HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Before you go

the formalities…

Once you have settled on your program, you can plan out some of the administrative necessities. We know it’s not as much fun, but your mind will be at ease when you arrive so you can concentrate on having a ball.

Find out the best way to carry money

Loth recommends to her students that they have at least two ways to access funds, whether it is ATM cards, traveler’s checks, wires or cash. Certain banks, such as Bank of America, have partnerships with French banks. That way you can avoid extra pesky fees. Call your bank or credit card provider beforehand so they don’t freeze your card for security reasons. This happens a lot. If you are going to use a credit card for everyday purchases, watch out for conversion fees. Some companies tack on fees when you spend in a different currency. Opening up a bank account in France might be a good option if you will be staying for a long period of time. You will need to present your passport, visa documents and proof of address. If you are going to be renting an apartment on your own, you will need housing insurance through your bank. Ask your program to help you.

Budget, Budget, Budget

Never the most exciting thing to think about, but it’s extremely important. Exchange rates may not be in your favor, so watch out. A short list of what you need to consider: program costs, housing, insurance, daily transportation (metro, bus, and tramways), travel (plane, train, and boat), food, electricity, Internet/phone, cell phone, entertainment and clothing. Think about your basic start-up costs. If you are going to rent an apartment, don’t forget about the likely security deposit. Just like the United States, the cost of living varies from location to location. A croissant in Paris can cost more than a euro, while the same croissant in Brittany might be only 80 centimes.

Talk to your insurance company

Most schools require that you be covered. It might be a headache now, but you will certainly appreciate it if you have an accident or get sick. Colette Samwells, director of ELFCA in Provence, has dealt with more than one case of appendicitis and strongly recommends being sure of your coverage.

Be sure about visas

They are necessary if your trip if your stay exceeds three months. Work with your program to make sure this process goes smoothly. Check out campusfrance.org for useful information about applying for student visas. You have to go through the Campus France website to get appointments at the consulates.

…the fun part

Getting ready for takeoff is fun. Pretty soon, you’ll be living the adventures that you’ve been dreaming about. Take our advice and you’ll hit the ground running.

LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THE REGION AND TOWN

It will make you all the more excited to be there, and you’ll feel like a pro once you arrive. Having your research done ahead of time will allow you to relax and enjoy your time sur place. Ask your school about the different festivals and happenings. Remember, learning a language takes a lot of energy, and you won’t want to waste precious minutes once you’re there.

PRACTICE YOUR FRENCH DAILY

The possibilities for this are endless. The Internet makes it easy and cheap to access media in French to work on your listening skills. Samwells says that listening comprehension is one of the most important and difficult parts of learning French. So why not take in a French movie? Think about taking a class or doing daily exercises to refresh your memory. Look into continuing education. Check if your employer or school will sponsor you. Subscribe to a French magazine or newspaper. If you’re near a college or university, check with the French departments to see if any native speakers would be willing to exchange conversation.

READ UP ON FRENCH CULTURE

This can help cushion the initial culture shock. To get an idea of the basics we recommend: Culture Shock: France by Sally Adamson Taylor and French Toast, by Harriet Welty Rochefort. Remember not to pigeonhole anyone because of their nationality, but try to get a handle on the underlying logic and quirks of French society.