CULTURE AND LANGUAGE GUIDE
For Students Studying Abroad
FRANCE
Region: Western Europe
Official Language: French
Population: 64.4 million (French National Institute
of Statistics Estimate 2010)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Area (metropolitan France*): 543 965 sq km
Area (overseas departments): 88 794 sq km
Capital: Paris
Number of States: 95 départments in metropolitan
France*, 4 overseas départments, and 7 overseas
collectivités (territories)
Government: Presidential-parliamentary Republic
Religion: 64% Catholic, 25% athiest/agnostic, 7%
Muslim, 3% Protestant, 1% Jewish
*Metropolitan France (France métropolitaine or la Métropole, or
colloquially l’Hexagone) is the part of France located in Europe,
including Corsica. By contrast, Overseas France (la France
d’outre-mer or colloquially les DOM-TOM) is the collective
name for the French overseas departments (départements
d’outre-mer or DOM), territories (territoires d’outre-mer or
TOM), and collectivities (collectivités d’outre-mer or COM).
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS BOOKLET
This booklet has been designed to assist students of The University of Queensland who are planning to go
on exchange to France through the UQ Abroad program. It contains practical, cultural and language-related
information that is relevant to students.
PRACTICAL TIPS
6
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
14
UNIVERSITY LIFE
26
GOING OUT
34
SHOPPING
40
LANGUAGE
42
For ease of reference some information in this booklet has been marked with symbols in highlight boxes :
!
P
Important tips.
Interesting or unusual facts.
Web links to relevant information.
& Glossaries and language information.
PRACTICAL TIPS
WEATHER
TIPPING
TIME
France has four types of weather (oceanic, mountain,
continental, mediterranean) and four distinct seasons.
Attitudes toward tipping vary, depending on financial
means. Although travellers guides will tell you to tip,
tipping has become less common in France, especially
amongst students. It is only practised occasionally if
the service is particularly good or out of the ordinary.
So don’t feel obliged to tip if you are on a tight budget.
France uses Central European Standard Time (CET or
CEDT) and Central European Summer Time (Daylight
Savings Time - DST). DST starts on the last Sunday
in March at 2:00am, and ends on the last Sunday in
October at 3:00am.
Winters are generally
cold and summers mild.
However,
along
the
Mediterranean winters
are mild and summers
hot; and in the mountains
very cold winters can
be followed by dry hot
summers.
Depending on where
you are and the season,
temperatures can go as
low as minus 10 or as
high as the mid 30s, so
plan an assortment of
clothing for the different
seasons.
Current weather and forecasts for France:
www.weatherforecastmap.com/france/
http://france.meteofrance.com
6
PUBLIC REST ROOMS
Current times in all major world cities:
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Currency Converter:
www.xe.com
There are relatively
few public toilets on
city streets (there are
some automated ones in Paris which charge for
admission), but you can find rest rooms in most cafés
and restaurants, in some parks, and in many large
department stores.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water and bottled water are widely consumed
in France. In restaurants you usually have the
option of tap water, still water, or sparkling water.
If you don’t ask for a bottle of eau minérale you
are likely to be given tap water (eau du robinet).
USEFUL WEBSITES FOR GENERAL FACTS
AND INFORMATION ABOUT FRANCE:
French Time
>
What time of year is it?
Central European Standard Time:
From the last Sunday in October to
the last Sunday in March
France Keys
www.francekeys.com
The Internet Gateway to France
www.france-pub.com
France Wikipedia Article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France
>
Time in QLD, Australia
Monday 9:00pm (Add 9 Hours)
Monday 12:00pm
(Midday)
Central European Summer Time
(Daylight Savings):
From the last Sunday in March to the
last Sunday in October
Monday 8:00pm (Add 8 Hours)
7
PRACTICAL TIPS
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
TRAINS
France is well served by a world-class public transport
system. Aside from Paris with its 300 metro stations,
buses, trams, and public bicycle service; every major
city has a comprehensive bus and subway network
and most towns offer a good and reliable bus service.
With their main, TGV and regional line networks, SNCF
(the state owned train company) can take you almost
anywhere in France. High-speed trains (TGV) reach
large cities, while regional trains go to all corners of
France and are an excellent way to see the countryside.
STUDENT TICKETS
Your carte d’étudiant (student card) will often give you
access to discounted prices on public transport, so
be sure to get one from your host university when you
arrive in France, and keep it with you when travelling.
!
Your student card often entitles you to public
transport discounts, however this may not always
be the case in Paris and some larger cities.
To book train tickets and check routes visit the SNCF
website. We recommend the French version of this site
as the information on the English version is limited:
www.voyages-sncf.com
When taking a train don’t forget to validate
(‘composter’) your ticket at one of the machines before
getting on the train. If you don’t, you will have to pay
a fine to the train inspector (‘contrôleur’).
• There are also the Bons Plans du Net discounted
tickets and, sometimes, Dernière Minute tickets,
which are sold at a reduced price at the last minute.
• There are good fares such as the Prems, the Piccolo,
and the Piccolissimo.
Aerlingus - www.aerlingus.com
BMI Baby - www.bmibaby.com
Condor - www.condor.com
FlyOnAir - www.flyonair.it
Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular way to
get around in cities. You can hire bicycles easily and
bike parking facilities are available in most major cities.
• On Tuesdays you can get some tickets at half price.
Air Europa - www.aireuropa.com
Check the local city council website for information on
metros, trams, and bus services in your area.
• Try to book far in advance to get the best price.
• SNCF offers a variety of discount cards for students.
Airberlin - www.airberlin.com
Easyjet - www.easyjet.com
BICYCLES
• The SNCF website can be tricky to navigate, so
don’t leave checking train routes till the last minute.
SOME LOW FARE AIRLINES
METROS, TRAMS AND BUSES
Some tips on booking train tickets:
• Label your luggage, otherwise it will be processed
as abandoned luggage if you lose it.
8
!
TAXIS
Germanwings - www.germanwings.com
Jet2 - www.jet2.com
Ryan Air - www.ryanair.com
FLIGHT COMPARISON WEBSITES
Don’t sit in the front passenger seat of a taxi (for safety
reasons it is not allowed). Surcharges apply at night.
Tarifair - http://tarifair.fr
!
Skyvol - www.skyvol.fr
Low fare airlines have strict check-in closing times.
