THE A, B, C OF FRENCH CULTURAL LITERACY
ACADEMICS
The French university system may appear very complex to American college
students. In the United States, courses at universities are listed several months in
advance. In France, however, courses are typically announced just prior to the
beginning of each semester. Therefore, it is important that you have several
elective courses pre-approved in the event that an elective is cancelled or offered
at a conflicting time.
The French academic calendar runs on the semester system. The fall
semester begins in October and goes through the end of January, while the spring
semester begins in February and goes through late May, or the beginning of June.
BUSES
The bus system is very efficient. Every bus stop has a map of the bus routes as
well as a timetable. If you look at the timetable, you can determine the time at
which the bus will arrive. Buses, like trains, are usually very accurate. Because
many of the smaller streets are not located on bus maps, it is wise to pick up a
map, so you can start familiarizing yourself with the city.
You can choose to purchase either single tickets or a Carnet of 10 tickets.
Inquire as to the possibility of purchasing a monthly or weekly pass.
Punch (compostez) your bus pass, as you may run into a contrôleur, whose
job is to make sure everyone punches their tickets. ALWAYS carry some form of
identification, as it is the law in France. Students caught without an ID may be
pulled into the station for questioning. The French government has created
stricter laws due to an increase in illegal immigrants. The police tend to do spot
checks at crowded locations, especially near border towns.
CLIMATE/WEATHER
Many people tend to think that Provence is sunny and warm all year long.
Although it is the sunniest region in France (over 300 sunny days a year), it can
get cold in the winter. The mistral (a local wind) brings on the sun and chases
depressions. However, this wind comes down from Siberia and brings cold
temperatures in the winter. So don’t forget your coat, gloves, an umbrella, and,
for winter, a coat!
COMPUTERS
It’s advisable not to take a computer with you to France. Electrical current is
different, Internet access will not be available for personal computers, and you
won’t want to worry about the hassle of having an expensive piece of equipment.
When trying to decide if you will take your computer along, consider the extent to
which you will have to use it while abroad. Unlike American professors, most
French professors do not expect papers or homework to be typed. Taking a
computer with you to France may therefore be more of a hassle than it is worth.
Inexpensive cyber cafés are without a doubt the easiest way to access the Internet
or write letters on a computer while in France. Grove City College laptops will
automatically adapt to the change in current; all you need is a converter plug,
easily purchased in France. Do shop around for the best prices, though!
CULTURE SHOCK ISSUES
Courtesy
A person’s understanding of courtesy is culturally based. Our understanding of
what it means to be courteous is not necessarily the same as a French person’s.
First of all, being polite includes using the appropriate titles of respect. The social
hierarchy of these titles reflects sociological phenomena. Titles include Monsieur,
Madame, Mademoiselle, or Professeur.
When you are formally introduced to a French person, you should say
good day (Bonjour Monsieur/Madame) or good evening (Bonsoir). In a social
setting, women or men may kiss on the cheeks (faire la bise) – the number of
bises given and received will depend on the region of France. Good night (bonne
nuit) is usually used when going to bed or leaving a house late at night. Au revoir
is used more frequently than goodbye is here: People say “au revoir” when they
leave a store or a restaurant. Hello (salut) is used among close friends and young
people, often accompanied by a how are you (ça va ?). Note that when talking to
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a stranger it’s polite to use the formal form (Vous) and not the familiar form (Tu).
The French do not use the familiar form unless they are addressing a family
member, a child, or a close friend. Yet, students use “tu” among themselves.
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French Attitudes towards American Women
The easy foreigner: often stereotyped as an “easy catch” or easy to seduce
The approachable North American woman: French men see a woman from the US
as more approachable than a French woman. The French tend to be reserved and
cautious when approached by people they do not know.
These stereotypes are the result of many factors including the influence of
television, radio, movies, and magazines, all of which convey images of US
culture.
Physical Contact
- Socially Acceptable Contact: French often give kisses on the cheeks as a
greeting (faire la bise), even on the first introduction. A man may hold your
elbow to help you up or down the steps of a bus. Hold onto your bag or
backpack, however, since he may have other intentions!
- Socially Unacceptable Contact: If you feel harassed, move away from the person
quickly. Get verbal, loud and angry.
