Once you have matriculated, Syracuse Abroad will send you a comprehensive Discovery Strasbourg packet with information to help you prepare for your semester abroad. In the meantime, please read through this collection of answers to frequently asked questions.
- What will Discovery Strasbourg cost?
- What are the Advance Tuition Payment and the Advance Housing Payment?
- How many students participate in Discovery Strasbourg?
- Do I come to Syracuse before leaving for Strasbourg?
- What is the Syracuse Strasbourg Center like?
- Where will I live in Strasbourg?
- Will I stay with my host family the entire semester?
- What courses will I be taking?
- What documents are required to study in France?
- Where can I learn more about Syracuse Strasbourg?
- Strasbourg, here I come! What is my frst step?
What will Discovery Strasbourg cost?
Whether you study abroad or study in Syracuse, your tuition costs will be the same. Most additional costs for Discovery Strasbourg will be offset by a grant. See the Planning Budget for details.
What are the Advance Tuition Payment and the Advance Housing Payment?
The Advance Tuition Payment ($500) secures your place at Syracuse University and in the Discovery Strasbourg program for fall. The Advance Housing Payment ($450) holds your place in University housing for spring, when you arrive on Main Campus.
Both deposits and your online Admission Acceptance Form (AAF) should be submitted to Syracuse University no later than February 15 for early decision students and May 1 for regular decision students. For specific details on the AAF, please refer to the electronic version of your acceptance letter or your admit packet from the Office of Admissions.
How many students participate in Discovery Strasbourg?
Discovery Strasbourg is just one of many programs available at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center. Nearly 70 students attend Syracuse Strasbourg each fall, including approximately 15 to 20 Discovery Strasbourg students. This means you’ll form a tight bond with your classmates and also make connections with upper-class students from both Syracuse University and other universities across the United States.
Do I come to Syracuse before leaving for Strasbourg?
No. Rather than attend orientation in Syracuse, you will go straight to Strasbourg for a weeklong orientation alongside other Discovery students. Group fights arranged by Syracuse University are available for your travel to Strasbourg, so you will get to know your classmates before you arrive in France.
In January, you will come to Syracuse the weekend before the start of spring classes to participate in the University’s Winter Welcome, which will help orient you to Main Campus.
What is the Syracuse Strasbourg Center like?
A truly cosmopolitan city, Strasbourg is rich with social and cultural options but still small enough for you to feel at home. The Syracuse Strasbourg Center is a newly renovated building, with state-of-the-art classrooms, lounges, a computer lab, and a reading room. It’s located within a five-minute walk of both the Council of Europe and the University of Strasbourg. A resident academic director from the Syracuse faculty and permanent staff at the Strasbourg Center will assist you with all of your academic and living needs.
Where will I live in Strasbourg?
Syracuse Strasbourg students live with French host families. You'll most likely be placed in a homestay with another Discovery Strasbourg student. Our host families have extensive experience hosting and are familiar with the typical needs of American students. The hosts work closely with Syracuse Strasbourg staff to keep them apprised of the students’ well-being.
Will I stay with my host family the entire semester?
With the exception of all-school or independent travel, and the fall break period (students usually travel during this time), you will stay with your host family the entire semester.
What courses will I be taking?
You will be enrolled in a set of courses that will fulfill your College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University degree requirements. In the past, a typical schedule has included a First Year Seminar, a writing course, and a French language course. More specific information on courses for fall will come from Syracuse Abroad later this spring.
What documents are required to study in France?
You’ll need a current passport and a French student visa:
Passport
If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires before June 2024, you need to get a new passport as quickly as possible. We strongly advise using the expedited service so that you receive your passport in time to participate in Syracuse Abroad’s group submission of visa applications to the French Consulate (see below for details). For information on U.S. passports, visit travel.state.gov/passport/.
Student Visa
You will need to complete a two-part process to get your student visa. The first part is an online registration form and the second requires going to the French Consulate in person to apply for your visa. This whole process can take 8 to 10 weeks, so it is critical to start this process as soon as you commit to Discovery Strasbourg. Comprehensive instructions on preparing your visa application materials are available at suabroad.syr.edu/acceptedstudents/passports-and-visas/strasbourgvisa.html and will be sent electronically to all students who matriculate into Discovery Strasbourg. Even if you have not yet accepted your offer of admission into Discovery Strasbourg, we strongly advise that you find the French Consulate in your jurisdiction and secure an appointment for after June 1, 2023.
Where can I learn more about Syracuse Strasbourg?
You’ll receive more information soon about options for visiting campus for an Admitted Student Reception and webinars and virtual events with Admissions and SU Abroad staff, as well as Discovery Strasbourg alumni. In the meantime, contact your Discovery Strasbourg advisor with questions or to connect with a Discovery Strasbourg alumnus.
Strasbourg, here I come! What is my frst step?
To confirm your participation in the Discovery Strasbourg program, please submit the online AAF and advanced payments by February 15 for early decision students and May 1 for regular decision students. Please refer to your acceptance email from the Syracuse Office of Admissions for instructions. Once you matriculate into the program, you can look forward to receiving your Discovery Strasbourg Acceptance Packet. You will also receive information on group fights to Strasbourg and instructions on obtaining your French student visa.