If you miss them by even a few minutes you will not
be allowed on the flight and will not receive a refund.
Billet Moins Cher - www.billetmoinscher.com
Avion Bas Prix - www.avionbasprix.com
Expedia - www.expedia.com
9
PRACTICAL TIPS
!
Laws regarding Internet downloading in France:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HADOPI_law
More information on the French political system:
www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/215768/France (select 'government')
10
POLITICS
LAW
France is a republic with a dual executive system
of government that combines elements of both
parliamentary (like Britain) and presidential (like the US)
systems. The President is elected as head of state by
the French people, and he appoints the Prime Minister
and a council of ministers. Both the Prime Minister and
the President exercise the executive power.
French laws are similar to those of Australia, however
here are some to be aware of as they may differ:
The legislative power is vested in the Parliament, which
is made up of two separate law-making assemblies:
the Assemblée nationale (the lower house), made up
of popularly elected representatives from different
political parties; and the Sénat (the upper house), made
up of representatives elected by the collège électoral
(a group of municipal councillors from all of the states).
• You need to carry some form of ID (preferably your
passport – le passeport) at all times. French police
can ask you for identification at any time.
• The use or display of any Nazi symbols, salutes,
songs or material (e.g. flags, memorabilia) is illegal.
• You can be fined for defacing or affronting the
tricolour national symbol (the French Flag).
• The legal minimum age to purchase alcohol is 18.
• The legal blood alcohol limit for all drivers, whatever
their age and driving experience is 0.05%.
• It is illegal to photograph security services, including
police.
• The legal driving age in France is 18 years. Even
if you have a valid Australian licence you will not
be allowed to drive a car if you are under 18. The
minimum age to rent a car is 21.
SAFETY
While France has low rates of violent crime, a limited
number of neighbourhoods in the larger French cities
merit extra caution. Some cities publish pamphlets
regarding safety advice. In case of concerns or
problems you should approach the police.
SAFETY TIPS
Cars and bicycles - Familiarise yourself with
the French code de la route (road rules) before
driving and cycling. Cyclists can and do get fined
for offenses. Be mindful of cyclists when driving.
Look Left! ‑ Traffic travels on the right-hand side
of the road in France, so remember to look left
first when crossing the street.
When Out at Night - If you are in a large city
consider asking a local which suburbs and areas
to avoid visiting alone or at night.
Passports and Tickets ‑ Keep photocopies or
scans of your passport and travel documents in
a safe place in case of loss or theft.
Credit Cards ‑ Write down your card number and
relevant information and keep it in a safe place. If
you lose the card, you can cancel it easily.
For emergency phone numbers go to page
13
More safety advice and current warnings:
www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/?topic=France
11
PRACTICAL TIPS
!
PHONING
Phoning France From Australia:
0011 + 33 + Area Code*(without the 0) + Phone Number
* France is divided into 8 areas
Phoning Australia from France:
00 + 61 + State Code (without the 0) + Phone Number
Buy an Australian
power board and take it
with you. This way you
only need one adaptor
to charge or use several
of your Australian
appliances at once.
USING A MOBILE PHONE IN FRANCE
Using your Australian mobile in France is likely to be
expensive and requires international roaming. If you
want to use a mobile phone, there are cheaper options:
• Buy a mobile phone in France.
• Bring an unlocked 3G or GSM triband (or quad-band) mobile and
buy a SIM card in France.
12
Using prepaid credit is the best
option for exchange students
because you are not locked
into a plan. Once you have
set up a prepaid account with
a company, you can buy
cards to top up your phone
credit or buy credit online.
To find out if your existing mobile will work with a
French SIM card visit:
http://www.planetomni.com/FAQ_gsm.shtml
THE MAIN FRENCH PHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS
• Orange (France Telecom)
www.orange.com/en_EN/
• SFR
www.sfr.fr
• Bouygues Telecom
www.bouyguestelecom.fr
Websites that compare French mobile phone plans:
www.meilleurmobile.com/comparateur
www.operateurs-telephonique.com
ELECTRICITY
!
France uses plugs with
two round prongs ‑ these
plugs are used across
most
of
continental
Europe. French outlets
emit the same voltage as
Australian outlets, so you
only need an adaptor (not
a voltage transformer)
to use your Australian
appliances.
112 Europe-wide emergency services number
French powerpoints don’t
have on/off switches –
they are permanently on.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
15
Ambulance / emergency medical care
(SAMU)
17
Police / Gendarmerie
18
Fire Department (les pompiers)
3624 SOS Médecin 24/7 medical service NOT an emergency service. You will
have to pay at the time of the visit.
1010 Operator
118 012
International directory assistance 118 712
France directory assistance 01 47 23 80 80
English speaking help line
01 40 59 33 00
Australian Embassy France
Australian Embassy France website:
www.france.embassy.gov.au
13
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
TRAIN
AUSTRALIANISMS
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• Poking fun at people and using sarcasm.
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• Using first names and an informal tone even when
speaking to figures of authority or strangers.
• Directness or frankness when speaking to others.
CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
P“Culture is the lens through which we see the world.”
[Kevin Avruch, John Paul Lederach]
It is important not to view a person as a stereotype of a
culture, but rather as an individual that is influenced by
the values of the culture or cultures in which they grew
up. If you understand and respect these cultural values,
it is easier to avoid misunderstanding and conflict.
14
WHAT IS ‘NORMAL’?
As someone who is influenced by your own culture
and upbringing, you will judge behaviour as ‘normal’
or acceptable because of your own cultural values.
Self-reflection is one of the best ways to understand
cultural differences, so consider what some typical
Australian values might be, how your behaviour and
attitudes are influenced by these and how these might
differ to those of your host culture. You can use the
cultural values list on the opposite page to get ideas.
Don’t stress about memorising long lists of customs
and etiquette rules from your host country. You can
often observe other people and follow their example,
and simply understanding the core values of your host
culture will help you judge appropriate behaviour.
CULTURE SHOCK
When studying abroad, students often experience an
initial period of elation and excitement, followed by an
emotional crash known as ‘culture shock’. The constant
challenge of new situations and obstacles can become
exhausting and depressing. It is normal to experience
this feeling and it usually improves over time once you
start to feel more accustomed to the host country.
P
CULTURAL VALUES
Cultures often have different values or customs
in relation to the following:
• Social hierarchies and authority.
