Syracuse University’s study abroad center in Strasbourg, France, will change locations this fall.

The new building is located around the corner from the current office, which the university rents. Maintaining a location close to the former building is important to the program’s success, said Raymond Bach, director of the SU Abroad program in Strasbourg.

“We didn’t want to move out of this area since we are in the heart of the diplomatic quarter, and within walking distance both to the European institutions, and to the historic center of the city,” Bach said in an email.

The move stems from European Union rules regarding disability access that will go into effect in 2015, Bach said. The current building does not comply with these regulations. He added that the new building could also help expand the program and will be able to accommodate 120 students.

The new building will also have staff offices, five classrooms, a library, a computer room and a student lounge. Bach said they will put in new video projectors and interactive whiteboards, as well.

Another benefit of the change is that SU will own the building, rather than rent it, Bach said.

“We are very pleased that after more than 35 years of presence in Strasbourg, Syracuse has decided to purchase this property, thereby solidifying its links to the city,” Bach said.

The Discovery Strasbourg program, which allows first-semester freshmen to study in France starting this fall, will also be affected by the move. Since SU officials plan to move into the building in July with students arriving in late August, Bach said the new building will help the program welcome students in optimal conditions.

Claire Rupert, a junior international relations major, studied in Strasbourg last fall. She said while the current building is adequate, she understands how a new space would benefit the program.

“I think having bigger classrooms would be a benefit so more students can fit comfortably in classrooms,” Rupert said. “The rooms in the old building were pretty small. The majority of classes were small, but when we had orientation or meetings, everyone couldn’t fit comfortably in any of the classrooms.”

Since the new location is so close to the current building, Rupert said she doesn’t expect the move to have any effect on the program. She said it’s a quick walk to convenient locations, such as the University of Strasbourg and the Council of Europe, from both the old and new locations.

The Council of Europe is a big attraction for many students, including Chinenye Monde, a senior international relations major. Monde said she interned at the council while she studied in Strasbourg. Since the SU Abroad office was within walking distance from the council, Monde found the location convenient.

However, she noted that the former building was old and required renovations, something Monde said occasionally interrupted classes.

Monde said she felt the numerous renovations to the building might have become expensive enough that the best option was to relocate altogether.

Said Monde: “It was pretty old, as in the floor creaked whenever you walked, which was at times disruptive during class sessions.”

Published on April 3, 2013 at 12:41 am

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27