Frequently Asked Questions about Strasbourg
Here are the top five questions Syracuse Abroad staff receives from students considering a semester in Strasbourg:
Do I have to know French before studying in Strasbourg? Do I have to study French while abroad?
No, you do not need to know any French before you go. All students must study the language while they are in Strasbourg, but there are classes for all levels so you will be placed according to your level.
What are the housing options?
In Strasbourg, students can choose between two housing options: a homestay with a French family or La Canopee Student Residence. Students will indicate preference in one of these options in the Housing Form questionnaire found as a post-acceptance item on their Orange Abroad student portal.
For more information on Strasbourg housing options, please visit our “Living in Strasbourg” webpage.
What do the French university program options mean?
The French language institute option is for intermediate-level French speakers. Generally, students enrolling in the IIEF option have 3 – 4 semesters of French prior to going abroad. This program is a great way to immerse yourself in French language, as you will be taking intensive French language and culture classes at the IIEF (international center at the U. of Strasbourg). You can combine this option with classes at the Syracuse Strasbourg center: study intensive language at the IIEF, and then take a couple of classes at the Syracuse Strasbourg center.
The University of Strasbourg option is for high-level French speakers. Generally, students enrolling at the University have at least 5 – 6 semesters of French or the equivalent before they do this program. Students will take classes at the U. of Strasbourg alongside French students at the university. This is extremely challenging, but a great way to improve your language skills. Students will take a class or two at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center, along with their courses at the University of Strasbourg.
Do I need to get a visa?
Yes, unless you are an EU passport holder, you will need to get a visa for studying in Strasbourg. Once you submit your application to our program, make sure that you have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months after your study abroad program ends. In your acceptance email, you will find a link to the visa pages on our website where full information can be found on applying for a visa. The visa process is fairly lengthy, so make sure to start work on this as soon as you are accepted to the program.
The visa process for Strasbourg is in two parts. The first requires an on-line registration with Campus France, where you provide initial information about yourself and your studies in France. Once this process is complete, you need to make an appointment at the French consulate serving your home jurisdiction and go to the consulate to apply for your visa. This whole process can take 6 – 8 weeks. Syracuse Abroad will be able to advise you and guide you through this process.
How do I apply and when will I find out if I have been accepted?
You can apply for our programs directly through our website. You will fill out an on-line application, and submit an academic recommendation (which can be done electronically), a transcript (we will do this for Syracuse students), a study abroad approval form (visiting students only), and a $50 application fee. Once we receive all of these materials, your file will be reviewed for acceptance. We have rolling admission, so as soon as your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a decision from our office.
Some programs have additional application requirements:
French university programs (IIEF and University of Strasbourg): a second language recommendation and a sample of your writing in French (one page is sufficient).
Is a passport required at the time of application?
You must have a passport that is valid at least six months beyond the end date of your program to study abroad. If you do not have a passport or need to renew your passport, you can submit the application for admission and leave the passport form blank. While this section of the application will remain incomplete until you upload your new passport, your application will be reviewed for conditional acceptance without the passport information.
How do I select courses?
Prior to registration, detailed instructions will be added to your OrangeAbroad portal and will provide all necessary resources for schedule planning and registration preparations. You will be asked to complete a Course Preference Form to indicate your preferred course selections; this form does not guarantee you a space in a course but will help you with planning out your schedule. Students will register online in MySlice before departure and course availability is on a first come, first served basis. Courses are subject to change, and some popular classes do close quickly, so you will need to have alternative selections. Please note that Syracuse Abroad registration timelines and academic dates/deadlines may differ from main campus.