• Family and family responsibilities.
• The degree of formality/informality required in
different social situations.
• The importance of the individual as opposed to
the group or community.
• Gender roles and interaction between people
of different genders.
• Attitudes to time and the importance of the
past, present and future.
• The importance of written codes, laws and
contracts as opposed to verbal agreements
and generally understood practices.
Try to recognise the positive intentions of the
attitudes and customs of other cultures, rather
than dismissing them as ‘backward,’ silly or
archaic.
15
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
GREETINGS
!
shorter meals during the week.
Make sure you use ‘Vous’
unless you are addressing
fellow students or friends.
In France there are two
ways of addressing
people: Vous (‘you’
formal) and Tu (‘you’
informal). Titles (Monsieur or Madame) are used in
formal situations.
La bise (the cheek kiss) is commonly used in France,
and is performed to greet or to congratulate friends and
family (though is used to a lesser extent between male
friends). La bise can be done with the lips touching or
not touching the cheek. It does not indicate romantic
interest!
P
The number of
kisses done when
greeting someone,
and the side of the
face on which the
kiss starts, varies
depending on who
you are greeting. If
in doubt, follow the
other person’s lead!
16
A traditional French meal consists of four courses:
entrée, plat de résistance (main dish), fromage et
salade, and dessert.
If you are invited to someone’s house to share a meal,
ask them if they would like you to bring a dish or a drink
along to contribute. It is common practice.
PThe French are known for their love of passionate
Shaking hands when greeting somebody is also
customary, and used for formal and informal occasions.
In France, hugs are used by parents with their children,
by close relatives, or by lovers; not in place of kisses
but as complements to comfort, greet or congratulate
someone. Hugs are not that common amongst friends.
SHARING A MEAL
The French are known for having long meals, especially
on weekends where they eat, talk and drink at length.
Traditionally the French also had long lunch breaks
during work and school. However, in recent times, with
the pressures of working life, French people often have
discussion and debate. What Australians might see as
arguing is in fact often just an animated discussion!
TRADITION &
RELIGION
More than 60% of the
French population
is Roman Catholic,
however numbers of
practising Catholics
are lower. Many
French
traditions
and celebrations are
of Christian origin.
&
GLOSSARY
allô - hello (on the phone)
bonjour - hello, good-morning
bonsoir - good evening
au revoir - good-bye
à bientôt - see you soon
à plus tard - see you later
merci - thank you / thanks
excusez-moi / excuse-moi - excuse me
nourriture / repas - food / meal
invité - guest
à vos souhaits / tes souhaits - bless you
inviter quelqu’un - to invite somebody
présenter quelqu’un - to introduce somebody
enchanté(e) - pleased to meet you
à votre santé / ta santé - cheers (toasting drinks)
tutoyer quelqu’un - to say ‘tu’ to somebody
vouvoyer quelqu’un - to say ‘vous’ to somebody
serrer quelqu’un dans ses bras - to hug somebody
embrasser quelqu’un - to hug / kiss somebody
faire un câlin - to cuddle
17
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
THE CALENDRIER DES POSTES
On the calendrier des Postes (the French traditional
calendar of the Post) there is a name of a Christian
saint for most days of the year. Traditionally
people expecting a baby chose the baby’s
name from the calendar. Thereafter the
‘name day’ of the child was an opportunity
for a little celebration.
Nowadays, with diverse foreign
influences, people often choose
from a broader range of names
and not solely from the
calendrier des Postes.
P Traditionally
people
choose several middle
names for their children.
These are often the
names of grandparents.
18
HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
France is a vast museum full of traces of its past,
both ancient or more recent. Historical remnants
are greatly cared for and are often classified
as part of the national heritage.
France has had a long and varied history
with two major conflicts on its soil
(WWI and II) during the 20th century.
Historical consciousness is an
integral part of French culture and
the French give history and its
lessons an important place.
P
MULTICULTURALISM
Immigration has brought increasing cultural diversity
to France. Immigrants come largely from the following
countries:
•
Algeria
•
England
•
Serbia
•
Morocco
•
Germany
•
Ivory Cost
•
Portugal
•
Belgium
•
Mali
•
Italy
•
Poland
•
Cameroon
•
Spain
•
Vietnam
•
Cambodia
•
Turkey
•
Senegal
•
Switzerland
•
Tunisia
•
China
AUSTRALIA IN FRANCE
There has been a growing interest in Australia
among the French, particularly since the Olympic
games were held in Sydney in 2000. There has
been an ever increasing number of tourists,
especially backpackers, travelling down under
in recent years. However, you’re still likely to
meet many French people who don’t know a lot
about Australia, so be prepared to talk about your
country and your culture.
AUSTRALIANS WHO DIED IN FRANCE
Morts pour la France
There is one region in France with a special and
historic connection to Australia, a region where
Australia has a particular place in the heart of the
locals – the Somme region.
Some of the bloodiest battles World War II took
place here. Scores of Australian soldiers fought
and died here, and they are buried in various
different villages in the area: Villers-Bretonneux,
Le Hamel, Pozières, Flers, Péronne, Bullecourt,
Fromelles... Many Australians still visit Somme to
pay their respects.
19
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
ÉPIPHANIE
MARDI GRAS & LES CRÊPES DE LA CHANDELEUR
On Epiphany (the first Sunday after January 1st),
many families follow a tradition of eating La Galette
des Rois. This is a kind of cake with a trinket (une fève)
– a porcelain or plastic figurine of some kind – hidden
inside. The lucky person who gets the piece of cake
containing the trinket is crowned King or Queen. This
delicious cake can be found in most French bakeries
during the month of January, and is sold with a paper
crown. La Galette consists of flaky puff pastry layers
with a dense centre of frangipane (made from almonds).
For Roman Catholics Mardi Gras is the final festive
day before the austere 40 days of Lent during which, in
earlier times, people fasted. It refers to the old custom
of consuming fats before fasting to remember the
sacrifice made by Christ. It ends with Easter.
P The
trinket found in a ‘Galette des Rois’ was
traditionally a fava bean, hence the name fève.
>> JANUARY
20
This holiday is celebrated with parades. In France
it is also called la Chandeleur (Candle Mass) and is
traditionally a day where the French make crêpes and
children wear masks and disguises.
