Strasbourg, France

FAQ about Strasbourg

Do I need to know French to participate in the program?

Yes. BCA requires students have at least four semesters of college-level French to study at BCA Strasbourg. While in Strasbourg, students can choose classes that adequately meet their individual level of French language proficiency.

Where is BCA Strasbourg study center located?

BCA's student center in Strasbourg is just a few blocks from the University and houses the resident director's office and offers free internet access during regular business hours. Your classes may be located at one or more of the following: Institut International d’Etude Françaises, Institut d’Études Politiques, (IEP), or Ecole de Management (formerly IECS). 

What can I study at BCA Strasbourg?

You’ll be able to choose from four types of courses: BCA courses, university classes for foreigners, courses with French students in the University of Strasbourg and academic internships for credit. Each option represents different classes and French skills. The resident director will work with you in order to determine an appropriate schedule.

For more information on courses at the University of Strasbourg, see the following websites:

Where will I live?

There are three different housing options in Strasbourg:

  1. Host family - You live in a single room in the home of a French family.
  2. Gallia University Student Residence - You will share a room with another BCA student in this student dorm, where most of the residents are French.
  3. Foyer - These are small private student boarding houses. At both foyers, students have an individual room and share kitchen facilities with other students.

Will my school accept credit from BCA Strasbourg?

Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, so you will want to check you are your university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits are accepted. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the French educational site (BCA Strasbourg has more than one affiliated education institution.) and BCA course reports to you and your college or university. If your school requires a transcript from a U.S. institution, BCA will provide you with a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.

Will my financial aid transfer?

Financial aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion, but all federal aid is transferrable. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.

Why study with BCA? What sets BCA apart?

BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.

What are the application deadlines?

BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by November 1. Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students should expect an answer from BCA within three weeks after submitting a complete application.

Do I need a visa to study in France?

Yes. If you are a U.S. citizen, in order to study in France for a semester you must obtain a long-stay visa from a French embassy or consulate in the U.S. Prior to applying for a visa, you now must register with Campus France (www.campusfrance.org). After you have registered with Campus France, you will need to apply to your local consulate. Please go to www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/consulates.asp to find the consulate for your region.

Can I study abroad as a freshman?

To study abroad with BCA Strasbourg, a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their first year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.

I am worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?

BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application; however, it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation.

How many courses will I take?

In Strasbourg, you’ll earn anywhere from 1 to 6 U.S. credits for each class. Generally, 13 contact hours equal 1 U.S. credit for each class.

E-mail us with your questions

inquiry@bcaabroad.org

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188