International Office, Campus d’Amiens
International Exchange Student Guide
fBS Amiens Campus
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International Office
Monday 6 October 2014
International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Contents :
France Business School............................................................................................................................ 3
Campuses at France Business School ...................................................................................................... 5
Where is Amiens? .................................................................................................................................... 6
Where is France Business School located in Amiens?............................................................................. 6
What facilities does FBS, Amiens Campus have? .................................................................................... 6
What are the courses like for the international exchange students? ..................................................... 6
What is the school timetable like? .......................................................................................................... 6
Are there any English language requirements for exchange students? ................................................. 7
Can I take French lessons when I am in Amiens? .................................................................................... 7
Can I take courses in French and English?............................................................................................... 7
Will I be eligible for a student card at fBS, Amiens Campus? ................................................................. 7
Higher Education in France ..................................................................................................................... 8
What should I know about my school credits? ....................................................................................... 8
ECTS .................................................................................................................................................... 8
ECTS Credits ............................................................................................................................................. 9
How does the crediting system work for International students at fBS? ............................................... 9
Can International Exchange Students choose from the courses on offer both on the Bachelor and
Master programme? ............................................................................................................................... 9
Can international students get a grant/scholarship? .............................................................................. 9
Do Europeans citizens need a special permit to enter France? ............................................................ 10
How do non-European citizens go about obtaining a visa to enter France? ........................................ 10
What should I pack in my luggage? ....................................................................................................... 11
Will customs confiscate anything from my luggage at the airport? ..................................................... 11
When I arrive at the airport, what are the next steps to get to Amiens? ............................................. 11
What are the main train lines when arriving by train? ......................................................................... 12
When arriving by car, what are the main roads leading to Amiens? .................................................... 12
How will I communicate if I don’t speak French? ................................................................................. 12
What should I do about accommodation? ............................................................................................ 13
How will I get to my accommodation when I arrive in Amiens? ........................................................... 14
Can I get help paying my rent? .............................................................................................................. 14
Should I open a bank account in Amiens?............................................................................................. 14
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
What do I need to know about telephones? ........................................................................................ 14
What kind of transport operates in Amiens? ........................................................................................ 14
What if I become sick in Amiens?.......................................................................................................... 15
How do I pay and get reimbursed for medical costs? ........................................................................... 16
What is the cost of living in Amiens? .................................................................................................... 16
How much money should I budget for food? ....................................................................................... 16
What leisure activities are there in Amiens? Gym, sports, etc…?......................................................... 17
What is going out like? Clubs, bars, cinema…? ..................................................................................... 17
Any student recommendations? ........................................................................................................... 18
Should I bring my car? ........................................................................................................................... 18
Will I get a chance to travel in Europe?................................................................................................. 18
The International Office Contact Details ............................................................................................... 19
France Business School
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International Office
Monday 6 October 2014
International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Dear Students,
France Business School is a new French School of Management focused on excellence.
FBS was created through the merger of four management schools located in different French
regions:
- Groupe Sup de Co, Amiens (Picardie, Northern France)
- ESCEM Tours-Poitiers (Western France)
- ESC Bretagne, Brest (on the Atlantic Coast)
- Groupe ESC Clermont-Ferrand (in the Auvergne volcanic region).
France Business School has the ambition to train new leaders and entrepreneurs who
will think differently and be innovative; having vision rather than following guidelines,
Changing the world rather than managing businesses, Motivating personnel rather than
simply giving orders, Working on the system rather than working inside the system, Creating
opportunities rather than solving problems and Creating lasting added value rather than
short term profit.
FBS offers two main programmes, the “Grande Ecole“ program which is a two or
three year Master in Management programme with around 1,200 students graduating each
year. The second is a Bachelor in International Business. Both programmes offer courses in
English for international students.
These programmes aim to:

Recruit students with a diverse range of skills and talents coming from different
academic backgrounds

Train students to become open-minded leaders, able to easily adapt to the realities of
the world

Innovate and create new methods of learning

Develop new and challenging evaluation criteria
Welcoming international students to our campuses is a real strength for FBS as you
bring great added value to the programmes thanks to your culture, traditions and ways of
learning. We hope that you will enjoy being part of our new school and that you will go
home as ambassadors for France and for France Business School in your home countries.