DISCOUNTS
A student card allows you to receive various student discounts in the city, from
bookstores to clothing stores to restaurants. Don’t forget to ask for your student
discount wherever you go!
DOCUMENTS (NECESSARY)
Passport
You must have a valid passport, as you will not be allowed into France without
one. If you have not already applied for a passport, you need to do so
immediately. US citizens can apply for passports at most major post offices as
well as at many city and county clerk offices. If your current passport is going to
expire before you return to the US, renew it before your departure. Students who
do not have an American or Canadian passport must verify their country’s
requirements for entering France.
Visa
Students who will be living in France for longer than 90 days must apply for a
student visa. This visa is a stamp that is put in your passport by the French
government PRIOR to your departure. It allows you to stay in France for up to 6
months. For further information, US citizens should contact the French Embassy
or the nearest French Consulate well in advance of their trip.
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Carte de Séjour
In addition to a student visa, students who will be studying in France for an
Academic Year must apply for a Carte de Séjour. (This does not apply to
students who hold a passport from an EU country). The Carte de Séjour is
another document or stamp that is placed in your passport AFTER you arrive in
France. This allows you to remain in France for an entire year.
Note: In addition to the originals, it’s a good idea to bring along a set of
photocopies of documents you may need to present to French immigration
officers. A copy of the first few pages of your passport can save you a lot of
hassle in the unfortunate case that your original is lost or stolen. Remember also
to leave photocopies at home.
DRESS CODE
Do not dress provocatively! Women will find that the clothing they wear will
strongly influence how they are treated on the street. Short or skimpy shorts or
tight clothing will elicit rude comments and aggressive behavior from some men.
Punk and other unconventional attire may attract more attention than one desires
and may result in harassment. If you wear a miniskirt, short shorts or other
clothing that could be seen as provocative, you might receive comments and/or
touches. If you want to avoid this, dress more conservatively.
The French tend to dress conservatively and fashionably. Black is a must,
and jeans and a sweater often pass nicely for daily situations. The French do not
tend to wear shorts, and women tend to wear skirts and slacks more than
American women. A small wardrobe of versatile clothes will do nicely for any
situation that may arise. For more information on clothing, please see the packing
section of this A, B, C. Scarves are a fashion “must”!
DRINKING/DRUGS
There are no drinking fountains in city streets, so if you plan to be out for a long
time and do not intend to stop in at a café, you may want to take a small bottle of
water with you. The majority of milk in France is UHT (ultra high temperature),
which is to say that it was heated and sealed. This way, it doesn’t need
refrigeration when unopened and stored.
Although 16 is the legal drinking age, there is essentially no enforcement
of this law. You rarely are “carded” or turned away in a café, bar or liquor store.
You can buy whiskey along with your daily groceries in supermarkets, local
shops and gas stations. As a positive consequence, public drunkenness is not
prevalent. When people go out to a concert or club, they do not go with the
intention of getting drunk as is often true in an English, American or Australian
context. The need to “let loose” or partake in drinking is not prevalent in France
since the culture is socially less repressed about drinking in general. Wine is still
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served with both lunch and dinner in many families, but the meal is no longer
considered incomplete without it.
Becoming intoxicated will not only jeopardize your safety, health, good
judgment, it may incur punitive legal action. So will drug possession, which is a
serious offense in France. Because drug use is not nearly as much of a social
problem as it is in the United States, England, Germany or Holland, laws are
particularly harsh on foreigners. French authorities can make raids, stop people
on the street, take unkempt-looking types into custody without explanation and
generally let people know that they mean to put an end to illegal drug use.
Students or others caught using illegal drugs can expect a long jail term with little
chance of early release. All drugs that are illegal in the United States are also
illegal in France. You are on your own if you violate French law. Your
program in France cannot and will not intercede on your behalf, nor will the
US Consulate.
ELECTRICITY
In the United States, we use 110-volt currency (110V AC). Electricity in most
European countries is 220 volts AC. This means that, when you plug your
American appliance into a foreign outlet, the motor goes twice as fast as it is
designed to do. That can burn up or destroy your appliance. To complicate
matters, most of the world’s outlets are shaped differently. Fortunately, there are
simple solutions.
