Bonjour!
My name is Jordan Bounds and I am a junior accounting major.? I?m currently enrolled in a semester exchange program at the EM Strasbourg Business School, in Strasbourg, France.? It?s almost been a month since I landed in France, and it already feels like home.? It’s been a whirlwind, but I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Before coming here, I had never stepped foot in Europe.? As a result, nerves kicked in a few weeks before departing, but they soon dissolved within a week of being here.? There are 5 other girls from A&M studying here this semester, so a few of us flew over together and spent time in Paris before traveling to Strasbourg.? It was a huge help having people to fly over and travel with.? I don?t speak a lot of French, so navigating was a bit tricky in the beginning.? Needless to say, I am grateful to have had friends by my side!
As soon as we arrived in Strasbourg, I fell in love with the city.? It?s very charming with colorful buildings, rivers, bridges, the Cathedral and all the Christmas decorations still up.? I?m living in Paul Appell, which is basically a dorm with community bathrooms.? Not going to lie, I was a bit worried when I first walked into my room as it was very smelly and run down.? But, after a trip to Ikea, I was able to spruce it up with some cheap decorations and lots of candles.? The community bathrooms aren?t bad, and the location and price are unbeatable.? I would highly recommend if you?re looking for somewhere cheap to live.? In addition, lots of exchange students live there, so it?s super easy to make friends!? Last plug, there?s a cafeteria right next to the dorm that serves meals for 3,25 euros.? The food isn?t terrible, it?s very filling and you can?t beat the price.
Classes are a little different here.? Each class meets once a week for 3 to 4 hours.? It?s a bit long, but works well for traveling since most people have at least a 3-day weekend every week.? So far, my classes have been lectures, similar to A&M.? But, on top of exams, we are required to work on a group project throughout the semester.? It seems to be more laid back here than at A&M, but it?s only the beginning so that could change.
Meeting people has been much easier than I expected.? The international organization at EM Strasbourg hosted an event for all the exchange students on one of the first nights here, and I was able to make friends instantly.? On top of that, we had orientation events throughout the first week and, of course, there?s a group message with all the exchange students.? There?s usually always something going on.? There are people from literally all over the world.? One of my favorite parts about this experience so far is being able to hang out with international students.? Though some cultural differences, people are people, and in the end we all have things in common.? We also found an Irish Pub in town, called The Dubliners, that?s become the “spot” for all exchange students.? I?ve been there at least 10 times and we usually run into another group from the program.
Lastly, traveling in and out of Strasbourg is pretty easy.? So far, I?ve been able to visit: Stuttgart, Zurich, Lucerne, and Liechtenstein.? Everyone here is inclusive, so there is always someone to travel with if needed.? I?ve taken Flixbus for each trip because tickets are really cheap.
All in all, this experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way possible.? I think making friends early on is key.? I heard over and over before I left for France that exchange semesters can be very lonely.? Now, it?s still early, but I don?t see it being an issue.? There are people I see every day and have already become like family.? Take advantage and say yes to as much as possible early on, and you?ll set yourself up for success.
In addition, I’ve been learning to adapt to different customs and lifestyle here.? So far, I’ve noticed a more laid back vibe here than in the US.? Housing is very minimal, sitting at a restaurant/cafe for hours is encouraged, most everything is closed on Sundays, and everyone walks everywhere!? Nothing too crazy different, and fun to adapt to.
Looking forward to see what the rest of the semester holds!
? Jordan
Also, the food is 11/10. Though, wouldn?t recommend France if you?re gluten intolerant, lots and lots of bread!