Thank you for choosing FBS,
Beatrice RABET
Director of Studies and International
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Campuses at France Business School
There are five campuses in France. France Business School is located in the heart of cities recognized
for their personality, quality of life, proximity and budgets available to students.
Amiens
Nestled in the heart of the city, close to the cathedral listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the fBS
Amiens campus welcomes students from around the world who particularly appreciate the human
scale of the city and its immediate access to European cities that are Paris, Lille, Brussels and London.
Brest
With a strong personality, both entrepreneurial and autonomous, the city of Brest has a unique
maritime environment and is open to the world. It has an original cultural and associative life
particularly popular with the students.
Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is located in the heart of an exceptional natural area and benefits from the presence
on its territory of leading global companies. Students appreciate the daily fBS multiple opportunities
offered by the dense network of SMEs of international and geographical diversity offered by the
territory.
Poiters
Poitiers is a university city, balanced, youthful and open to the world. It has a high-tech business
environment, driven by start-ups and global economic events. fBS students particularly appreciate the
quality of life and positive outlook on the future maintained within the territory.
Tours
Classed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Tours illustrates both art history and excellence in France.
It is located in the heart of the valley of the Loire castles and vineyards headquarters, the city is also
appreciated by students of fBS for the presence of leading companies.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Where is Amiens?
Amiens is halfway between Paris and Lille (about an hour by train from each) in the North of France.
It is two hours from Brussels, three hours from Maastricht, four hours from Amsterdam and five hours
from London.
Amiens is the capital of the Picardy region and has a population of about 130,000. It was heavily
scarred by the Second World War and has had to rise from the ashes to occupy its rightful place: a
town in the city where it’s really nice to live, home to the Amienois who are proud of their cultural
heritage, who move with the times and live in the 21st century.
Where is France Business School located in Amiens?
The school is located right in the town centre of Amiens next to one of the world’s most beautiful
cathedrals, a source of natural inspiration for an original educational project.
The school is divided into two buildings located at proximity:
-One building is home to the Bachelor program (called the “Espace Cathedrale”) and the other is
home to Master program (called the “Espace Somme”).
What facilities does FBS, Amiens Campus have?
There is a student cafeteria at the Espace Somme as well as coffee and vending machines.
The school has a resource centre where students have access to reference books concerning their
studies and where they can browse completed student memoires and placement reports. Students
also have access to professional and academic papers.
An online database, accessible from the resource centre, gives students access to the international
daily press, British and American economic reviews as well as extensive information on companies.
The resource centre is open Monday to Friday 9am – 7.30pm during term-time and 8.45am to 5.15pm
during the holidays.
As well as the resource centre, there are three multimedia rooms available for students. One of these
multimedia rooms (M1) located in the Espace Cathedrale, has 35 computers and is open 24h/day 7
days/week. You will need to use your student card to gain access if the door is locked.
What are the courses like for the international exchange
students?
Each module takes typically one week to complete in which time you will have 18-25 hours of lessons.
Most lessons are delivered as lectures in groups of 20 to 40 students. You may be assessed with case
studies, group work, presentations or exams.
What is the school timetable like?
This depends which courses you follow. Usually lessons start at 9.30am and finish at 5.30pm with an
hour’s lunch break.
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International Office
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Are there any English language requirements for exchange
students?
Although France Business School does not officially have any requirements concerning a student’s
level of English, we ask our partner universities to carefully select those capable of following lessons in
English. A minimum of 550 TOEFL or equivalent is recommended. Please remember that you are
coming to study Business, not the English or French language.
Can I take French lessons when I am in Amiens?
French as a second language (FSL)
All international students will have the opportunity to take intensive French lessons at the beginning of
the semester. At the beginning of the course you will have a French test after which you will be
placed in a group according to your level. There is a focus on vocabulary and situations in the
Business world and at the end of the intensive lessons, students should feel more comfortable in their
new life in France.
The course consists of:
- French grammar and vocabulary
- Writing, listening and speaking exercises
- Practical exercises
There are also FSL classes that take part during the semester where students can build upon their
communication skills.