Using a voltage converter is easy. Plug your appliance into the adapter,
the adapter into the converter, and the converter into the wall outlet. The
converter cuts in half the number of volts flowing. There are two types of
converters. Each is designed to operate specific items, 1-50 watts (electric razors,
radios, and cassette players) and 50-1600 watts (hairdryers and irons).
Dual voltage appliances are designed to work on either 110V or 220V
without a converter, just by flipping a switch on the appliance. However, you still
need the proper type of adapter to plug your appliance into the foreign outlet. In
France, sockets accommodate two round pin-plugs. All you do is plug your
appliance into the converter and plug the latter in turn into the wall. If you
happen to run into a different configuration, just snap the proper adapter on to the
round pins. You can buy converters and adapters at any travel store or when you
arrive in France. Remember, the less you bring the better. FNAC carries voltage
and safe converters for computers.
EMBASSY/CONSULATE
The American Embassy in Paris
2, rue Gabriel
75008 Paris
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France
TEL: 01-43-12-22-22
http://www.amb-usa.fr
The American Consulate in Marseille
Consulat Général des États-Unis d’Amérique
Place Varian Fry
13286 Marseille Cedex 6
France
TEL: 04-91-54-92-00
http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/marseille.htm
EMERGENCY NUMBERS WHILE IN FRANCE (FIRE, POLICE, ETC.)
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17 Police secours (Emergency Services)
18 Pompiers (Fire Department)
15 SAMU (Emergency Medical Assistance)
€€€
EURO CONVERSION
The Euro is the new currency of the European Union. It is a currency that came
into operation on January 1, 1999 and, as of January 1, 2002, replaced all of the
separate currencies of the European Union member countries (except Britain and
Denmark). The Euro has now officially replaced all country currencies and will
be the major currency you will use while on your study abroad program.
FOOD
Eating in France is a ritual and a religion. As in all human interactions, a smile
and a polite bonsoir madame/monsieur, lots of s’il-vous plait and a merci bien
upon leaving will serve you well in obtaining friendly service. Do not get
impatient if service is slow. The typical French meal is well balanced: an opening
course, a main dish, cheese, a dessert, coffee, and, of course, wine. The French
may sit at a meal for two hours – eating slowly, talking, and drinking wine. Food
is a great way to take time and get to know the French – don’t try to make your
meal into an American dinner by rushing. You may ask for a pitcher of tap water
(une carafe d’eau, s.v.p.). Though you should be prepared to be squeezed into
tight tables, your privacy will be respected, and the waiters will not rush you out,
as they tend to do in American restaurants. When ordering red meat, remember
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that the French cooking degrees or cuisson tend to be rarer than they are in the
States. In addition, steak tartare and carpaccio are both served raw. Keep in
mind that Dijon mustard can be very strong. Don’t pass up the freshly baked
bread each morning in your neighborhood boulangerie – you won’t get bread this
good when you return to the US! Throughout France food is exquisite and will
provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
GIFTS
It is a wonderful idea to take a gift to your host family. Choose something
representative of your hometown, your college/university, or culture; remain
within a moderate price range.
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Here are some recommendations:
Mugs
T-shirts or similar items from your college or sports team
Stationery and calendars with scenes from your home state or town
Candy (Werther originals are a good idea) or chocolates
Small toys for children (jacks, stickers, matchbox cars, magic markers)
Music (Blues, rock’, jazz, classical)
Artwork from your area (small pottery, weaving, watercolors)
GRADING
American students will soon find that they do not have the system of quasi daily
accountability to which they are used at their home colleges/ universities.
HEALTH MATTERS
If you know that you will be requiring medication during your time abroad, see a
physician before leaving. Allergy sufferers should find out if their conditions are
likely to be aggravated in the region(s) they plan to visit. Make sure you obtain a
full supply of any necessary medication before your trip, since matching your
prescription to a foreign equivalent is not always safe, easy or possible. Always
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carry up-to-date, legible prescriptions or a statement from your physician,
especially if you use insulin, a syringe or a narcotic.
