Strasbourg

 

I arrived in Strasbourg on the 10 September 2012 and settled into my accommodation at the University Residence Paul Appell. The accommodation was cheap but also very basic and it was a shock compared to the standards I was used to in Aberystwyth.       

As an Erasmus student, the University organised an induction week to meet other Erasmus students in the same position as myself. On the first day we had a French test and, to my surprise, I performed better at the writing element than the listening comprehension.  This was followed by a week’s French course – which revised key grammatical concepts. 

This being my Erasmus year – in which the stated purpose was to improve my French – I decided to go out more than I would usually to talk to locals, whether it was in shops or in restaurants in the centre of town.  I also decided to help out at the University Judo Club once a week. I helped French students by explaining how they could improve their technique.

At University, I studied a diverse variety of subjects which stretched from French constitutional law and the history of political philosophy to European law and Russian geopolitics. I liked this wide selection of subjects, which allows you to make connections between subjects.  I did, however, find the method of teaching constraining; this is, of course, a personal preference for a more independent approach to study.  I focused on lectures rather than seminars, which – with hindsight- did mean that I did not have as much opportunity to work on my written French as I did my speaking and listening skills. I enjoyed the spoken exams which I felt were an interesting innovation; in the UK they seem restricted to certain subjects, for example languages, whereas in France they are a common way of examination.

As part of my studies, I was offered, and took full advantage of, the opportunity to take supplementary French lessons to complement and focus on areas of the language in which I had particular difficulty, for example clear and precise articulation of words, which is something French friends highlighted for me.

Having completed my year abroad, I feel fortunate to have had the chance to spend a year in France at University.  I have made new friends and had many new experiences. There are some events that mark a stage in life; the year abroad has been one for me.

Sam Clark

 

For my year abroad I chose to go to the beautiful town Strasbourg which lies in the North-East of France. There, I studied in the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Strasbourg (IEP) taking up a various selection of modules ranging from Law courses, History, Sociology, Religion, German and Politics. It was very interesting for me to take that vast range of subjects as I learned so much beyond just improving my French language skills. Even though it was quite intimidating at first to go to these courses, having difficulties understanding everything and thinking about how you have to take exams in these subjects at the end of each term. However, most French students sitting with me in those classes were very helpful in explaining things I had not understand or generously sharing notes as in France it is common to take notes during class of everything the professor says and with the help of those notes you had to study for the exams. Obviously, for us exchange students taking notes during class was actually quite difficult if not impossible, so French students and professors being so helpful was very much appreciated.

Apart from going to lectures and studying for exams, we exchange students had a lot of free time for socializing and travelling.

This year in Strasbourg was honestly one of the best years of my life!

I met so many great, interesting people from all over the world, from Australia, USA, South America, European countries and Asia. Strasbourg as a town, even though being small had a lot to offer from different cultural events to a lively though a more sophisticated nightlife.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to travel a lot within France as it was more expensive to travel to the South of France for example than it was to travel outside of France, however I greatly enjoyed various trips to Rome (Italy), Basel (Switzerland) and Berlin (Germany) together with my exchange friends and also one trip within France to the beautiful French city Lyon.  I did plan on travelling to Paris as well, as I think everyone must have done that when living in France, but time and money didn’t allow it in the end, which is a shame but a trip to Paris will definitely happen soon to make up for it. All in all, I recommend everyone to do a year abroad and take the opportunity to travel lots within the country they are staying and outside, as the chance to have so much free time and not many responsibilities in the university will never come again. It was a great year and I would love to experience it all over again.

Melina Koumides

Strasbourg is a medieval city, built on the banks of the Rhine, placed equal distance from the wine growing areas of the Vosges Mountains and the German Black Forest. It was to be my city for a year whilst I studied political science at one of France's best political schools, 'L’Institut des Études Politiques'. The city offered a diverse mix of people from the 60,000 students of the various universities to the politicos of the Council of Europe and European Parliament. With a rich tapestry of history, Strasbourg has been 'ping ponged' around between the French and Germans for hundreds of years, and this is clearly seen in both the architecture and the cultural atmosphere of the city.

Today, Strasbourg has aimed itself at becoming the capital of Europe as a centre of European institutions and as a symbol of peace placed directly on the border of two former enemies. I was lucky enough to work in the European Parliament when it made its monthly exodus to Strasbourg. I worked for the Conservative whips' office, and played a role in directing MEPs on how they should vote.