Can I take courses in French and English?
Courses are available in French and English and this is indicated when you are choosing your modules.
You may take courses in French if you feel you are capable of following them, or you may choose a
mix of courses in both English and French. Please check with your international coordinator from your
home institution because once you have chosen your courses and your learning agreement has been
validated; you will not be able to modify it. We suggest that if you are not sue if you will be able to
follow course sin French, choose courses that are later in the semester to give yourself plenty of time
to acclimatise to the language.
Will I be eligible for a student card at fBS, Amiens Campus?
Yes, once you have arrived, you will receive your own student card which proves you are enrolled at
our school. This card will give you access to the printers and you can charge it with money to use in
the university restaurants and coffee machines. There are many discounts available too in town for
students if you present your card. This card is also used to sign in electronically before each class
begins.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Please be aware that at the beginning of the semester, a number of documents are required from
you. If you do not provide us with these documents within a reasonable timeframe, your student card
will be cancelled meaning you will not be able to attend your classes.
Higher Education in France
The higher education system in France comes under the common European structure. The BachelorMaster-Doctorate system is based on the number of semesters completed since leaving secondary
school and their equivalent in European credits under the European Credits Transfer Scheme.
Illustration of comparative higher educational systems in France
FBS Programs
3 year Graduate Program
Years of
study
3rd year (final)
University
Bachelor International
Business
University System
Total ECTS Credits
earned
5
Master 2
300
2nd year (senior)
4
Master 1 / Bachelor 4
240
1st year (junior)
3
Bachelor Int. Bus 3
Bachelor 3
180
Undergraduate 2
2
Bachelor Int. Bus 2
Bachelor 2
120
Undergraduate 1
1
Bachelor Int. Bus 1
Bachelor 1
60
Entrance examination
High school
Both of fBS’s main programs have fully adopted the European Credit Transfer System – ECTS.
What should I know about my school credits?
ECTS
ECTS is part of the European Commission’s SOCRATES program and aims to encourage cooperation
between universities in the European Union. ECTS sets out an effective way of simplifying academic
recognition between European educational institutions. It aims to create transparency between
different programs / curricula followed by students. This allows the transfer of equivalent credits from
one institution to another.
Full academic recognition is a “condition sine qua non” for student mobility in the framework of the
Erasmus and Socrates programs. Full academic recognition means that the study period abroad
(including examinations or other forms of assessment) replaces a comparable period of study at the
home university (including examinations or other forms of assessment), though the content of the
agreed study program may differ.
The use of ECTS is voluntary and is based on mutual trust and confidence in the academic
performance of partner institutions. Each institution selects its own partners.
ECTS provides transparency through the following means:
 ECTS credits which are a numerical value allocated to course units to describe the student
workload required to complete them.
 The information package which supplies written information to students and staff on institutions,
departments/faculties, the organisation and structure of studies and course units.
 The transcript of records which shows students’ learning achievements in a way which is
comprehensive, commonly understood and easily transferable from one institution to another…
 The learning agreement covering the program of study to be taken and the ECTS credits to be
awarded for their satisfactory completion, committing both home and host institutions, as well as
the student.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
ECTS Credits
ECTS credits are a numerical value (between 1 and 60) allocated to course units to describe the
student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course unit
requires in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of academic study
at the institution; that is, lectures, practical work, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, private study – in the
library or at home – and examinations or other assessment activities. ECTS is thus based on a full
student workload and not limited to contact hours only.
ECTS credits are a relative rather than an absolute measure of student workload. They only specify
how much of a year’s workload a course unit represents at the institution or department allocating the
credits. In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study and normally 30
credits for a semester. ECTS credits ensure that the program will be reasonable in terms of workload
for the period of study abroad.
How does the crediting system work for International students
at fBS?
For each semester at fBS Amiens, you must choose enough courses that correspond to 30 ECTS
credits. Your international coordinator will help you choose courses as well as Emma Catteau, the
Exchange Coordinator at fBS Amiens Campus.
You must sign a learning agreement 2 to 3 weeks after your arrival, this gives you enough time to
judge if the modules chosen correspond to your expectations and level of study. Any changes must be
made in agreement with the 2 departmental coordinators within this time limit.