PÂQUES (EASTER)
For this Christian celebration, you will find shops
beautifully decorated with white and dark chocolate
>> FEBRUARY
oeufs de Pâques (Easter eggs) but also rabbits,
chickens, bells and fish. Children wake up on the Easter
Sunday morning and look in the nests that have been
placed in yards, gardens or bedrooms, expecting to
find beautifully decorated Easter eggs placed in them.
POISSON D’AVRIL (APRIL FOOLS / APRIL FISH)
The first day of April is a day of mischief, where people
hang, as discreetly as possible, small paper fish on
other people’s backs as a joke, in the hope that they
will walk around all day without noticing them. This is
particularly popular amongst children in schools. Even
the media will sometimes broadcast false but credible
news on this day.
>> MARCH
&
GLOSSARY
la fête - festival / public holiday / party
les vacances (pl) - holiday
joyeux anniversaire! - happy birthday!
joyeuses Pâques! - happy Easter!
la galette des rois - cake of kings
la fève - trinket found in a cake of kings
les oeufs de Pâques - Easter eggs
le poisson d’avril - April fools day
la farce - practical joke
les crêpes de la Chandeleur - Candle Mass
pancakes
>> APRIL
21
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
FÊTE DU PREMIER MAI / FÊTE DU MUGUET
LE 14 JUILLET (BASTILLE DAY)
Labour day, or Lily-of-the-valley Day takes place on
the first of May. It is not a day of strike in France, but
one where unions traditionally march in the streets of
big cities, and where sprigs of muguet; a delicate, bellshaped, sweetly scented flower; are sold in the streets.
This French national holiday commemorates the
storming of the Bastille, which took place on the 14th
of July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French
Revolution.
LA FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
The 21st of June is a celebration of music all over
France. This very popular day is also the first day of
summer and one of the longest in the year. A free
outdoor festival provides the opportunity to listen to all
kinds of music played by amateurs and professionals,
in venues that are as varied as the music.
>> MAY
>> JUNE
The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the arbitrary
power of Louis the 16th’s Ancien Régime. By capturing
this building, the people signalled that the king’s power
was no longer absolute. The storming of the Bastille is
a symbol of the fight against oppression. It marked the
beginning of the end of absolute monarchy, the birth of
a sovereign Nation, and, eventually, the creation of the
(First) Republic, in 1792.
>> JULY
Official celebrations include a military parade on
the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the
President of the Republic. Some provincial cities also
hold military parades. In villages there might be a
parade with local anciens combattants (war veterans),
a fanfare (a brass-band) and majorettes (baton
twirlers). The mayor of the village often lays a gerbe
(bouquet of flowers) at the monument aux morts (the
war memorial), and at night there are usually fireworks.
On Bastille Day flags and banners are put up in towns
and cities by the council, but you will probably not
see people wearing blue, white and red; or any flags
on houses. Generally speaking the French are not
patriotic that way.
>> AUGUST
>> SEPTEMBER
&
GLOSSARY
le feu d’artifice - fireworks
le réveillon du nouvel an / la Saint-Sylvestre New Year’s Eve
le jour de l’an - New Year’s Day
les bonnes résolutions - New Year’s resolutions
les étrennes - New Year’s gifts
le gui - mistletoe
bonne année! - happy New Year!
bonne année et bonne santé! - happy New Year!
joyeux Noël! - merry Christmas!
le bûche de Noël - yule log (log-shaped cake)
>> OCTOBER
P Under the Ancien Régime blue and white were part of the royal flag. The French Revolution simplified and
changed the design, which until then had been elaborate, to express the radical changes being introduced. In 1794
the Tricolor, with vertical stripes ordered blue-white-red, was made the official national flag. It was seen to embody
all the principles of the revolution: liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy, secularism, and modernisation.
22
23
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
LA TOUSSAINT (ALL SAINTS)
November 1st, la Toussaint, is the traditional annual
day for the honouring of deceased relatives.
NOËL (CHRISTMAS)
In France, Christmas is a time for family and generosity,
marked by family reunions, gifts and candy for children,
gifts for the poor, la messe de minuit (midnight mass),
and le Réveillon (Christmas Eve celebration). Le
Réveillon usually involves a rich meal with plenty of
champagne, starting for example with fresh oysters
and finishing with a bûche de Noël (log-shaped cake).
Traditionally, family members put a pair of shoes in
front of the chimney or Christmas tree. Le père Noël
>> NOVEMBER
(father Christmas) is said to come down through the
chimney and lay gifts next to each pair of shoes.
Although there are regional variations; sapin de Noël
(Christmas tree) and guirlandes (tinsel) displays in
homes, shops and streets are a national tradition. You
can see la crèche (a nativity scene) in churches or town
squares. In France, you are more likely to have a white
Christmas, particularly in the mountainous regions.
Occasionally it snows in Paris!
PIn Paris, the department stores ‘Galeries Lafayette’
and ‘Printemps’ are well known for their spectacular
Christmas window displays in the month of December,
and many people crowd around to see them.
>> DECEMBER
SAINT SYLVESTRE (NEW YEAR’S EVE)
In France, New Year’s Eve (31st December) is called la
Nuit de la Saint-Sylvestre, or le réveillon du Nouvel An,
and is celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de
la Saint-Sylvestre. The feast tends to include special
items like champagne and foie gras. It can be a family
reunion or a dinner with friends. At midnight, everyone
kisses sous le gui (under the mistletoe) and offers their
best wishes for the new year. On New Year’s Day, le
Jour de l’An, friends and family share their New Year’s
resolutions and may also exchange cards and gifts.
P The expression ‘meilleurs vœux’
(best wishes) is
often used during the end-of-year holiday season.
P
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
(Les Jours Fériés)
1 January - New Year’s Day / le Jour de l’An
March/April* - Good Friday / Vendredi Saint
March/April* - Easter Monday / le lundi de
Pâques
1 May - Labour Day / la fête du premier mai
8 May - Victory Day (end of WWII) / la fête de la
Victoire 1945
May/June* - Ascension Day / l’Ascension
May/June* - Whit Monday / Lundi de Pentecôte
14 July - Bastille Day / le 14 juillet / la fête
nationale
15 August - Assumption / l’Assomption
1 November - All Saints Day / la Toussaint
11 November - Armistice Day (end of WWI) /
Armistice 1918
25 December - Christmas Day / Noël
* Indicates that dates vary from year to year
24
25
UNIVERSITY LIFE
UNIVERSITIES VS ‘GRANDES ÉCOLES’
When completing your exchange in France, you may
be studying at either a University or at one of the
Grandes Écoles. So what’s the difference?
