

Duke U. heads to Strasbourg!

Fall 2024 student Audrey Davies, a junior at Duke University studying computer science and finance, talks to Dr. Bart about her semester at Syracuse Strasbourg.

Dr. Bart: Why did you decide to study in Strasbourg?

Audrey: I’ve been studying French since high school and knew that I wanted to study abroad in France and speak French. The programs available to me were Duke’s program in Paris and Syracuse’s in Strasbourg. I knew it would be hard to really learn French and meet locals in Paris as it is such a big, cosmopolitan city, so Syracuse in Strasbourg was the most feasible option for my goals.

Dr. Bart: So how did the semester go?

Audrey: Academically speaking, my semester was great. I welcomed the break from my usual STEM heavy course load at Duke by taking two French classes, an art history class, and a communications class. One of my French classes was at IIEF, a French language institute connected to the University of Strasbourg. My decision to take classes at the university really made the experience for me, as I was in a class of mostly immigrants from countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Ukraine. The only common language we all had was French, which meant I couldn’t ask questions or explain a concept in English the way you can in foreign language classes in America where everyone speaks English. Thanks to my IIEF class I elevated my French throughout the semester and interacted with people I never would’ve interacted with before. 

Dr. Bart: Did you enjoy the homestay experience?

Audrey: I personally had a great homestay experience. I consider myself really lucky because I genuinely had no issues whatsoever with my host family and it ended up being very additive to my overall study abroad experience. I lived with just a grandma in an apartment in the city, but she has two granddaughters who are 20 and 22 who often dropped by. Having French people my age around helped me tremendously, as they taught me more “spoken” French and slang that young people use that I would hear at bars and around town. This complemented the more formal French I learned in the classroom. My host grandma enjoyed how much I talked to her and her family and made an effort to learn the language and indulge in their culture (eat traditional Alsatian meals that she cooked, visit neighboring villages, etc.). I ended up becoming good friends with both granddaughters as well as my host grandma, and we’ve kept in touch! I recommend the homestay experience if you are committing to learning and speaking French. The thing my host family appreciated most was the effort I made. If you are not willing or prepared to make an effort, you will have a different experience.

Dr. Bart: What did you do with your free time in Strasbourg?

Audrey: Most of my free time was spent traveling and socializing. During the semester, I split my time evenly between Strasbourg and traveling to other cities. This was partly because of my goal to learn as much French as possible and partly because I ended up liking Strasbourg a lot more than I expected and since my host family was great, I felt comfortable staying during the weekend. On a typical weekday I’d go to class and depending on if my host family was home, I’d go home for lunch and hang out with them or get lunch with friends. I’d always have dinner at home with my grandma and after dinner would see my friends from Syracuse. Some other fun things we all did in Strasbourg included going to hockey and soccer games, watching NFL on Sundays at La Brasserie Meteor, shopping, walking around the Christmas markets, exploring nearby towns such as Molsheim, Hindisheim, and Colmar, and participating in weekend activities planned by Syracuse.

Dr. Bart: How would you describe Strasbourg to someone who’s never been there?

Audrey: Coming from a big city like Atlanta, Strasbourg felt small, but in a good way. Everything is accessible by foot or public transportation, and the large student population from the University of Strasbourg made the city feel almost like a college town but with the amenities of a city such as professional sports teams and lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The level of English is not high like in Paris, so it definitely felt very authentically French. A pro of being a smaller city is that there aren’t a ton of Americans there, meaning we were more of a “novelty” to the locals and thus we found everyone was pretty nice and welcoming, differing from the stereotypes of French people stemming from Parisians. Being so close to Germany with a uniquely French and German history, there are a lot of German influences in the food, architecture, and language.

Dr. Bart: Do you have any advice for future Syracuse Abroad students, to get the most out of their time in Strasbourg? 

Audrey: My advice for future students would be to make an effort to learn French as it is much appreciated by the locals and will you get you super far if you are staying with a host family, say yes to everything and put yourself out there, and don’t travel so much that you forget to explore your home city or the neighboring towns around it because Alsace is such a cool place. Most importantly: have a good attitude. In a four month abroad experience, not every day is going to be amazing and some things are going to take more effort than you’d like, but that’s part of having an authentic experience:

  • Learn the language – When I led with French, even though people could immediately tell I wasn’t French, they’d almost always go out of their way to accommodate me or go the extra mile.
  • Put yourself out there/say yes to everything – Some of the highlights of my semester were times I spent all together with my host cousins and our friends. This “friendship crossover” wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t put myself out there and make an effort to hang out with them. The closer to my host family I got, the more things they invited me to do such as visit their home in a nearby village for raclette or go to birthday dinners or to an election watch party. I’m so glad I said yes to all of these opportunities even though I was insecure about my French because situations like these are how I improved as a speaker while soaking up French culture. 
  • Some places I loved in Strasbourg: Brasseries: Happy Hours, Public House, Place de Marché Gayot, Le Meteor / Restaurants: La Corde à Linge, Le Tonneau / Quick food: Patisserie Gerber, Au Wegele, Sushido.

