Strasbourg means "City of Roads" - an appropriate name for a city that has spent centuries at the crossroads of Europe. To understand Strasbourg is to recognize the role of the city and the entire region of Alsace throughout history as well as today. Strasbourg is a place of proud tradition, but it is also a modern city built on diversity and flexibility.

While not the capital of France, Strasbourg is often considered the capital of Europe. The city is home to many prestigious organizations including the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Council of Human Rights. As the first seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is considered the continent's democratic capital while Brussels is the Administrative capital. Strasbourg is recognized for being an important center for people throughout Europe to meet and discuss, whether the topic is business, government, or anything else.

Academic Study Abroad Programs in Strasbourg

Currently, France and Germany are in negotiations to create a commonly administered region that includes the greater Strasbourg region and the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemburg. This would be a sort of European Washington D.C. and the overall population of the region would be about 860,000. (As compared to 570,000 people in Washington D.C. or the 450,000 people currently living in Strasbourg, which makes it one of the 9 biggest cities in Europe.)

Throughout its history, Strasbourg and the Alsace region were considered highly desirable. The Romans arrived on the scene in 12 B.C. to create Argentoratum, which would eventually develop into Strasbourg. However, archaeologists have found evidence that people had already been living in that region for 700,000 years with 5,000 years of agricultural development and 2,000 years of metallurgy. The city later passed through the hands of the Alamanni, the Franks, the Merovingians, and a few other groups with equally fun and exciting names. Eventually, Strasbourg and the Alsace region would be passed back and forth numerous times between Germany and France as well. Overall, the city has changed hands seventeen times in the past twenty centuries.

For those interested in medieval architecture, Strasbourg is a paradise, with its cathedral standing as one of the tallest and most impressive medieval structures in Europe. The cathedral dominates the historical center of the city and stands as a symbol of the city's spirit as described by Erasumus when he said Strasburg possesses "a monarchy without tyranny, an aristocracy without factions, democracy without turmoil, wealth without luxury and prosperity without arrogance." In addition to the striking cathedral, Strasbourg also offers many other attractions such as its Astronomical Clock, Rohan Palace, Saint-Thomas Church, and its beautiful French Quarter.

Strasbourg also has a rich educational tradition with many unique universities that are rooted in its international atmosphere and diversity. The Université Louis Pasteur is a science and medical school known for its research having won a Nobel Prize and boasting nine members of the Academy of Science. The Université Marc Bloch provides arts and sciences classes in 25 foreign languages. The Université Robert Schuman is a law-oriented school specializing in International and European Law.

Between its historical routes and its modern importance to European government, Strasbourg is a fascinating and exciting place for students to study today.