FAQ
Answers to the most common questions students ask us.
Application
My college or university is not on the list of schools Accès works with. Can I still apply?
Yes, Accès accepts students from any US college or university. But you should check with the study abroad office at your school to be sure that Accès is an approved study abroad provider.
How do I register for classes ?
In the Classique track, course registration takes place after you arrive in France. It will depend on your level of French from the placement test at the IIEF. If there are specific credits you need to be able to transfer back to your home college, you should contact us.
In the Européen track, you have to fill out a course registration with Sciences Po before you come abroad.
When will I get my grades from my semester abroad ?
The university usually sends Accès the grades for fall semester by early February and for spring semester by mid July. We forward them to your home college or university as soon as we receive them.
I am not a US citizen. Can I still apply ?
Yes, Accès is open to students of any nationality who are enrolled at a US college or university.
I have never traveled abroad before. Is this program for me ?
You don’t have to have any international experience before applying to Accès. Strasbourg is a great home base for exploring Europe if you have never been abroad before. It is safe, not too big and not far from many interesting places to visit.
I am trying to decide between Strasbourg and another city in France. Why is Strasbourg better ?
Most students tell us that they are very glad they chose Strasbourg over the other options. It is more convenient for visiting Germany, Switzerland and Eastern Europe. It isn’t huge and crowded. It isn’t crawling with American students and tourists. You hear a lot less English spoken in the street. Paris and Aix are nice to visit. But you will be glad to come home to Strasbourg.
I don’t speak French. Can I still study with Accès ?
Yes ! The Trimestre and Européen tracks are open to students with no previous French language study. With the exception of the required French language class, all classes in these tracks are in English. We can place students with no French language in English-speaking host families. The Classique track is open to students with at least an A2 level of French.
Travel questions
How much time will I have to travel during the semester ?
Lots. Most weekends are free, and each program has breaks during the semester. You are free to travel during those times, so long as you submit a travel form to Accès before you go. Strasbourg is less than 2 hours from Paris via train, and there are cheap flights from Strasbourg and Basel airports to cities all over Europe.
Can my friends and family come visit me ?
Of course, but preferably during the university breaks. Be aware that host families are not required to provide lodging for them.
Do I need a passport to come to France ?
You must have a passport valid at least 6 months after the end of your stay to enter France. You should be sure your passport is up to date as soon as you apply to the Accès program. Within France, your passport is the only official ID that French authorities will accept as identification.
Do I need a visa to come to France ?
US citizens can stay in France without a visa for up to 90 days. Beyond that, it is necessary to apply for a student visa. You can apply for the visa no more than 3 months before the start of your semester abroad. Accès provides detailed instruction. Students who are not US citizens should check with the French embassy in their country to see what the visa requirements are.
How easy is it to visit other countries ?
Very. France is part of the Schengen zone. You can travel to any other Schengen zone country, including Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, without having to show your passport. A French visa is also valid in any other Schengen zone country.
Living in Strasbourg
Is Strasbourg a safe city ?
Strasbourg, like most cities in France has far less violent crime than similar sized cities in the United States. During orientation, we spend a lot of time talking about how to deal with the dangers and annoyances students may encounter. Accès staff is on call in case of emergencies 24/7.
Can I play sports in Strasbourg ?
Absolutely. The university offers classes and intramural sports. There are also many private sports clubs and gyms that you can join.
I take prescription medication. How can I get my prescription filled in France ?
You should try to bring with you as much of the medication as you will need, and bring the prescription with you. In most cases, so long as the medecine in authorized in France, you can fill a US prescription at a French pharmacy. We can also accompany you to the doctor to get a new prescription if necessary.
Can I use my mobile phone in France ?
French mobile phone plans are much less expensive than American international plans. Within a few days of getting here, you will have a chance to set up a plan for under 30€ per month. Be sure your plan with your US provider allows you to change plans on your phone for a few months.
How will I get around the city ?
One of the joys of study abroad in Strasbourg is learning to live without a car. Every Accès student gets a bike for the semester. There are bike lanes all over the city and it is the preferred means of getting around for most Strasburgers. There is also a fast and easy to use tram network. And the city is easy to get around on foot.
What should I do in case of an emergency ?
Get somewhere safe. Accès staff are available 24/7. If you need medical or police help, call emergency hotline 112 from anywhere in Europe. There are also specific hotlines for poison control, rape, suicide prevention and others. We will go over all of this during orientation.
What should I do if I get sick ?
France has an excellent health care system. Medical care generally costs much less than in the US. If you need medical or police help, call emergency hotline 112 from anywhere in Europe. For non-emergencies you can schedule a doctors appointment via the app Doctolib. You can even select doctors who speak English. Accès staff are available to accompany you if you like. There are doctors on call 24/7, and at least one on-duty pharmacy in the city open all night. We will go over all of this during orientation.
Do I need health insurance ?
Yes, you should keep your medical insurance that you had during your studies in the US. Your home college probably also takes out a supplemental insurance policy on you when you go abroad. Accès also takes out a policy for emergency care for each student. It covers most emergency prodecures anywhere in Europe, as well as repartriation to the US if necessary. Medical care generally costs much less in France than in the US.
Housing
I have a physical disability that limits my mobility. Can Accès accomodate me ?
So long as you make us aware of your needs early on, we will do our best to accomodate you. We have some private rooms where you can cook for yourself, host families near the university campus, host families with elevator access…
What kind of housing is available ?
All students live with a local host family or in a student boarding house. All families have been thoroughly screened and most have worked with Accès for many years. You will have your own bedroom with desk, wardrobe and internet access.
If I don’t like my housing, can I change during the semester ?
Living with a host family is a wonderful way to learn French culture and language every day. Accès meets regularly with students to talk about the cultural differences than can sometimes be a source of conflict when living with a family. If necessary, we talk with host families about resolving any problems that may arise. And if necessary, we may move students to other housing in the course of the semester.
I have special dietary needs. Can my host family accomodate me ?
When you apply, be sure to tell us what your special needs are. We will do our best to place you in housing that suits your needs.
How much does the program cost ?
The fees and tuition are updated every year and available here. Accès bills your college or university which may have other fees that are passed along to you.