It is important to know exactly how many credits your school requires you to obtain during your stay
at fBS. Although, 30 credits are generally required per semester, you may take fewer credits if your
school agrees.
Can International Exchange Students choose from the courses
on offer both on the Bachelor and Master programme?
Yes. You may choose between both the Bachelor and Master programme but you cannot mix courses
from both programmes.
Can international students get a grant/scholarship?
European Students
If you are chosen by your school to participate in the ECTS exchange programme, you may be
awarded a travel grant if you fulfil the general eligibility conditions for ERASMUS grants. Please see
your exchange coordinator for details.
Please note that students are exempt from tuition fees in their host institution. They are however
obliged to continue to pay their tuition fees in their home institution during their study period abroad.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Non-European Students
Please see your exchange coordinator for details on grants/scholarships available to you.
Do Europeans citizens need a special permit to enter France?
You can enter France with your ID card without any specific formalities.
How do non-European citizens go about obtaining a visa to
enter France?
Step 1
In 30 countries, the process of applying and receiving a student visa is now web-based. Students
from these countries are required to use the online process on campusfrance.org.
Algeria
Argentina
Benin
Brazil
Cameroon
Syria
Canada
Chile
China
Columbia
Congo
Taiwan
Korea
United States
Gabon
Guinea
India
Tunisia
Ivory Coast
Japan
Lebanon
Madagascar
Mali
Turkey
Mauritius
Morocco
Mexico
Russia
Senegal
Vietnam
For full and detailed information on student visas to France, please see www.campusfrance.org
This information is available in French, English and Spanish.
Step 2
When you arrive in France, your passport will be stamped by French police at the airport.
You will also need to fill in a form called ‘demande d’attestation d’OFII’. We will help you to complete
this form during the orientation week.
Step 3
Within three months of your arrival date in France, you are required to send to the OFII office by
registered post with acknowledge of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) the
completed "demande d'attestation OFII" form with the following photocopied pages of your passport:



ID
visa
entry stamp to France
Step 4
The OFII office will send you an appointment to validate your visa and you may need to have a
medical check-up too.
You will have to bring the following documents with you to your OFII appointment:



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Your passport
An ID photo
Proof of address in Amiens
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Monday 6 October 2014
International Office, Campus d’Amiens


Your medical certificate (if you have one)
Payment in the form of a stamp. These are not postage stamps. They are sold in ‘Tabac’ or
‘Presse’ shops. Ask for a "timbre fiscal ANEM ou EMI” to the value of 58€. *2014-2015
Once you have your passport stamped by the OFII you will be able to travel freely within the
Schengen area during the valid duration of your visa, with a maximum duration of three months
outside of France.
What should I pack in my luggage?
The climate in Amiens is similar to that in Paris. In the winter the temperatures can drop to below
0°C so please be prepared for this! It can also be quite foggy in the winter. Amiens is on higher
ground than Paris so it can get windy at times. In the summer the temperatures rise to highs of 30°C
and the weather starts to get warmer around April. The weather is generally quite changeable – it
can rain at any time of the year, so please bring an umbrella!
Think about bringing some electrical adaptors and/or transformers so you can charge your mobile
phone and laptop when you are here.
Will customs confiscate anything from my luggage at the
airport?
When you arrive in France for the first time it is worth remembering that some goods/objects may be
forbidden or authorized in a limited quantity only. It is thus important to make enquiries before
leaving.
When I arrive at the airport, what are the next steps to get to
Amiens?
There will be a welcome from the International Student Association (known locally as the BDI) on the
stipulated arrival dates only. There will be team members at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport TGV
train station at Terminal 2 and Amiens Train Station. If you are arriving at other destinations, you
should make your own way to Amiens to be met there.
Please remember that you must arrive in Amiens on the stipulated arrival dates.
1/ Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport
You should either:


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take a RER train from the airport to Gare du Nord train station in Paris. From here you can
take a train to Amiens
go to the TGV train station (the fast train) at Terminal 2 of CDG airport and take a TGV to
Amiens via Gare TGV Haute Picardie. The journey from TGV Haute Picardie train station is
operated by bus and is included in the train ticket; the bus will drop you off at the Amiens
train station.
