Fifteen Students Spend a Semester Abroad in France

Taking a program in the hospitality and tourism industry is a great way to learn about the logistics involved in the field, but it’s a whole other experience to travel and experience the curriculum as you learn it. Fifteen students from the Tourism, Event management, and Hotel programs, as well as faculty member Anke Foller-Carroll experienced a semester abroad in France from January 3 to February 24.

Those who took advantage of this opportunity received an in-depth experience of not only the industry but the culture as well. The group stayed at the Chateau de Pourtales in Strasbourg, a beautiful 17th-century chateau located only a 20-minute bus ride from downtown.

Whilst studying abroad, the students regularly attended class and completed homework assignments to earn credits towards graduation. One of the assignments they had was to start a travel blog from the perspective of a tourism professional. They also took French lessons and conducted student-led tours where one or two students did research beforehand and led their group of peers on a journey for that afternoon.

The trip was filled with plenty of food and adventures alike. Some of the highlights from the trip include visiting Freiburg im Breisgau, the Black Forest, wine, beer, and chocolate tastings as well as hotel inspections. The two hotel inspections that stood above the rest were at the Traube Tonbach and Schloss Reinach. The hosts at these historical establishments welcomed our students and also provided them with a dining experience. Everyone they encountered during the trip was very pleasant and made our students feel welcome.

A warm thank you to the tour guides, hosts, and everyone who was involved in making this trip happen. Special thanks to Anke Foller-Carroll for being instrumental in planning the trip and accompanying our students.

"The trip was filled with plenty of food and adventures alike. Some of the highlights from the trip include visiting Freiburg im Breisgau, the Black Forest, wine, beer, and chocolate tastings as well as hotel inspections. The two hotel inspections that stood above the rest were at the Traube Tonbach and Schloss Reinach."