Major cities, tourist areas and even small villages in France are well
supplied with physicians, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies – some open 24 hours
– which carry most of the drugs available in the US. These medications may have
different names, but the pharmacists are very helpful and most medication is
available over the counter. If you need to have a prescription filled during offhours, contact a local hospital or clinic for information about on-call pharmacists,
or go directly to a hospital emergency room.
Lists of doctors and dentists are available from the US Embassy and
Consulate. In an emergency, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital,
dial one of the emergency numbers provided near the telephone, or call an
operator for assistance.
MONEY (HOW TO GET MONEY ABROAD)
Change about $200 to Euros before leaving home, especially if you are likely to
arrive in the afternoon or on a weekend. This will save you time at the airport and
help you avoid the predicament of having no cash after bank hours. In addition, it
is always a good idea to bring some dollars (in small denominations) to tide you
over until you can go to the bank or withdraw money from an ATM. Don’t
expect to cash personal checks.
Changing money in France can be inconvenient. Banks use the official
exchange rates, but they sometimes extract a flat commission as well; therefore,
the more money you exchange at one time, the less you will lose in the transaction
(but don’t exchange more than you need or you’ll have trop d’Euros when you
return home). The largest commercial banks in France are Crédit Lyonnais,
Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Société Générale.
Banking Vocabulary
Chèque de banque – bank draft
Taux de change – rate of exchange
Argent liquide – cash
Toucher un chèque – cash a check
Faire un retrait – withdraw
Faire un versement – make a deposit
Grosses ou petites coupures – large or small bills
Bureau de change – foreign exchange counter
Guichet (M) – counter
Caisse (F) – cashier’s window
The exchange rate at hotels, restaurants, and airports is egregiously
unfavorable; avoid these places, unless you are faced with an emergency. Major
credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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However, keep in mind that French cards are imbedded with a microchip; so
French clerks often don’t know how to run American cards through the machines.
Come prepared to show them how to use your card! Visa is the most welcomed
credit card; MasterCard is also accepted but to a much lesser degree. Avoid
American Express. It is important to remember that most bars, coffee shops,
bakeries, and newsstands only accept cash. Therefore, always carry cash with
you. DO NOT, however, carry large amounts, since cash is irreplaceable if lost or
stolen.
You can of course obtain money through a cash advance from your credit
card with an ATM (distributeur automatique). Using your card requires having
and knowing a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Besides, your PIN will
occasionally be required for purchases in stores as well. There is a service charge
ranging from $2 to $5 per cash advance. Therefore, you should withdraw money
in larger amounts. The most you can withdraw in one day is usually $300.
Remember that the money you withdraw from an ATM in France will be
denominated in the local currency. Banks can also give cash advances in local
currency on major credit cards often at the wholesale exchange rate, which is
generally 5% better than the retail rate ordinarily used by banks. Many credit
card companies charge interest beginning the day you withdraw money even if
you pay off the entire balance on your credit card bill. Call your credit card
company for more information. Confirm that your PIN is valid outside of the
U.S. before you leave. Do not carry your card and your Personal
Identification Number together! You will need to find an ATM machine with a
symbol that matches the symbol on the back of your debit/credit card (for
example, Plus/Cirrus). There are so many banks in France that you will not have
a problem finding an ATM. Furthermore, the ATMs will often have the
instructions in English as well as French.
If you do not have a credit card or an ATM card, Western Union has
several offices in France (http://www.westernunion.com). Besides, although we
recommend you using your ATM and credit cards, you may experience difficulty
trying to use them outside of large cities. Therefore, make sure you have enough
money with you when you travel. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at most banks.
Banking hours vary. Some banks close for lunch while others remain open during
lunch hours and close earlier in the afternoon. All banks are closed on Saturdays,
Sundays, and Mondays. The post office (P et T) is a good option for regular
hours: Postiers and postières will cash travelers’ checks at a good rate.
Furthermore, the ATM there also charges some of the lowest fees to be had
anywhere.
If you are a US citizen and suddenly find yourself in an extreme
emergency, you can have money sent to you via the State Department’s Citizen
Emergency Center (http://travel.state.gov/acs.html#emr). The quickest way to
get money (preferably less than US $500) to the State Department is to have
someone cable it through Western Union, or else to have him/her drop off cash, a
certified check, a bank draft, or a money order at the Center itself. It takes longer
to send the money through your own bank. Once the State Department receives
the money, “they” will send it for a fee of US $15, to the nearest embassy or
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consulate, which will then release the cash according to the sender’s instruction.