International Office
Monday 6 October 2014
International Office, Campus d’Amiens
You can buy your ticket upon arrival; there is no need to book it in advance.
2/ Orly Airport
You should either:


take an Air France bus which will drop you off at Roissy Charles de Gaulle (see information
given above).
take an ORLY-VAL train, then the metro (subway) which will take you to the Gare du Nord in
Paris where trains leave for Amiens frequently. This solution is faster than the former.
3/ Paris-Beauvais Tillé Airport (the closest to Amiens - 60km)
You should either:



Take a shuttle from the airport to Beauvais train station for 4€ and then take a train for
Amiens. (www.sncf-voyages.fr)
Take the Shuttle bus from Beauvais airport directly to Amiens train station, for bus times
check the timetable. (http://www.destination-beauvais-paris.co.uk/Moving-around/TheAmiens-Beauvais-Airport-shuttle)
Take a taxi from the airport to Beauvais train station.
Please visit the following website if you need
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/adp/fr-fr/Passagers/accueil/
information
on
Paris
airports:
What are the main train lines when arriving by train?
Two main train lines run from the Gare du Nord in Paris to Amiens:
Paris – Amiens /Boulogne/Calais
Paris – Amiens/Lille
DON’T FORGET to validate your train ticket in the small yellow machines before getting on the train
otherwise you could get a fine. (« compostez vos billets »)
When arriving by car, what are the main roads leading to
Amiens?
From Paris:
motorway A1 – exit Roye – trunk road 12
motorway A16 – exit Amiens Sud (Dury)
From Calais:
motorway A16 – exit Amiens Sud (Dury)
How will I communicate if I don’t speak French?
In most big cities in France you will be able to find someone who speaks English and is willing to
answer your questions. Tourist Information centres are employing more English-speaking staff in
France.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Here are a few key phrases to help you get your message across in French in case an Englishspeaking person is hard to find:
I would like a ticket for Amiens please.
Where can I find a washroom?’
How do I call a taxi?
Could
I
buy
a
calling
card?
(to make international calls)
Could I buy a calling card to make calls in France?
(from a phone booth)
How do I get here? (Pointing at a map for example)
How much does this cost? (pointing at an object for
example)
Could you please tell me what time it is?
Where is the station please?
Where is the RER station, please? (In Paris)
I’m looking for platform number 5, please.
J’aimerais un billet pour Amiens s’il vous plaît.
Où sont les toilettes?
Comment puis-je appeler un taxi?
Est-ce que je pourrais acheter une carte d’appel téléphonique
pour des appels internationaux?
Est-ce que je pourrais acheter une carte d’appel pour les cabines
téléphoniques locales?
Comment puis-je me rendre ici?
Combien est-ce que ça coûte?
Pourriez-vous me dire l’heure s’il vous plaît?’
Où est la gare s’il vous plait?
Où est la gare RER, s’il vous plait ?
Je cherche le quai numéro 5, s’il vous plait.
What should I do about accommodation?
When you send your application form to us, you are also required to complete an accommodation
form where you can inform us of your preferences.
Although we try to give everyone their first choice, due to demand and availability, this may not
always be possible.
Type
of
accommodation
Own
accommodation
CROUS Residence
Nexity Residence
Licorne Residence
Chance of a room
Price
Distance from the
school
The earlier you search for a
room the more guaranteed it
is
Apply early as fBS has a
limited number of bedrooms
reserved for International
students.
Good chance of a room in
this large residence
Limited rooms available
Depends on the landlord
Depends where
choose to live
235€ - 280€ per month – utilities and internet
There are a number of
CROUS buildings close
to the city centre.
10mins – 20 min walk
5 mins walk – right in
the city centre
20 min walk
included
Up to 530€ per month – utilities and internet
included
450€ per month – utilities and internet included
you
Please note that accommodation is subject to availability. We cannot guarantee that you will receive
your preference. Please send your accommodation form ASAP to have the best chance of being
allocated a room.
