Preparing to Go: Discovery Strasbourg

Syracuse Strasbourg Center Address

Université de Syracuse
19 Quai Rouget de Lisle
67000 Strasbourg, France

Syracuse Strasbourg Staff Contact Information

Social media

Instagram: @syracuseabroad or @syracuseustrasbourg

Traveling to Strasbourg

Visa

All non-EU citizens participating in the Strasbourg Center program will need to obtain a French student visa for the Fall 2023 semester. Obtaining a French student visa is a multi-step process, so it is important that you begin early and follow all instructions given to you by your program advisor.

Syracuse Strasbourg Center Programs

For all programs, you must make your own travel arrangements and meet the group upon arrival. Admitted students will receive a travel memo email detailing a suggested itinerary, as well as arrival information, including dates and locations. 

Living in Strasbourg

One of the results of the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine is that the expected flow of natural gas, used as a heating source for much of Europe, has been disrupted and dramatically increased in cost. European governments have responded with varying degrees of restrictions on temperature settings, hours of operation, and duration of heat each day for this winter. Cost, of course, has also increased substantially and is a leading cause of inflation in Europe. As a result, you will notice an increased cost for many goods and services, and you may notice that it will be much colder in homes and businesses. Please bring extra warm clothes that you can layer and so adapt to colder than expected indoor temperatures. We will keep you updated as we get closer to departure with the specific restrictions you can expect.

Orientation

Prior to your arrival in Strasbourg, you will complete a required Digital Orientation on Blackboard. This is prepared by Syracuse Strasbourg staff and is separate from the pre-departure orientation you complete through Syracuse Abroad. You will receive the link and instructions several weeks before departure.

After arrival, you will have a mandatory on-site orientation in Strasbourg. During this orientation you will meet the Strasbourg staff, familiarize yourself with the Syracuse Strasbourg Center and the city of Strasbourg, and connect with other students on the program. You will also register for classes and receive your housing placement.

Housing

Living with French Hosts

All Discovery students live with a French host family either within the city or in the immediate outskirts along a bus or tram line. This will allow you to practice the French you’ve learned in class and develop insights into French culture and daily life. Host families welcome students of all levels of French, even beginners (that’s often the most fun!). All Discovery students will be placed with another Discovery student based on the information provided in their Housing Form.

Each student has a private room and access to WiFi. Breakfast is provided daily, and evening meals are provided Sunday through Thursday. You will need to budget additional funds to cover the rest of your meals. The Syracuse Strasbourg Housing Coordinator makes host family placements based on extensive experience with all the hosts, and information you provide on your housing form. We ask that you complete the housing form in a timely manner and take the time to respond to the questions. If anything changes about your situation (for example dietary needs), please contact your program advisor.

IMPORTANT: Students are responsible for their housing and meals during the weeklong mid-semester break and will need to cover the costs from their personal funds. 

Students can review further housing details on our Living in Strasbourg page. 

Transportation

As part of your program fee, you will receive an unlimited bus/tram pass for the CTS. Buses and trams run frequently Monday to Saturday, starting early in the morning until 12:30 a.m.

On Sundays and holidays, trams and buses run on a more limited schedule, and for late-night travel there are special bus lines. You are responsible for any travel costs after public transportation ceases to run (e.g., taxi or Uber fare to return home after a late social activity). Students may choose to rent bicycles for the semester with Velhop; Strasbourg has the most extensive system of bike paths of any city in France.

Mail

Mail, including packages, should be sent to the Syracuse Strasbourg Center address below at the student’s attention and not to the host family’s address. Students will have a mailbox at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center, and the staff will notify students when they receive a package.

Student’s Name
Université de Syracuse
19 Quai Rouget de Lisle
67000 Strasbourg, France

Note: an import tax or customs duty is assigned to packages based on the declared value and often ranges from 50 to 100€, however, you shouldn’t have to pay the customs tax for used personal effects such as clothes. More information will be provided during orientation.  Please advise family and friends not to send items of high value as you will be required to pay duty before your package is released.

