CEPA Europe

CEPA is a name you will likely hear frequently when at the European Study Center. This is because together with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), CEPA Europe is one of the founders of the European Study Center and the organization which is responsible for the day-to-day operation of its programs. 

What does CEPA do?

For 15 years, CEPA has been organizing customized short-term faculty-led study abroad programs throughout Europe. Based in Germany, they are able to take advantage of an extensive network of partnerships and know-how about traveling in Europe that only Europeans have. In addition to faculty-led programs, CEPA has an internship program which provides qualified students with internship placement and assistance with housing and language courses as needed. CEPA is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the EU Study Center in Strasbourg, France. 

CEPA's goal is not only to deliver meaningful educational and cultural experiences, but also a new perspective that goes well beyond the famous cities, the world-renowned monuments, and postcard views of Europe. Providing students with life-changing, positive experiences in Europe is CEPA's top priority. 
It is because of this extensive knowledge, experience and commitment to customer service that daily activities of the European Study Center are able to run smoothly and students are able to concentrate on their studies and the world around them while in Europe. 

How much tip should I leave at a restaurant in Germany?

One of the things many Americans like about traveling in Germany is that they are no long expected to leave 15-20% tip in restaurants. This is because some gratuity is already included in the check. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a tip on top of that. The wait staff generally doesn’t receive the gratuity which has been built into the check directly. 

It is customary to round up to the next full Euro and add a Euro or two (for example, if your bill is 12.55€, it would be appropriate to pay 13-14€ total). When you are eating out in a nicer restaurant, with a large group, or the sum of your bill is quite high, you should leave a 5-10% tip. Tips are usually given directly to the waiter.

Taking electronics to Europe

One of the main questions students have is what kinds of electronics they should bring with them to Europe and what type of adapters they will need. Hopefully this information will be helpful:

What to bring?

In general, the fewer things you can bring that will need electricity while in Europe, the better. For the things you absolutely can't live without, be sure to talk to someone knowledgeable about what you need to convert electricity properly for that particular item BEFORE coming to Europe. You may have a difficult time getting what you need in Europe!

Electronics and appliances can be very heavy and take up a lot of space. Hair dryers often have problems even with the proper adapters and transformers. You may want to purchase an inexpensive one in Germany that you will leave behind at the end of your stay.

Voltage

In Germany 230 volts- 50 Hz is the standard. In the U.S., 110 volts - 60 Hz is standard. Most electronics or appliances designed for international travel only need a plug adapter to function properly anywhere in the world. You can generally tell by looking at the power cord for a statement like “Input: 100-240V, 50-60Hz”.
If you try to use electronics or appliances that are not specifically designed to work worldwide without a transformer, you put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation (sparks will often literally fly!) and will likely ruin the item.
If you choose to bring electronic devices with you, it is best to go to a competent travel store or appliance store to make sure you have the proper transformer for voltage and the proper plug adapter. 

Plug adapters

European outlets require plugs with two round prongs. You will want to make sure you purchase an adapter that will work in Germany since within Europe there are fat and thin versions of the two-prong plug and in some countries, a hole in the plug itself is necessary because of a metal prong coming out of the socket. If you intend on traveling to other European countries while in Heidelberg, be sure to bring the proper adapters with you! It will be difficult to find plug adapters converting to European plugs in Europe, so please make sure to bring these with you!

A German electrical outlet
Note it is recessed into the wall-
make sure you buy an adapter that can go into the hole!

An Italian electrical outlet-has 3 prongs instead of 2

A French electrical outlet that requires the plug itself to have a hole

 

Rick Steves!

Rick Steves was the plenary speaker at the recent NAFSA conference in Houston, TX. (NAFSA is a non-profit organization for international educators.) The European Study Center program coordinator, Anni Taylor, just happened to bump into him and his son while at dinner with partners from the University of the Incarnate Word, Alanna Taylor and Amy DeStefano. After chatting a bit about our program and studying in Germany, Mr. Steves was kind enough to let this picture be taken.
Rick Steves has A TON of great travel tips you may want to check out before leaving for Europe. Check out his website and youtube channel!