Once we have organized the accommodation (subject to availability), we will contact you with
information regarding where you will be staying and ask you to confirm your choice of
accommodation. You may be required to pay for the rent for the full semester and a deposit of 1
months’ rent (except for CROUS) before your arrival by wire transfer. Information will be sent out with
your accommodation confirmation.
For more information on finding own accommodation please contact [email protected]
For more information on the residences, please use the following websites:
http://www.crous-amiens.fr/
http://www.nexity-studea.com/residences-etudiantes/amiens/80/studea-st-germain,309595.html
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http://www.asso-aep.org/nos-residences-jeunes.asp?ville=amiens
How will I get to my accommodation when I arrive in Amiens?
As soon as you have booked and confirmed your airplane, bus or train ticket, you should let the
International Office know about your date of arrival, flight details, as well as an estimated time of
arrival to Amiens. Please email Emma Catteau [email protected] with these details or
complete the arrival questionnaire that will be sent to you before you arrive.
You will then be picked up from Amiens train station by the Student Association on the stipulated
arrival dates only and they will take you to your accommodation.
Can I get help paying my rent?
There is an organisation called the CAF ('Caisse d'allocation familiale') which offers financial support to
students.
If you organise your own accommodation, or stay in a residence you may be eligible. Please contact
your landlord.
Should I open a bank account in Amiens?
Yes, it is highly recommended to open an account in France. There are special arrangements
between the school and a bank in Amiens. They will present their offer during orientation week. If you
are not confident with your French, you will get help from French students from the student
association, who are likely to even go to the bank with you.
What do I need to know about telephones?
You can call abroad either from a mobile phone (very expensive) or with an international calling card
you can buy at the “Tabac” shops.
Getting a mobile phone is fairly easy. If your phone is contracted in your home country it may be
blocked against some foreign operators, so you may have to get a new phone. If your phone accepts
SIM-cards from other operators, you can just walk into a telephone shop and buy one for about 10€.
There are different suppliers in France: Orange, SFR and Bouygues all offer pay-as-you-go phone
cards.
Students have told us that Virgin Mobile and Free offer great rates for International Students with
contract phones. Get a contract ‘sans engagement’ which means you can cancel at any time.
Of course, you will be able to Skype or msn with an internet connection!
What kind of transport operates in Amiens?
The school is located in the town centre and everything is within walking distance but if you wish to
do and see some things slightly out of town, you may need some transport to get about.
Bicycle
Amiens has a self-service bicycle scheme where you can take a bike and put it back in any other
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station all around the city. A day ticket will cost you 1€, a week will cost you 5€. In this period you
make take a bike to traverse the town and if you put it back at any station within 30 minutes you will
not pay any extra. You will need to pay by card and the machine will take you through the necessary
steps.
If you prefer, you may hire a bike from véloservice for 10€/month or about 50€ for the year. The
boutique is on the ground floor of the Perret Tower opposite the train station.
Buses
If you wish to go to the out of town shopping centre or supermarket you may prefer to take the bus.
You can take a bus by buying a ticket from the driver for each journey for 1,20€, or you can invest in
a monthly bus pass. Go to AMETIS, 10, place Alphonse Fiquet, (next to the train station) with your
student card and two passport photos where you can get a monthly bus pass for about 23€. This
card allows you to use any of the buses in town.
As with the single use ticket, you must validate your ticket (or card) each time you get on a bus. A
single use ticket is valid for 1hour from the first time you use it.
Train
You will have probably arrived in Amiens at the train station. France and Europe have an extensive
railway network which will allow you to get around almost anywhere at a very reasonable price and
often faster than flying.
If you plan to travel by train in France during your semester with us, we recommend that you buy the
“carte 12-25” young person’s rail card which costs around € 50 and gives you between 25 and 50%
off any train for a year. You just need your ID and passport photo to get the card at any SNCF train
ticket counter. Come prepared and buy the rail card at the airport when you arrive and benefit from
the discount on your first trip to Amiens!
What if I become sick in Amiens?
You can buy some over the counter medicines like paracetamol, aspirin and cough syrups over the
counter in pharmacies but most medicines need a doctor’s prescription.