The French Study Abroad Experience: Feeling at home in Strasbourg

Sarah Regner is a visiting student from Colgate, enrolled in the University of Strasbourg program.

Dr. Bart: Why did you decide to join the Syracuse Abroad program in Strasbourg?

Sarah Regner: I really wanted to study abroad in France to try to become more fluent in French. I did not want to be in Paris because I have found that it is more difficult to practice speaking there. Everyone speaks English, and it’s a lot easier for them to speak to you in English than for you to struggle with French. I wanted to have a fighting chance at practicing the language and thought a smaller city would be better.

The Syracuse program appealed to me because of the Villa here and the opportunity to take at least a few classes either in English or with professors who understand that I’m not French. Also, the partner program with the University of Strasbourg was a big factor. The French major at Colgate is focused on French literature rather than grammar or history classes in French, which is a bit tricky to find in study abroad programs. Being able to take literature classes alongside French students was really important for my major and also for becoming more fluent in the language.

Dr. Bart: So, given your aim was to find more opportunities to actually speak French, has it worked? Has that been a good choice?

Sarah Regner: I think so. The University of Strasbourg courses are a little tricky because the format is two-hour lectures, and no one really speaks except for the professors. I’ve gotten a lot better at understanding and taking notes from what I’m hearing. But in terms of speaking, I think being in a host family and taking some of my French grammar classes here at the Villa have been more helpful.

Speaking French in a more colloquial context has pointed out gaps in my knowledge—things like common phrases you wouldn’t really come across in a traditional French class but that are super important in everyday life. It’s been a little hard because all the kids here speak English, so I tend to speak English with my friends. But we’ve tried to teach each other words and phrases we pick up. If we find a word or phrase that works better in French than in English, we’ll add it to the vocabulary we use with each other, which is really fun.

Dr. Bart: Have you made any French friends or socialized with anyone French?

Sarah Regner: I have. The two literature courses I’m taking each had an oral presentation component we had to do in groups. For one, I was in a group of three, and for the other, I had one partner. We had to sit down and work on the projects for quite a while, analyzing the texts we were presenting on, so I got to know them along the way. 

I’ve noticed that a lot of the students in these literature classes are other international students from Europe, the Middle East, or other regions. It’s been really cool to use French to communicate with people where neither of us is speaking our first language.

I also joined the local rowing club, which has been great for meeting people outside of an academic context while keeping up with my training. I talk to the coach, the other girls on the team, and anyone at practice; they have all been so kind and welcoming.

Dr. Bart: Have you been traveling on weekends?

Sarah Regner: I have. I feel very lucky that all of our trips went off so well. I was lucky to find a group of people I love traveling and spending time with. We all had similar priorities when traveling, which made it super easy to pick a place, go, and explore something new.

Before coming here, I didn’t like traveling—it made me nervous. This was a test to see how far I could push myself, and it ended up being amazing. Now it’s one of my favorite things to do: seeing new places, trying new food, and doing new things with a great group of friends.

Dr. Bart: When you first came to the University of Strasbourg, it wasn’t easy with orientation, right?

Sarah Regner: No, it was a bit tricky at first. The university has an infrastructure for the Erasmus program for European international students, but the US exchange exists outside of that structure. I filled out pre-registration forms, but they weren’t accepted. Syracuse helped to sort out the situation, which I am very grateful for. Dr. John walked with me to the office of the head of international relations to make sure I could get into classes that worked with my schedule and major requirements, and catch up on notes so I didn’t fall behind.

Dr. Bart: What will be your lasting memory of Strasbourg when you return home?

Sarah Regner: It’s hard to pick just one. But a recent memory is from the Christmas market, watching the light show on the tree while music from The Nutcracker played. I grew up doing ballet and performing The Nutcracker every year, so it was really special to hear that music and share the moment with friends.

Dr. Bart: Do you consider Strasbourg home now? Would you come back?

Sarah Regner: I think so. I’ve started calling my host family’s house “home,” which reminds me of when I first moved to college and started to feel at home in my dorm. At the beginning of the semester, I couldn’t imagine getting around here without Google Maps, but now I feel comfortable and know where things are. I’ll definitely come back. It feels special to have studied abroad in a city that isn’t as famous as Paris and to share it with the friends I’ve made here.

Dr. Bart: And finally, where’s your favorite place to hang out in Strasbourg?