P Thanks
Les Grandes Écoles are small highly selective schools
that offer courses primarily in the fields of engineering,
management, politics and higher education teaching.
To attend one of these elite schools French students
must complete 2 years of classes préparatoires at the
end of high school and pass difficult exams. These
classes are already considered to be part of higher
education and as such, foreign students are usually
only allowed to attend Grandes Écoles if they have
already completed 2 or more years of undergraduate
study. These schools often have links to business and
industry. France also has several private and public
schools of architecture and art.
Universities provide higher education to French
students that have successfully completed the high
school final exam, the baccalauréat. They offer a
wide variety of programs in all disciplines,
and majority of French students study at
universities. Medicine and pharmacy can
only be studied at universities.
Information on UQ partner universities / écoles in France:
www.uq.edu.au/uqabroad/france
P French
universities recently changed to the Licence/Masters
system as part of an effort across Europe to implement uniform,
internationally recognised degrees. The old DEUG/Licence/
Maîtrise system consisted of a series of shorter diplomas.
26
&
to support from the French government,
tuition fees at universities are very low.
THE DEGREE SYSTEM
The French degree system is similar to the Australian
system in that there are three main degree levels:
• Bachelor’s Degree (Licence) - 3 years
• Master’s Degree (Masters) - 2 years
• Doctorate (Doctorat) - 3 years
Degrees at Grandes Écoles are different in that a
student gains a Masters degree after the first 3 years
of study, as the 2 years of classes préparatoires before
entry are considered part of their higher education.
GLOSSARY
l’université (f) / la faculté / la fac - university
la grande école - elite school (higher education)
l’enseignement supérieure (m) - tertiary education
le diplôme - degree
la licence - bachelors degree
le master - masters degree
le doctorat - doctorate / PhD
l’étudiant étranger (m) - international student
le professeur / la professeure - lecturer / professor
la matière - subject
la filière d’études - course
le cours - class / lesson
le cours magistral / CM - lecture
les travaux dirigés / travaux pratiques - tutorial
le devoir - assignment
l’examen (m) - exam
le baccalauréat - high school leaver’s exam
la note - mark (i.e. course or exam result)
le restaurant universitaire - student cafeteria
l’association étudiante (f) - student society / guild
27
UNIVERSITY LIFE
!
EXAMS AND GRADING
Exams take place at the end of each semester, though
short quizzes may occur throughout the semester. The
grading scale is from 0 to 20, with 20 being the best.
It is very difficult to achieve a mark over 16 and only a
small percentage of students manage to do this.
• < 10 Fail
• 10 - 11,99 Pass
THE ACADEMIC YEAR
The French academic year begins in September, with
various short breaks, and a long three or four month
summer break at the end of the academic year. Here
is a rough guide of when the term dates usually are:
Sep / Oct ‑ First Semester Begins
Dec ‑ End First Semester & Christmas Break (2 wks)
Jan ‑ Second Semester Begins
Feb / Mar - Winter Break (1 or 2 wks)
Mar / Apr ‑ Easter break (1 or 2 wks)
May / June ‑ End of Academic Year, and Summer
28
Break Begins (3 or 4 months)
• 12 - 13,99 Satisfactory
• 14 - 15,99 Good
• 16 - 20 Very Good
CLASSES
!
In France a comma
is equivalent to an
Australian decimal point.
P French
students study
between 7 and 10 subjects
per semester.
As in Australia, studying
in France involves completing lectures and tutorials:
Lectures (cours magistral / CM) usually take place in
lecture halls with large groups of students, who take
notes as the lecturer speaks. Course outlines and
lecture notes are often provided, as in Australia.
Tutorials (travaux dirigés / TD) allow small groups
of students to build on what they have learnt in the
lectures. Attendance is usually mandatory.
Use a title and last name when addressing lecturers
(i.e. ‘Monsieur _,’ ‘Madame _,’ ‘Professeur _.’) as
well as the formal form of you (‘vous’).
FOREIGN STUDENTS
The numbers of international students at French
universities and schools is increasing as the government
works to promote and support international exchanges
and attract foreign students. The majority of students
are, however, still of French or European origin.
&
FACULTIES AND SUBJECTS:
Arts / Arts Plastiques (m) - Arts / Fine Arts
Chimie (f) - Chemistry
Commerce (m) - Business
Communication (f) - Communications
Droit (m) - Law
Gestion (f) / Management (m) - Management
Informatique (f) - Information Technology
Ingénierie (f) - Engineering
Langues (f pl) / Linguistique (f) - Languages
Lettres (f pl) - Literature / Humanities
Médecine (f) / Dentaire (m) - Medicine / Dentistry
Musicologie (f) / Musique (f) - Music
Pharmacie (f) - Pharmacy
Physique (f) - Physics
Psychologie (f) - Psychology
Sciences économiques (f pl) - Economics
Sciences de l’éducation (f pl) - Education
Sciences humaines (f pl) - Humanities
Sciences politiques (f pl) - Political Science
Sociologie (f) - Sociology
29
UNIVERSITY LIFE
WHAT DO FRENCH STUDENTS DO
WITH THEIR FREE TIME?
P If enrolled in a practically-orientated degree, French students
STUDENT JOBS
Many French students work while studying, either
throughout semester or during the summer break.
Students usually find jobs in hospitality, retail and
tourism, though it is not uncommon for students to
work in a job related to their field of study.
So as an exchange student
in France, are you allowed
to work? If you are have
the correct type of visa or
residency permit, you may
be eligible to work for a
limited number of hours per
week. If not, you will need
to apply for a temporary
work permit. Contact your
local French Labour Office
(DIRECCTE) for further
information.
CNOUS (Student Services Organisation)
- www.cnous.fr/index.php?lg=en
LEISURE
French universities and écoles usually offer a wide
variety of sports facilities and activities. Sports teams
and clubs can also be found in the local communities
around universities. Tennis, soccer, rugby, basketball,
cycling, handball, dancing, boxing, fencing, swimming,
volleyball, skiing and martial arts are just a few of
the sports you may be able to become involved in.
