French

In Strasbourg the main languages that are spoken in Alsace are French, German and Alsatian. Alsatian is a mixture of French and German but defiantly sounds more French.

If you don't know much French it can be a little daunting at first to go out and ask for things you need.  Such as setting up a bank account (which you will need to pay rent from and for CAF) and to apply for CAF (which is great for students needing help with rent payments). But all in all most of the people here do actually speak English and are willing to help as much as they can. It is also helpful to Google a few words before you go out so you know how to say a few things that you are asking for.

So don’t be worried about living abroad because you don’t know the language. It will be easier to pick up and if you don’t know the words then just ask.

ISU does provide intensive French classes that, for me, starts on the 2nd September and ends on the 8th September. These will be from 9am until 1pm with  a lunch break until 2:30pm. Then workshops/interactive learning from 2:30pm until 4:30pm.

I am very excited about starting this because I believe it will be incredible helpful!!

Strasbourg

Yes the day has finally come to fly to Strasbourg and begin my dream of becoming an Astronaut!!

Our journey to the airport went smoothly and my suitcases where underweight which was fantastic. As always its incredible difficult to move abroad in only two suitcases but I do believe I have everything. Thankfully I have a wonderful mother who came with me in order to pass one of my suitcases as her own. This was very helpful.

If any of your family or friends are free to help you the do let them because this wont be easy on your own.

Unfortunately there were problems with the plan so we spent the first two hours just sitting. At least we were obligated to have a free beverage or snack for delays over 2 hours. 

Once we landed in Strasbourg we bought our train tickets to the main train station in Strasbourg from the ticket machines, validated them (which is important to do before getting on any train or tram in France) and then we were on our way to the city.

Unfortunately because my flight was delayed the reception at my student accommodation was closed. This meant that I could get the keys for my room. Luckily there were some emergency numbers posted on their notice board which I rang and was informed that someone would be their shortly. This was great news since I couldn't exactly pay to stay in a hotel that night.

A very nice French lady arrived to my rescue but couldn't speak very much English. This proved for an interesting inventory check. man hand gestures and diagrams were exchanged to try and understand what either of us were talking about but it was all sorted in the end.

I'm pleased with my apartment. It’s a good size studio with a double sofa bed and a small kitchen and good size bathroom. I think my life will be really good here!