Bureaucracy

There is a reason why the word ‘bureaucracy’ is of French origin: it is VERY present in French administrative life. Of the many examples, I feel that registering for courses is pertinent here. Over the course of four rendez-vous with Rachel, Holy Cross’ on site academic coordinator, I managed to get my student card, my carte culture (which grants reductions in cultural activities), official registration, and pre-selection of courses. Granted, courses begin on Monday and the class room numbers are yet to be known. It must be highlighted that I managed to get all that done, because I was with Rachel, thanks to Rachel, and in spite of the process. I cannot imagine how many students glanced at us with hatred as we glided in front of them to overcome the loooooong cues and speak directly to the department secretaries. That is to say that I have not experienced the real process of registering for courses in Strasbourg, because I had the privilege of getting all of the above done in the total amount of time that would have taken me to do barely one of the above. God bless the HC online registration process. My narrowing down of courses has also been thanks to Rachel, and her persistent request of course descriptions in the departments. If I were French, I would have none. Granted some leeway is allowed because the separate universities recently became a single university, and massive reorganization has been done. Regardless, the process is inefficient and tedious. Thank God for Rachel.

While the week consisted entirely of administrative affairs, the trips continue on the HC agenda, and, to my personal gain, the bonding with my host family is just incredible. Last weekend we had the privilege – I think so anyway – of going to Struthof, one of the Nazi’s many concentration camps in Europe and the only one in France. It was really something. Many of course think it is a bad experience, a sad experience; but I must admit my love of history was stronger than the sadness I felt. Even more enriching was the trip to the Deportation Museum, which is fabulously designed and which allows you to understand that mentality to the Alsace-French so much better. This is really a special piece of land in the world, because there are not many case studies of bordering countries that harmed each other so much and have overcome the pain so gracefully life Germany and France. My weekend ended with a truly Family Sunday, from going to mass in the morning to a 5 hour promenade and picnic around a French Castle (yes, that is normal in Alsace).

And a month into my year abroad has gone by incredibly fast. So far I can guarantee that the French are NOT big on bureaucratic efficiency.