You will find many pharmacies in Amiens, all are open during the day but at night and at the
weekends you should go to the Police Station, rue du Marché Lanselles to get the name and address
of the pharmacy on duty (pharmacie de garde).
In France you are free to choose your own doctor. The cost of a visit is 23€ for a general practitioner
and 28€ or more for a specialist. Some surgeries require that you make an appointment so it is best
to check before you go.
If you are more seriously ill, all hospitals have an emergency room that is open 24 hours a day. In an
emergency you can call the SAMU (mobile emergency medical service) by dialling ‘15’ or the fire
brigade, who are trained medically, by dialling ‘18’. Alternatively, call 112 from a mobile phone to
access all the emergency services.
Health Insurance is compulsory for all international students coming to fBS Amiens.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
How do I pay and get reimbursed for medical costs?
The French healthcare system is one of the best in the world. The level of care in French hospitals is
of very high quality, and universal insurance makes care available to everyone.
European Students
European students should apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling
which allows you to get medical care during your stay in France. The simplest way to do so is online,
at this website: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do. Once you have arrived in Amiens we will
need a photocopy of your card.
Non-European Students
If you come to study in France for more than 3 months, you are required to take out the French Social
Security. The cost for 2014/2015 is 213€ no matter when you come to France during the school
year. It reimburses about 70 % of medical costs. You can choose a student social security provider
when you enroll at fBS Amiens Campus upon arrival. Once you are registered, you will have a social
security number which you should take with you whenever you see a doctor or receive treatment.
In France, if you are over 28 years old, you are not eligible for student health insurance. You will
have to purchase health care from your own country, or after 3 months in France you can apply to get
the CMU (Universal Medical Cover).
In order to limit your healthcare expenditure, you may wish to get a supplementary health insurance
policy (or Mutuelle) which will cover the percentage that has not already been paid by the social
security. This usually costs about 75€ for the year.
Note: Students from Quebec are exempt from taking out the French Health Insurance
(Sécurité Sociale)
Full details on student social security in France, available in different languages, can be found at
www.lmde.com.
Another student social security is the SMENO. Please see www.smeno.com for more details.
What is the cost of living in Amiens?
Although Amiens is smaller than Paris or Lille, you should have about 800€/month at your disposal
(including rent). This will be higher if you wish to travel.
How much money should I budget for food?
You can budget as much or as little as you wish. In the town centre you will find Carrefour Market
and Match, which are reasonably priced supermarkets for pretty much all of your everyday needs. You
also have Dia, Lidl and Aldi which are chains of little grocery stores that can be less expensive than
the supermarkets. If you have a car, Carrefour and Auchan are bigger hypermarkets about a 10
minutes’ drive away, for bulk buying or going shopping for basic household equipment, like mirrors,
home electronics or even plants. You can also get to these stores by bus.
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
Eating out is not overly expensive, again depending on where you go. There are plenty of restaurants,
pizzerias, fast food restaurants, and kebab shops in town. Cafés and bakeries are also popular
especially at lunch time. And the baguettes are freshly made every day!
There are two university restaurants (Le Resto U) 5 minutes on foot from the school. A complete
meal, comprising of an appetizer, a main meal and dessert costs 3€. You can charge your student
card with money at the restaurant La Veillère, which you should use to buy your meals.
The restaurants are open Monday to Friday 11.30am - 1.30pm and 6.30pm - 8pm.
What leisure activities are there in Amiens? Gym, sports, etc…?
There are gyms and fitness clubs in town, or you can get a reasonably priced pass to the swimming
pool. The park is near the town centre with basketball and football fields, and large grass fields for
those who enjoy the outdoors. You can also go running in the park or along the banks of the river
Somme. Amiens also has an ice rink for anyone who wants to ice skate or just have fun!
Amiens has an ice hockey team, the Gothiques, as well as an American Football team, The Spartiales.
For a full list of all associations in Amiens, please see the AGORA booklet at www.ovacam.asso.fr
The school has 16 different associations; you will discover them during orientation week on the
occasion of the Association Fair. The biggest one is BDE (Bureau Des Elèves), who organise parties
and make sure the student life remains lively at the school. There is the BDI who organise trips and
events for the international students; you will most probably meet the students from this association
especially in the beginning of your stay. Then there are also BDS for sports, BDA for arts, even an
association for wines etc.