The money should arrive within 24 hours. A short telegraphic message can be
sent along with the money.
In fine, keep in mind that MasterCard and Visa have different names
elsewhere (“Eurocard” or “Access” for MasterCard and “Carte Bleue” or
“Barclaycard” for Visa): some cashiers may not know this until they check. If
you do not have a Visa credit card, apply for one NOW.
INTERNATIONALISM
Please keep in mind that you will be with students from all over the world.
Taking classes and living with international students is a great way to open your
mind and develop a sense of multiculturalism.
There will always be social changes taking place in France just as
anywhere else. So remember to be flexible and open to new ideas. You will find
everything you could possibly want in your chosen city of residence and even
more than you would ever expect to find! Take time to appreciate the French and
the uniqueness of their culture.
MAIL
You can expect letters to and from the United States to take about 7-10 days.
Packages can take longer. Make sure airmail or par avion is marked on all letters
and packages. In addition, arrange to have someone (parent, sibling, friend, etc.)
open your mail in your absence and take care of your financial obligations.
Remember deadlines and due dates for financial aid awards, filing for taxes, credit
card bills, and other necessary mail are still in effect even if you are not residing
in the United States. Your obligations do not disappear just because you are in
another country!
PACKING
Before embarking on this life-changing experience, please remember the #1 rule
for international travel: Never take more than you can carry, all by yourself,
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all at one time! Begin by setting out everything you think you’ll need, and then
take half of that – and more money. Try to limit yourself to one suitcase and one
carry-on. Nearly all your predecessors have said that they wished they hadn’t
packed so much.
Remember that residence halls and apartments in France do not always
have elevators. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage, so make sure
you can do so without struggling. The tendency is to over-pack, but just
remember that you can buy everything you need in France. Don’t forget to put
your name, address and destination both inside and outside your luggage. And
don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you will probably
buy!
If you are planning to do a lot of traveling during your time in France, you
will definitely want to consider bringing a sturdy backpack. A backpack enables
you to leave your big pieces of luggage in your dorm, hotel or apartment while
you go sightseeing and traveling. Because zippers and flaps make easy targets for
pickpockets, consider buying a lock for your backpack. Make sure there’s enough
room for a water bottle and a camera.
You will also want to make sure that you have some good pairs of shoes.
Sneakers such as Nikes, Adidas and Birkenstocks will immediately peg you as a
foreigner. Most French people wear comfortable walking shoes like upscale
Sketchers or Doc Martens. Save your sandals for short walks and evenings out.
If you plan to hike or go on walking tours, bring a pair of sturdy hiking shoes.
Your feet will thank you for it!
You should avoid packing fabrics that wrinkle easily. Rolling your
clothes (instead of folding them) and wrapping a rubber band around them will
cut down on wrinkles and save space. Shorts, on either sex, are not appropriate in
many places in France, especially in cities and rural towns. They are not allowed
in most churches. French students don’t usually wear shorts to school. Women
may want to bring along a simple dress that can be worn casually or dressed up
with a scarf. Men can get by with a pair of long khakis and a white shirt.
Anything in black is a must! You can wear black when you hit the clubs;
besides, the stains won’t show if you wear the same outfit days in a row. As a
general rule, French university students dress more neatly than Americans do.
You would never see a French university student going to class in sweats and a Tshirt.
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What to Bring
A MAXIMUM OF TWO SUITCASES!
2 pairs of casual slacks
1 heavy sweater
1 nice chic outfit (when in doubt, wear black)
A wool scarf, gloves, and a wool hat (winter only)
Pajamas or long underwear
Shower slippers
Pair of sturdy waterproof walking shoes and sandals for the spring
Pair of gym shoes and work out clothes
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10. Bathing suit
11. Socks, underwear, and T-shirts
12. For the spring: a summer dress, T-shirts
13. Retractable umbrella
14. Travel alarm clock
15. Camera and film
16. Contact solution (it’s twice as expensive in France)
17. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or cold remedies (available in French pharmacies, but with a
prescription)
18. Signed authorization from your doctor if you are bringing any medication
19. Address book (small) to gather new phone numbers and mail home post cards
20. School supplies: paper, pens, dictionary, and grammar book
21. Sunglasses
22. Converters and adapters (although battery operated items are the best)
23. Credit/Debit cards with PIN # (so you can withdraw money throughout the world)
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What not to Bring
Blanket or covers (they will be provided for you)
Iron or ironing boards (they are available in most university housing)
Hairdryers or hair curlers. Converters will overheat them and may cause them to
stop working. If you must have them, you can buy them cheaply in France.