I found the experience of living in a French city exhilarating because of the huge cultural and linguistic divides between the small Welsh seaside town of Aberystwyth and a vibrant European city. My language skills are hugely improved simply by the saturation of French that I was exposed to. It was the most exciting and worthwhile experience of my life and I would recommend it to anyone.

Anthony Pickles

Strasbourg is a medium-size town in the east of France, close to the German and Swiss borders. The Europe Bridge connects Strasbourg to the German town Kehl. As the town is situated in the heart of Europe it becomes particularly easy to travel to other European destinations. Paris is about two hours away and Basel around half an hour. Strasbourg has got a lovely historic centre with a beautiful cathedral which has been the highest building for almost 200 years.

The actual city centre is quiet and small but it has many restaurants and bars, which tend to be very busy on the weekends. There are all the shopping possibilities you could need, from small independent shops to shopping malls, while everything is at short distance. Every part of the city is easily accessible by public transport or by bike. There are theatres, an opera, museums, galleries, libraries, cinemas and concert halls. As a student, you get free or reduced entry to all of the cultural attractions in town.

The University has several campuses and a range of sport, art and other societies. Most of them are free of charge or very reasonably priced. Taking part surely makes contact with the French students much easier than just studying at the university.

The university offers accommodation for which it is advisable to apply as early as possible. It is cheap but one usually needs to share the kitchen with about 30 people. It is great to live in halls to get to know people and avoid the added hassle of finding somewhere to live in the private sector. However, the rooms are often very small and it is difficult to have guests. Strasbourg is particularly attractive to students interested in the European Union, as it is the capital of Europe. The European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights are all situated in this city and they offer internship opportunities. Do apply early though, if you are eager to gain work experience.

Julia Höffmann

I spent my Year Abroad in Strasbourg in Alsace which is a well known city in Europe thanks to a multitude of international organisations like European Parliament or Council of Europe.
I studied there at the Institut d’Études Politiques which is a very prestigious department of political science in France. It must be emphasized that it was a challenging but highly productive time in my life. Once I arrived in Strasbourg, my life changed. I was happy to live in a foreign country and live among foreigners who were extremely helpful.

Obviously, you may face some language difficulties in the beginning but thanks to gentle people you will overcome them easily! It will be so exciting to be able to speak various languages in addition to having many friends from all around the world with different cultures. Strasbourg is also a great place for students learning German as it is located on the border with Germany where you could practice it easily.

It is certain that you will be enjoying Alsatian and French food which is probably the best in the world. Remember to visit restaurants located in the centre of Strasbourg! France is also well-known for producing wines. In Alsace you will be able to choose from a variety of wines from which Sylvaner I found the best.

I am sure that once you return to Aberystwyth, you will have a tolerant understanding of the world around you. It can also have an influence on your self-motivation and self-confidence in your future work. All in all, you will have a possibility to experience something new and exciting, so you cannot afford to miss it!

Michal Karas

I spent a year studying at l’Institut d’Études Politiques in Strasbourg and being an MEP stagiaire in the European Parliament.
I would strongly recommend Strasbourg to anyone interested in politics, history and culture. It is beautifully located in the Rhine valley so I enjoyed trips to picturesque towns on the Rhine Wine Route as well as nearby German and Swiss locations with a cheap rail ticket for groups. Another good idea to integrate well and make new friends is to use the Strasbourg University sporty card offering a wide range of activities, courses and walking trips.
The ancient etymology of the “town at the crossing of roads” is still true in the modern times. In its most literal sense, Strasbourg, as a rather green city, is very pleasant to walk, cycle and watch from a comfortable tram. Secondly, it is a place hosting international organizations and events. It was an incomparable experience as well as a boost for my CV to work in the European Parliament and participate in the NATO summit, including listening to Obama’s speech. Finally, the cultural life is vibrant and can satisfy various tastes. I was delighted to have a chance to meet one of my favourite authors who was invited to Librairie Kleber and to listen to live music ranging from orchestra through jazz sessions in local pubs to a Bat for Lashes concert.
On the less positive side, I had to adjust to the French system of examinations and prepare despite almost all of the second semester paralyzed by strikes. I also found the bureaucracy overwhelming in certain cases, but generally the “Erasmus” label makes people smile and find patience to explain slowly again.
In the end all the trouble was nothing compared to the marvelous year I have spent. It is not something to be missed by a languages student.

Olga Sierocinska