What is going out like? Clubs, bars, cinema…?
The night life in Amiens is less dance-based and more designed for socialising and sitting down for a
drink. There are plenty of pubs and bars that show football matches etc. Some of them have a small
dance floor, and there are some clubs in town too. Clubs prefer to play French music, and may be a
very different experience from what you are used to at home.
Most of the bars are in St Leu, located right next to the school. When the weather is nice, the tables
are placed on the terrace, giving the area a really lively atmosphere.
The school's associations arrange parties almost every week, sometimes more than once a week.
They are a good way to get to know your school friends and other students outside of the classroom.
The nights are popular within the student community, and at times you get very good deals on club
entry prices.
There are two cinemas in Amiens. Gaumont Cinema is a multiplex next to the train station and shows
the blockbusters but the films are usually dubbed into French (VF – version française). Ciné St Leu
show films in their original language (VO - version originale) and is less expensive than Gaumont.
If you like live music, you should go to ‘La Lune des pirates’ (www.lalune.net/lune.html) situated in St
Leu on the quayside. They often have international upcoming acts playing.
There is also a Zenith stadium situated in Amiens. This is a big music venue and if you go to the Fnac
shop in the town centre, you can see upcoming events and buy your tickets.
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Any student recommendations?
Previous international students have recommended the following bars and clubs:
Bars:
Don Quichotte – 1, rue des bondes
My Goodness – Irish Bar, 15, rue Edmond Fontaine
Le New Port – 5, Quai Bélu
English Pub - 18, Rue port d'Amont
Clubs :
Le Passport – 14, rue des archers
Le Lipstick – 9, rue des Francs Muriers
Le Mex – 13, rue des Francs Muriers
Club Neo - 14, rue du marché Lanselles
Should I bring my car?
Travelling from the UK or mainland Europe to Amiens is very easy with all the ferries across
the channel and the motorways which are easy to follow. Do prepare yourself for the ‘péage’
though on the motorways, as you have to pay tolls in euros in cash or by card when you
drive on them. You will get a ticket when you enter the motorways, and upon exit, you will
have to pay according to the kilometres you have covered.
In Amiens you don't need a car. Everything in town is in walking distance, and parking can
cause a problem sometimes. You have to pay for parking in Amiens town centre, either in
multi-storey car parks or on the roadside. If you do not pay you will get a parking fine. It is
possible to find free parking but you must remember that it might not be in the town centre.
If you wish to do little trips in northern France for example it is always easier to take your
own car, as you can follow your own schedule. This is a good option especially if you go with
a full car of other students since you all could split the cost of gas and the tolls.
Will I get a chance to travel in Europe?
It depends on which courses you will follow. The courses are organized over 3 days, which
may allow you to have long weekend sometimes. Since everything is close in Europe, you
will have plenty of chances to visit at least the neighbouring countries (the UK, Belgium,
Germany, Switzerland, even Italy and Spain). It is possible to do weekend trips on your own
and day trips to places in France too.
If you plan to travel by train in France during your semester with us, we recommend that
you buy the “carte 12-25” young person’s rail card which costs around € 50 and gives you
between 25 and 50% off any train for a year. You just need your ID and passport photo to
get the card at any SNCF train ticket counter. Come prepared and buy the rail card at the
airport when you arrive and benefit from the discount on your first trip to Amiens!
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International Office, Campus d’Amiens
There are many low-cost airlines in Europe, and you can fly from Beauvais airport (60 km
south of Amiens), as well as Roissy Charles de Gaulle in Paris. Check on their web sites for
details (www.ryanair.com, www.easyjet.com).
You will find out more about travelling once you get to Amiens, the French students always
have good tips, as well as other international students, from their own travels.
The International Office Contact Details
International Office
fBS Amiens Campus
18, place St Michel
80038 AMIENS CEDEX 1
France
Emma CATTEAU
International Office Coordinator
[email protected]
Tel : +33 (0)3 22 82 23 32
Fax : +33 (0)3 22 82 24 13
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