Optometry Strasbourg Program

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) stands alone in the United States as the only professional optometric program to integrate a foundational study abroad experience directly into its core curriculum. Celebrating nine years of academic excellence and cross-cultural partnership, the Strasbourg Program provides UIW optometry students with an unparalleled global perspective on healthcare delivery, vision science research and international clinical practices. Located at the historic crossroads of Europe, this initiative bridges advanced American clinical training with cutting-edge European medical traditions.

A 12-day student study abroad program in Strasbourg, France. 

Group photo of optometry study abroad trip

Academic & Clinical Integration

The Strasbourg curriculum is carefully designed to enrich core optometric competencies through highlevel immersion:

  • Comparative Healthcare Systems: Analyze the structural differences between European socialized medicine and American healthcare delivery.
  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Engage with European ophthalmologists, researchers and optical innovators to understand global trends.
Students posing in front of RSO building

Cultural & Professional Growth

Beyond clinical observation, the European setting cultivates crucial soft skills essential for modern practice leadership:

  • Cultural Humility: Develop advanced communication techniques tailored for diverse and international patient demographics.
  • Global Networking: Build professional relationships with international colleagues, paving the way for future global research opportunities.
Payment Due Dates
Amount Due
Deposit $1,000 January 9
1st Payment $1,310 February 6
2nd Payment $1,310 March 6
Travel Day - Flight to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
  • Land transportation is included from Frankfurt airport to UIW Strasbourg

(airfare not included in the package price)

  • Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) by 10:00 a.m.
  • Transportation by private bus from the airport to UIW Strasbourg
  • 6 nights in double or triple rooms at Château de Pourtales, breakfast included
  • Welcome reception and orientation session, followed by a walking tour with your on-site coordinator
  • Receive public transportation pass for the duration of your stay in Strasbourg
  • Welcome dinner at restaurant in Strasbourg
  • Breakfast at the Château 
  • Class at the ESC Strasbourg by UIW faculty
  • Public transportation pass for the day
  • Guided walking tour of Strasbourg Cathedral
  • Dinner on your own in Strasbourg
  • Breakfast at the Château
  • Transportation by private bus to Nancy and return
  • Learn about the French Optician degrees during a visit to ISO Nancy (Institut Supérieur d’Optique / Higher Optical Institute)
  • Free evening and Dinner on your own
  • Breakfast at the Château
  • Transportation by private bus during the day
  • Guided tour of the medieval Haut Koenigsbourg Castle; Built in the 12th century it was the residence of several eminent proprietors including members of the Habsburg dynasty and the German emperor Wilhelm II.
  • Enjoy a free afternoon in Colmar to explore the city at your own pace and have lunch at your own expense
  • Breakfast at the Château
  • Public transportation pass for the day
  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Classroom available at the ESC Strasbourg for Optometry Class by UIW faculty
  • Free afternoon to explore the many museums in Strasbourg at your own expense
  • Breakfast at the Château
  • Transportation by private bus to Sasbach, afterwards Kehl, and return
  • Visit to the eye glass company “PM Frost GmbH” in Sasbach, to learn about their mission and their work in the eye glass field
  • Visit to a local company which produces optometric equipment, or to an optician in Germany, e.g. Optik Thüm in Kehl
  • Breakfast at the Château
  • Transportation by private bus to Heidelberg
  • 4 nights in twin rooms with private bathrooms incl. breakfast at the 4-star Intercity Hotel Heidelberg
  • Orientation session by your on-site coordinator at the hotel
  • Public transportation pass for the duration of your entire stay in Heidelberg
  • Learn how optical glasses are manufactured, e.g. during a visit to the “AllesBrille Manufaktur” in Heidelberg, known for their innovative Optician Outlet and manufacturing facility
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Public transportation during the day
  • Guided walking tour of Heidelberg to learn about the historic city center and see the old bridge over the Neckar River
  • Guided tour of the Heidelberg Castle nestled in the hill 300 feet above the city of Heidelberg, incl. the German Pharmacy Museum with its collection of over 20,000 objects representing the rich history of medical sciences, spanning two thousand years of pharmacy history.
  • Free evening to explore the city on your own
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Public transportation during the day
  • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Classroom available at the hotel for Optometry Class by UIW faculty
  • Guided tour of the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, which is a former residence of the Electors of the Palatinate in the town of Schwetzingen in Baden-Württemberg. The Gardens are considered a cultural heritage site of European significance including more than 100 sculptures, an assortment of whimsical buildings, and a mixture of traditional English and French garden designs.
  • Enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Public transportation during the day
  • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Classroom available at the hotel for Optometry Class by UIW faculty
  • Use your last afternoon in Heidelberg for final discussions and reflection
  • Farewell dinner at a restaurant in Heidelberg, e.g. Gasthaus zum Roten Ochsen, to wrap up the program
  • Breakfast boxes provided by the hotel
  • Approx. 5 a.m. Transportation by private bus from the hotel to the airport in Frankfurt
  • Departure from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) to the USA (airfare not included)
*Itinerary details are subject to change.

Contact

Academic Contact Information

Dr. Adrienne Ari 
Call: (210) 883-1199

Program Contact Information

Dr. Javier Lozano
Call: (210) 805-3015