Student sports societies also offer the opportunity to
get involved in sports teams and activities.
!
Your student ID card will usually get you a discount
at cinemas, theatres, sporting events and museums.
Other popular student activities include going to
student-organised parties (becoming a member of a
student society is often a good way to find out about
these), and going to the cinema or theatre.
Contact details of local french labour offices can be found on www.travail-solidarite.gouv.fr under:
Information Pratiques > Adresses utiles > DIRECCTE et unités territoriales
30
USEFUL LINKS FOR STUDENTS
are often required to complete internships as part of their studies.
French sports news website:
www.sports.fr
SIGN UP! - STUDENT SOCIETIES
Many French universities and écoles have student
societies and associations. These societies may be
related to arts, politics, sports or philanthropy, and
are a great way to meet people and get involved with
different student activities and events. These societies
are often focused on developing life skills and fostering
civic spirit. The range of societies can be very diverse,
from those that offer support for exams and academic
pursuits, to gaming and hot-air ballooning clubs, so it’s
worth checking if there’s one that would interest you.
This website for the ‘Centre National des Oeuvres
Universitaires et Scolaires’ is a great source of
information for students on food, accommodation,
grants, health, jobs, money, leisure, campus
activities and culture. The site includes listings
of student accommodation, casual jobs, and
subsidized student food outlets.
Campus France & The ‘Choose France’
Booklet
- www.campusfrance.org/en
- http://editions.campusfrance.org/guides/choisir/
choisir_en.pdf
Provides succinct information for foreign students
on studying in France, including information on
courses and the French education system.
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en
Information on studying in France, visas, grants,
life in France and administrative processes.
31
UNIVERSITY LIFE
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
RENTING AN APARTMENT
STUDENT RESIDENCES (RÉSIDENCES)
Many exchange students who plan to rent an
apartment stay in temporary accommodation (e.g.
hostels) in France until they are able to organise rental
accommodation, as it is difficult to organise from
abroad.
Many universities and écoles in France have university
residences on or near campus. These residences are
often reserved for 1st year students and exchange
students, and are a great option because you are close
to campus, can meet other students and can organise
a room before you arrive in the country. This type of
accommodation is normally made up of single rooms
with communal bathrooms/kitchens, though individual
and shared self-contained flats are also often available.
P You
might be eligible to apply for financial
assistance for housing through the ALS or APL
schemes of the ‘Caisse d’allocations familiales’
(www.caf.fr). Ask at your host university.
While rental agencies don’t favour student shares,
they are still popular among French students. You
can find share accommodation ads on this website:
www.colocation.fr
To rent an apartment you will need to pay a bond, sign
a lease, take out housing insurance and nominate a
guarantor who agrees to pay the rent if you cannot.
In some cases you do not need a guarantor, though
you will need to fulfil other requirements. Your host
university may be able to help you find suitable rental
accommodation. Service charges (gas, electricity &
water) are paid by the tenant.
Listings of privately operated student housing:
www.adele.org
www.cnous.fr/_vie_32.htm
LODGINGS/ROOMS IN A PRIVATE HOME
This type of accommodation can usually be found
through ads on student notice boards or specific
websites and is more suitable for short stays. Payment
and terms are negotiated with the house owner.
CAMPUS FACILITIES
French university and école campuses have similar
facilities to those in Australia, with food outlets, health
services, libraries and sports facilities readily available.
!
32
Many French students eat at the student cafeteria
– known as the ‘Restaurant Universitaire’ or ‘Resto
U’– which is usually located on or near the campus,
and offers meals at subsidized prices.
P
FREEBIES & DISCOUNTS!
• If you have a valid student ID card you can
use any of the 450 university restaurants
found throughout France. These Restaurants
Universitaires are subsidized by the government
and offer meals at very cheap prices. Some
are open nights and on weekends.
• Your student card will get you discounts on
movies, theatres, museums & sporting events,
though this may not apply on weekends.
• Find out about local festivals and cultural
events, as students usually enjoy discounts at
these events. There are also often free public
events and exhibitions in cities.
• Take advantage of university accommodation
or discounted student accommodation if
possible.
• Explore historic local castles, monuments
and churches. It often won’t cost you anything
unless you decide to see a special inner
chamber, pay for a tour or climb a tower.
• Consider going outside the cities. France has
beautiful mountains, forests, rivers and lakes.
Go for walks, cycle, swim... you don’t need a
lot of money to have fun!
33
GOING OUT
FRENCH FOOD
Eating well and with pleasure is part of French culture.
In France you will have plenty of opportunities to
experience good food and cuisine in restaurants,
traditional fresh food shops (boulangerie, pâtisserie,
charcuterie, primeurs, etc.) and markets (marchés), but
don’t expect everyone to be a good cook!
The French eat bread (le pain) in large quantities, and
French bakeries offer a wide variety of different breads:
baguette, pains de campagne, brioche, flûte, ficelle…
La cuisine française includes influences from Italian,
Spanish, North-African, German and other cuisines.
P
«Comment voulez-vous gouverner un pays où il
existe plus de 300 sortes de fromage?»
(“How can you bring together a country that has
more than 300 sorts of cheese?”)
[Charles de Gaulle, former President of the Republic]
34
!
It is customary to wish everyone ‘bon appétit’ at the
beginning of a meal, and ‘à votre/ta santé!’ (to your
health) when alcohol is poured and for toasts.
You will find local specialities and dishes in every
region of France, and people usually take great pride
in their local cuisine.
A traditional French meal has 3 or 4 courses:
1.Entrées/hors-d’oeuvre
2.Plat de résistance (main dish)
3.Salade-fromage (lettuce-cheese) and/or
4.Dessert
BREAKFAST (LE PETIT DÉJEUNER)
Breakfast in France usually consists of very light
biscottes or tartines beurrées (slices of bread spread
with butter, jam or honey) and a bowl of café au lait (white
coffee) or chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Croissants
are traditionally eaten for weekend breakfasts.