Cultural Adjustment

Living in a new culture can be both exciting and challenging, and when studying abroad it is common to go through a period of cultural adjustment. Understanding the process of adjustment and reaching out for support can help you cope with the transition. More information will be provided during orientation.

Technology

Computers and Personal Laptops

Computers and WiFi are available in the Syracuse Strasbourg Center during its regular hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You must ensure that your laptop will work on a 220/240-volt, 50-cycle current. Since nearly all laptops work on a 100- to 240-volts, 50/60-cycle current, the only accessory that you will likely need is a Type C plug adapter, which is available at most electronics stores.

Cell Phones

It is very important that students have a working cell phone while in Strasbourg and maintain continuous phone service while abroad. In most cases, students should plan to get a local, French SIM card.  Members of the Syracuse Strasbourg staff will accompany students to the phone store in Strasbourg during orientation.

Before you leave the U.S., you should verify that your phone is “unlocked” or you will need to buy a phone in France. Local SIM cards cost approx. 10 €.  Plans start at 9€ per month and typically include calls, texting, and data.

Note that, for legal reasons, many phones with only e-sim cards are unable to obtain a French number. Consider bringing a phone with a traditional sim card slot or look into getting an international e-SIM prior to your departure. 

Opt-in to Two-Factor Authentication Now, Before You Go Abroad

Information Technology Services (ITS) has enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) for student email and other Office 365 services. It is important that you opt-in to the service before you go abroad. Visit NetID.syr.edu and click Two-Factor Opt-in to get started. See the Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) page in the Answers.syr.edu knowledge base for complete information.

Finances

Syracuse Strasbourg Program Cost

Banking and Cash

Do not bring a large amount of cash with you. If needed you can order Euros from your bank prior to departure (no more than 100 €) and then plan to withdraw Euros from an ATM when you arrive. You may need cash for smaller purchases (less than 10 €), so we suggest making regular ATM withdrawals and having access to cash during your semester abroad.

You will need an ATM card that allows you to withdraw cash internationally, as you cannot exchange currency in Strasbourg or open a French bank account when abroad for only one semester. International ATM and debit cards are widely accepted in France and throughout Europe. Check with your bank to be sure your ATM card can be used in foreign countries and to get information on your bank’s service fees for international ATM transactions.

Transferring Funds

If family members need to send money during the semester, they can deposit it in a bank account accessible through ATMs. In case of an emergency, money can also be wired via Western Union. For advice on transferring money overseas, check with your bank before you leave.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Europe, while most businesses do not accept American Express or Discover Card. Chip cards are the standard in Europe and non-chip cards may not always work. Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be living abroad so they do not suspect fraudulent activity on your accounts. Make copies of both sides of your credit and ATM cards and keep them in a safe place, this way if a card is lost or stolen, you will still have access to important card information.

Academic Information

Enrollment Policies

All students are required to enroll on a full-time basis, with a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 19 credits. All students must register for a French language course or a course taught in French – no exceptions.

Some courses may not be audited, including required French courses and courses offered at affiliated Strasbourg universities.

Registration

You will register online for your Strasbourg Center courses prior to departure. Class meeting days and times may be subject to change. There is a schedule adjustment period during (add/drop) the first week of classes.

Textbooks

Students in the French classes must purchase their French textbooks at a local bookstore during the first week of class. All other classes will receive information about purchasing their textbooks during the first class meeting. Students may need to pay cash for certain textbooks. Engineering students will receive information prior to departure.

Internships

Community Internships for credit (1-3 credits possible) are available in various organizations in the Strasbourg area. Openings vary according to the needs of the organizations and the students’ interests. In the past, students have worked in such areas as community service, teaching, business and media, and government. Most internships require an intermediate level of French, though in some cases English is sufficient. Requests for other placements can be explored with the Internship Coordinator at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center.

Excursions and Study Tours

Regular excursions are available to all students in the Syracuse Strasbourg program, to explore more of France and the surrounding regions during the semester. Select courses have study tours (one day or one weekend). You will receive the dates during orientation. For courses with study tours, you should not plan weekend travel until you have confirmed the study tour dates.