Try not to bring anything heavy, it will not be worth it. You can buy whatever
you need in France and sell the item to other students when you leave.
Don’t bring large amounts of cash, or credit cards and personal documents you
will not need. Expensive jewelry or items of great sentimental value should be
left at home!
For bath towels and washcloths, inquire prior to departure, as they may be
provided for you.
PLACEMENT
Those of you who will be studying in France will be given an oral and/or a written
placement exam, which will determine at which language level you should be
placed. After the placement tests, you make your final course selections.
SAFETY
France is a very safe and stable country. However, you should be “street wise”
and take elementary precautions. After dark, keep away from bus and train
stations, subways, and public parks. Shun empty train compartments. When on
foot, stay out of trouble by sticking to busy, well-lit streets. Many isolated parks
and beaches attract unsavory types as soon as night falls. Act as if you knew
exactly where you are going: an obviously bewildered bodybuilder is more likely
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to be harassed than a stern and confident 98-pound human stick figure. Always
look confident, even when you’re not.
Never tempt fate by exposing your wallet or flashing money around.
Money belts or neck pouches are very effective for your passport, airline tickets,
money or credit cards. Try to blend in with the locals, don’t speak loudly; don’t
be conscious of your behavior.
Photocopy your important documents, so you can replace them in the
event that they should be lost or stolen (keep them in a separate place). For
backpacks or fanny packs, use little combination locks. Pros can unzip your bag
in seconds, so wear the opening against your body.
Some students dress in a way that identifies them as American: college
sweatshirts, baseball hats, and white athletic shoes. This is NOT advisable. It
can bring undue attention, resentment and even harassment. Pickpockets, bag
snatchers, and gypsies are highly organized. They try to surround and distract
you, then pick you clean. Keep them at arms length, show anger, and keep a firm
grip on your valuables. A loud firm « non » or « laissez-moi tranquille » (leave
me alone) should be enough to scare them off. If that does not work, shout in
English. It is intimidating and useful.
In general, France is a beautiful, safe country with warm and kind people.
However, you should use caution just as you would when traveling to any new
place in North America.
TELEPHONE
Don’t give out your host family phone number! A recent acquaintance may ask
for your phone number. Instead of giving out your number, ask for the person’s
number and tell him or her you’ll calL. (This also works to get rid of people
whom you have no intention of calling.)
France Télécom is the French telephone service. It is one of the most
modern and efficient phone services in the world. Almost all French pay phones
accept télécartes, although in some bars and cafés there are coin-operated phones.
The télécarte is a plastic phone card with a microchip having either 50, 120, or
196 unités or units. Prepaid phone cards such as Intercall are available in any café
or bureau de tabac. Unlike the télécarte, these phone cards can be used from any
touchtone telephone. In the case of international calls, it is cheaper to call France
from the US than the US from France (The French tax their calls by as much as
30%.), hence let American correspondents call you back.
The usual French greeting on the phone is simply allô. To tell you to hold
on, the operator will say: ”Ne quittez pas.” A telephone call is un appel. To dial
is composer; décrocher means to pick up the phone, and raccrocher to hang up.
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The telephone companies listed below are discount telephone providers.
They work on a call back basis with a low monthly fee. Research into this matter
can be long and involved. Be sure to pick a telephone system that is right for you.
Kallback
417 Second Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
(800) 959-KALL
Telegroup
505 N. Third Street
Fairfield, IA 52556
(800) 393-3000
AXS Telecom
19, rue Auguste Chabrières
75015 Paris, France
TEL: 011-33- 1.45.57.54.40
New World Telecom
1402 Teaneck Rd. Suite 114
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 996-1670
And of course, you can always rely on such standard companies as MCI, Sprint,
or AT&T.