P
SPÉCIALITÉS RÉGIONALES (POPULAR REGIONAL SPECIALITIES)
ALSACE
• Tarte Flambée: flat bread with sour cream and bacon
• Choucroute garnie: sauerkraut with sausages, salt
pork and potatoes
BRITTANY
• Crêpes: thin pancakes with savoury or sweet fillings
• Far breton: flan with prunes
BURGUNDY
• Boeuf bourguignon: beef stewed in red wine
• Coq au vin: chicken braised in red wine
LOIRE VALLEY
• Andouillettes: sausages made with chitterlings
• Rillettes: spreadable paste made from braised pork
and rendered fat, similar to pâté
TOULOUSE REGION
• Cassoulet: a dish made with beans, sausages and
preserved duck/goose
LORRAINE
• Quiche lorraine: bacon and cheese quiche
NORMANDY
• Moules à la crème: mussels cooked with white wine,
cider, garlic and cream
• Tarte Normande: apple tart
• Tripes à la mode de Caen: tripe cooked in cider and
calvados white wine
RHÔNE-ALPES
• Gratin dauphinois: a type of potato gratin
• Quenelles: creamy dumplings made with fish / meat
• Raclette: melted cheese served with potatoes, ham
and often dried beef
PROVENCE / CÔTE D’AZUR
• Ratatouille: vegetable stew
• Salade Niçoise: salad with varied ingredients, but
always with black olives and tuna
35
GOING OUT
!
Don’t call the waiter “garçon” like you may
have seen in movies or heard in jokes, this is
considered rude. Use “monsieur” or “madame”.
EATING OUT
If meeting with friends for a coffee or a casual meal,
you will find a large choice of cafés and bars (bistrots
in slang) with meals at reasonable prices. There are
also many high quality restaurants with delicious food
and great wines.
There is no need to go to the counter to order drinks or
food in a cafés. Un serveur (a waiter) or une serveuse
(a waitress) will come to your table to take your order.
Nowadays the French often buy their lunch at traiteurs
(prepared food shops), which are often also charcuterie
shops that sell delicious ready-to-eat food . The French
also often buy their lunch at boulangeries (bakeries)
that make sandwiches, or at croissanteries.
In large cities you will also find affordable Arabic
take away food, French or American fast food and
international food (Italian, Asian, North African…).
P Contrary to popular belief, the average French person
does not eat frogs legs and snails often, and may not
have even tasted these delicacies. They are perhaps
more often consumed by foreigners wanting to ‘eat
like the French’ than by French people themselves!
36
P
POPULAR NON-REGIONAL DISHES
• Soupe / Salade: there are a wide variety of French
soups made with vegetables, meat, noodles or fish;
and salads made with different combinations of
lettuce, vegetables, meats, nuts and dressings
• Salade et fromage: cheese served with a variety
of different types of lettuce (laitue, scarole, endive,
frisée, romaine, mâche…)
• Blanquette de veau: stew of veal with white sauce
• Boudin blanc: white sausage made with pork
• Charcuterie: pork and poultry meat products e.g.
pâtés, sausages, hams etc.
• Foie gras: duck liver pâté (popular at Christmas)
• Omelette: omelette
• Pommes de terres sautées: sautéed potatoes
• Steak frites: steak and fries
• Steak et purée de pomme de terre: steak and
mashed potatoes
SOME TRADITIONAL FRENCH SWEETS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chou à la crème: cream puff
Clafoutis: black cherries baked in a custard batter
Congolais: coconut macaroon
Crêpe dentelle bretonne: thin Breton pancake
Dragées: sugared almonds (for weddings and
christenings)
Macaron: meringue-based pastry
Madeleine: small sponge cake
Mille-feuilles: custard slice
Pain d’épices: spiced bread
Palmier: flaky palm-shaped pastry
Religieuse: chocolate éclair shaped like a nun
Tarte tatin: caramelized apple tart
Some other well known french sweets: nougat,
brioche, croissant, profiteroles, mousse au chocolat,
crème brûlée, éclair, truffes au chocolat
37
GOING OUT
!
Most cinemas in France screen the dubbed
French versions of English language films. You
will usually only find the few cinemas screening
films in VO (version originale) in larger cities.
THINGS TO DO
Local cinemas, concerts, clubs, theatres and sporting
events are fun places to spend an evening. The French
also like to spend time in bars or sitting outside at cafés
in summer.
If you are looking for things to do during the day, try
exploring some of the local museums, historic buildings,
art galleries, shopping districts and markets. Each city
should have a local event guide available online or at
the local library; or will have a tourist office which can
give you tips on what to see and do in the area.
Le guide du routard (The Backpacker’s Guide) is an
online tourist guide that is also available in paperback
format. It offers a wealth of information and ideas for
things to do and places to go to. Initially a practical
guide for penniless travellers, it is now a highly popular
guide for anybody travelling to France.
Le Routard (Traveller’s Guide for France):
www.routard.com/guide_continent/0-france.htm
France Guide (website of the French Tourist Office):
http://us.franceguide.com/
38
P
SOME TYPICAL DRINKS
• Apéritif: a drink served before a meal
• Digestif: a drink served after a meal
• Vin: the major wine growing regions or ‘grands crus’
in France include Bordeaux (which produces one of
the most popular brands of wine, made from blend
of grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot),
Bourgogne (Burgundy) and Côte du Rhône
• Champagne: a drink for special occasions, usually
served as an aperitif before a meal or dessert.
Famous Champagnes include Dom Pérignon, Moët
et Chandon, Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot
• Chartreuse: a popular liqueur (originally produced
by monks) made of 130 plants
• Cidre: cider (French cider usually comes from the
Normandy region)
• Cognac: a liqueur made with distilled white wine
(most often used in cocktails)
!
Don’t forget to call a coke ‘un coca’!
• Cointreau: a bitter-sweet liqueur made with orange
peels (used in many famous cocktails)
• Crème de Cassis: black currant liquor (used in many
famous cocktails)
• Bénédictine: the oldest French liqueur, based on
cognac, made of 27 plants and spices
• Kir: a popular cocktail made with black currant liquor
and white wine
• Pastis: the most popular aperitif, made with anise,
liquorice and other aromatic plants
• Ricqlès: soft drink flavoured with mint
• Bière: beer
WINTER DRINKS
• le vin cuit: hot white wine with oranges, cinnamon
and cloves
• le grog: rum, lemon juice, cinnamon or sugar & water
39
SHOPPING
APPLIANCES
As a student in France you will probably be wondering
where the bonnes affaires (bargains) are to be found.
Here are some suggestions for places to shop:
Stores include Darty, Conforama, Auchan and Leclerc.