Sarah Regner: I recently discovered a café called Les Savons d’Hélène near the Christmas markets. It’s cozy, eclectic, and great for working. The staff is lovely, and there’s plenty of space for big groups. I’ll definitely be going back this week.

Souleymane’s journey in Strasbourg

Studying abroad in Strasbourg has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The city’s rich history and dynamic culture, coupled with its role as a hub for European institutions, have provided an inspiring backdrop for both my academic pursuits and personal growth. As a Sciences Po student and intern at the Council of Europe, I have been immersed in an environment that fosters critical thinking, cross-cultural engagement, and meaningful professional development. 

At the Council of Europe, I am part of the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, specifically working with the Data Protection Unit on matters related to Convention 108. This internship has been an incredible opportunity to delve into international data protection policies and contribute to discussions shaping the protection of individual rights in the digital age. My tasks often involve researching legal frameworks, drafting summaries, and supporting projects that emphasize the importance of data privacy. Working alongside such dedicated professionals has given me invaluable insights into how multilateral institutions operate to safeguard democratic principles. 

What truly stands out about my internship is the supportive and collaborative atmosphere created by my supervisors. They have been more than mentors—they have become an integral part of my experience here. One of my supervisors, for instance, shares my interest in fitness, and we often go for morning runs together. These runs symbolize the depth of the connections I’ve formed; they are more than moments of exercise—they reflect a genuine rapport that transcends the formalities of the workplace. This relationship exemplifies how my time at the Council of Europe is not just about professional achievements but also about building lasting human connections. 

Outside of my internship, I have had the pleasure of forming meaningful friendships with locals. Strasbourg’s people have welcomed me with warmth and kindness, making it easy to integrate into the community. These friendships have opened doors to new experiences, from attending cultural events to exploring the city’s historic landmarks. Whether strolling along the canals or discussing European politics in the park, my interactions with local friends have broadened my understanding of life in Strasbourg and enriched my perspective on cultural diversity. 

As a Sciences Po student, the academic component of my time in Strasbourg has been equally rewarding. The curriculum challenges me to analyze global issues critically while offering a unique opportunity to study in a city that embodies European cooperation. Strasbourg’s role as the seat of the Council of Europe and other key institutions has allowed me to witness the intersection of academic theories and practical policymaking. 

Strasbourg has become more than a city I study and work in; it has become a place where I’ve grown as a person. The relationships I’ve built—with my supervisors, colleagues, and local friends—reflect the profound connections that have shaped this journey. This experience has been about more than academic and professional growth; it’s about the people, the ideas, and the values that will remain with me long after I leave.

Souleymane Nx Bah ’26

International Relations major

Syracuse Strasbourg & Sciences Po

Adventures in Strasbourg

Eva KBonjour! My name is Eva Kamman and I’m a junior here at Syracuse studying environmental engineering. I studied abroad in the fall of 2018 at the Syracuse Center in Strasbourg, France. I chose this program for two main reasons. The first is that my family is French so being able to live there made me feel much closer to those relatives. In fact, in a weird way, it kind of felt like going home. The second was that I was able to take classes both at the Syracuse Center and at l’Institut national des sciences appliquées de Strasbourg (one of the premier engineering schools in France). Taking classes at INSA allowed me to regularly be in the same building as French engineering students and occasionally work with them. In one class, we had a few lectures where each SU undergraduate was partnered with an INSA graduate student to solve problem sets. While I was abroad, I took statics, electrical engineering fundamentals, calculus III, French IV, and I had an internship for credit.

When I went abroad, I definitely didn’t expect to hold an internship. However, the SU Center has a fantastic program that places interested students into positions around Strasbourg and I felt it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I was matched with a research professor at INSA and worked with him for a few hours each week in his student office where I was able to collaborate with his other student researchers. My work was focused on standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indexes and developing a method for calculating potential evapotranspiration in different climatic regions around the world. Being able to work with my advisor in a completely different setting than what I am used to was beneficial to both my academic and professional growth. Eva K

Though I’ve talked a lot about my academic experience so far, I am a strong believer that you shouldn’t go abroad just for the academics. Europe’s accessible transportation took me all around the continent – some notable places were Barcelona, Munich (for Oktoberfest!), and Greece. Each trip that I planned with my friends tested our organizational skills a little bit more. After all, I had always relied on my family to plan trips for me. Of course, there were the occasional flight cancellations or AirBnb mess ups, but we were always together and made the best out of whatever situation we were thrown in.

Studying abroad was probably the best decision I have made in my college career so far. I don’t think that I would be as successful either personally, academically, or professionally as I am today had I not taken advantage of the SUAbroad program. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Merci beaucoup et bientôt.

 

Eva Kamman ’21

Syracuse Strasbourg