Veronica Armendariz

EU Studies Fall 2009 Student
MA program in Political Science
Georgia State University 

The semester-long program is in partnership with the University of Strasbourg's Ecole de Management. So we have been taking classes at the University primarily in the areas of political science, economics, and accounting. In addition to the classes, we have been going on excursions to the institutions of the European Union not only in Strasbourg, but also in Brussels, and tomorrow we're going to Luxembourg. We have already visited such important institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission.

The visits to the institutions have been great because they allow us to sit with an expert from the institution allowing us to ask and learn about anything specific we are wanting to know. As a poly sci grad student, this has been a highlight for me.
We are living in a chateau in Strasbourg called Chateau de Pourtales which is a gorgeous castle surrounded by a beautiful forest and park. It is easily accessible to public transport which takes us into the University and into Downtown Strasbourg. The City of Strasbourg is a very beautiful and a charming city full of life, culture, and magnificent sights. Not to mention the wonderful Alsatian food and wine!

Personally, I am here primarily to work on my master's thesis. Coming out to Strasbourg to work on it has been extremely beneficial! Not only have I found great sources here in Strasbourg, but I have just come back from a very successful research trip to Moscow which would not have been so easy to do from Atlanta considering the distance and cost. I have had the honor of helping a member of the German Parliament on his campaign over a weekend in September opening up more research possibilities, and I have also seen Mikhail Gorbachev speaking to the Council of Europe on the anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

In Moscow, I met with a couple of Human Rights organizations including a lawyer for the recent award winning Russian group MEMORIAL adding further to my thesis. They were recently awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament which will be given to them next month here in Strasbourg.
All in all this program is well worth its value. I can't imagine someone not enjoying their time here. I have so enjoyed my time here that I really don't want to think about the fact that we only have a month left...

Sarah Smith

EU Studies Fall 2009 Student
Georgia State University 

"Great Program! I loved it and would recommend for anyone."

Corrine Hauth

EU Studies Fall 2009 Student
Georgia State University 

"Sven and Willi (the on-site coordinators) were amazing. They really made us feel welcome and made the Château feel like a home-away from home. We will miss them both!"

Justin Harbison

EU Studies Fall 2009 Student
Georgia State University 

"CEPA was wonderful. The EU Parliament is a must visit."

Yekaterina (Katie) Reyzis

EU Studies Fall 2009 Student
George Washington University

"Great Program! I would recommend it to anyone."