STATIONERY
SOUVENIRS
Remember Australia’s quarantine restrictions when purchasing
souvenirs. For a full list of what you can’t take into Australia:
www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take
If you are looking for a gift to bring back home, you will
be spoilt for choice. Each region of France has local
specialities. Art & craft markets are usually amongst
the cheapest places to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Here are a few suggestions for souvenirs:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a bottle of French wine, aperitif or digestif liqueur
a CD of chanson française classics (French music)
a béret or a Tour de France yellow jersey
a miniature-game of pétanque
a book of recipes
a French comic book (e.g. Astérix)
GROCERIES
40
Some low-cost supermarket chains are Intermarché,
Try a store on campus, a supermarket, a department
store or a librairie-papeterie (book and stationery shop)
CLOTHING
Some of the main lower-price clothing chains in France
include Zara, H&M, Esprit, Adidas, C&A, Tati, Célio,
Naf Naf, Cache Cache, Camaieu and Etam (lingerie).
A very useful guide to clothing stores in France:
www.kelmagasin.com/magasins-vetements.html
Supermarché Maxi, Proxi, Franprix, G20, Aldi and Ed.
Many French towns also have open markets once a
week. These are a good option for fresh local produce.
They are also a must see as a key part of French food
culture and for their lively atmosphere.
!
In some supermarkets, you will need to use a 1€ or
0,50€ coin to borrow a shopping trolley, which you will
get back once you return the trolley. You will have to
pay for plastic bags, so bring your own reusable bags.
Some supermarkets require you to weigh your own
fruit and vegetables using the machines provided.
BOOKS & MEDIA
Most bookshops in France are independent, however
you can buy books, CDs and DVDs at FNAC and
Gibert Joseph (which are excellent) as well as at Virgin
Megastores, Cultura and Espaces culturels Leclerc.
Gibert Jeune in Paris is good for new & used textbooks.
!
Greet a shop owner with “bonjour” before asking for
something, and say “au revoir” when leaving.
P
OPENING HOURS
The French shopping week comprises 6 days
(Mon-Sat), with shops generally open from 9am12pm, and 2pm-7pm. In towns and villages shops
close at lunchtime, though large department
stores usually stay open. Shops are usually
closed on Sundays. To find the opening hours of
a local store visit: www.les-horaires.fr
• Banks: Usually open 9am-4:30 or 5pm, MonFri or Tue-Sat. Some close between 12:30 and
2pm. Automatic tellers are operational 24/7
• Supermarkets & Shopping Malls: Generally
open from 9am until 7 or 8pm, 6 days a week.
Some open on Sunday mornings
• Pharmacies: In cities there is usually a
pharmacie de garde open on Sunday and at
night, easy to recognise as its green cross is lit
• Post Offices: In cities most are open 8am7pm Mon-Fri, and 8am-12pm on Saturday
• Petrol Stations: 24/7 in cities, or till late
• Fast Food Outlets: In big cities some stay
open 24/7, though most keep normal hours.
41
LANGUAGE
FRENCH
The official language of France
is French. A growing number of
people, particularly those of the
younger generation, speak some
English, and will be happy to
practice. However, be prepared
to speak French and take the
opportunity to improve your
language skills.
DIALECTS & REGIONAL
LANGUAGES IN FRANCE
Basque, Breton, Catalan, Corse,
Occitan and Alsacien are officially
recognised and taught in France,
though all French people will speak
French.
SLANG & COLLOQUIALISMS
The French have an extensive range
of words and expressions outside the
conventional language. Be careful
when using them as slang ranges
from informal to vulgar or offensive.
On the next page is a list of widely
used informal slang words.
There are more than 30 dialectes or
patois in metropolitan France. These are remnants of
A good English / French online dictionary:
a time when regional linguistic differences in France
www.wordreference.com
were strong. Over several centuries the dialect spoken
in Paris became the dominant national one, and was
imposed as the official language after the French
Online dictionary of French slang:
revolution, to unify the country. Dialects can be hard
http://french.about.com/library/vocab/argot/bl-argot.htm
to understand as they differ
in accent, vocabulary and
More information and audio examples of different french dialects:
grammar from French.
42
In addition to these dialects,
independent languages like
http://french.about.com/od/dialfrance/French_Dialects_Patois_and_
Regional_Languages.htm
&
SOME FRENCH INFORMAL & SLANG WORDS
la bagnole / la caisse - car
bosser - to work / slave away
le boulot - work
le bouquin - book
chouette / cool - nice / cool
c’est chouette! - that’s great!
le cinoche - movie theatre
dingue - crazy / nuts
le fric - cash / money
c’est la galère! - its a nightmare / it’s such a pain
galérer - to sweat blood / struggle
génial - brilliant / great / cool
marrant - funny / odd
mince! - damn it! / wow!
moche - ugly / mean
le pot - drink / luck
prendre un pot - to have a drink
avoir du pot - to be lucky
le pote - mate / buddy / chum
rigoler - to laugh / have fun / joke
tu rigoles! - you’re joking!
ringard - corny / old-fashioned
les tunes (f pl) - money / bucks
ABBREVIATIONS
l’appart (m) - flat (short for appartement)
le dico - dictionary (short for dictionnaire)
la fac - university (short for faculté)
le frigo - fridge (short for réfrigérateur)
l’imper (m) - raincoat (short for imperméable)
l’ordi (m) - computer (short for ordinateur)
le / la prof - teacher (short for professeur)
43
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide forms part of the language and culture pack project, an initiative of the Institute of Modern
Languages, The University of Queensland.
Project Director: Georgiana Poulter
Principal Writer / Researcher: Rodolphe Blois
Editor, Writer / Researcher & Graphic Designer: Nicola Alter
Special thanks to:
• Transport, Tastes of France, Tourists Activities, Regions-Cities and
About France. 2010. Bonjour la France. http://www.bonjourlafrance.
com (accessed 30/06/10)
Jan McCreary and the UQ Abroad Staff
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http://www.ec-nantes.fr/version-anglaise/education/masters/
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© The University of Queensland 2010
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(accessed 24/07/2010)
This booklet has been designed to assist students of The
University of Queensland who are planning to go on
exchange to France through the UQ Abroad program.
It contains practical, cultural and language-related
information that is relevant to students.
© The University of Queensland 2010