AT&T
(800) 331-1140
MCI
(800) 444-3333
Sprint
(800) 877-4646
Cell phones can be a good option, especially if access to a land line is
difficult. They are cheaper than pay phones, since the calls you receive are free.
Furthermore, most cell phones have cheaper text message options.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES (USEFUL IN PARIS)
AMERICAN EXPRESS
11, rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
Tel: 01.47.77.72.00
BOOKSTORES :
™ Brentano’s, 37 Avenue de l’Opera, 75002 Paris
™ FNAC, 136, rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris
™ Gilbert Joseph, 26 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris
™ Shakespeare & Company, 37, rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
™ Virgin Megastore, 52, Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris
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™ W.H. Smith, 248, rue de Rivoli, 75001
(There are of course thousands of bookstores in Paris, some of them very
specialized; don’t neglect to look for used books (livres d’occasion), that cost
much less than new. There is a wonderful used book market in the 15th
arrondissement, rue Dantzig, right next to the parc André Citroën, open every
Sunday.)
COUNSELING :
The Counseling Center at the American Cathedral
23, avenue George V
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.47.23.61.13
CREDIT CARD CANCELLATION:
American Express
11, rue Scribe
75009 Paris.
Tel: 01.47.77.72.00
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Bank Americard (Visa)
Tel: 08.00.90.20.33
24 hours a day for loss or theft
Master
Card,
Cirrus,
Plus,
Eurocard France
16, rue Lecourbe
75015 Paris.
Tel: 01.45.67.84.84
24 hours a day
(to notify the bank in the U.S.: 01.43.23.20.76)
Visa,
CYBER-CAFÉS:
Easy Everything, 37 bd Sébastopol, 75001 Paris
DEPARTMENT STORES:
Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (“BHV”) – Métro Hôtel de Ville
Bon Marché – Métro Sèvres-Babylone
Les Galeries Lafayette
La Samaritaine
Le Printemps
EMBASSY & CONSULATE:
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or
Mastercard:
American Embassy in Paris (Consular Section)
2, rue Saint-Florentin
75382 Paris Cedex 08
Tel : 01.43.12.22.22
e-mail : [email protected]
The Consulate makes available a free Guide for U.S. Citizens Residing in France,
which is updated every year and contains a great deal of useful information and
addresses (attorneys, accountants, notaries, official translators and interpreters, tax
accountants and consultants, insurance companies, shipping companies, banks,
religious institutions, English-speaking doctors, cyber cafés, Franco-U.S. and U.S.
organizations, etc.)
EMERGENCIES:
(Emergency numbers are listed in front of all telephone directories)
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SAMU (Emergency Medical Team/Ambulance)
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Police Secours
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Pompiers (Fire Department)
01.47.07.77.77
SOS Médecins (private company for emergency doctors)
01.40.37.04.04
Anti-Poison Center
01.43.37.51.00
SOS Dentistes (private company for emergency dentists)
01.45.74.00.04
SOS Drogues (private company for drug emergencies)
01.47.23.80.80
SOS Help (English-speaking hotline open daily 3 p.m. – 11
p.m.)
HOSPITAL
American Hospital of Paris
63, Boulevard Victor Hugo
92202 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex
Tel : 01.46.41.25.25
LOST AND FOUND :
Centre des Objets Trouvés de la Préfecture de Police de Paris
36, rue des Morillons
75015 Paris
Open 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., & Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS:
American Cathedral in Paris (Episcopal)
23, Avenue George V
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.53.23.84.00
American Church in Paris (all Protestant denominations)
65, Quai d’Orsay
16
75007 Paris
Tel: 01.40.62.05.00
Saint Joseph’s Church (Roman Catholic)
50, Avenue Hoche
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.42.27.28.56
Liberal Synogogue
24, rue Copernic
75116 Paris
Tel: 01.47.04.37.27
Mosque Abu Bakr As Siddio
39, Boulevard de Belleville
75011 Paris
TRAVEL:
Organisation de Tourisme Universitaire (OTU)
39, Avenue Georges Bernanos
75005 Paris
(The RATP and SNCF both have useful sites)
TIPPING
Almost all restaurants in France include tax and a 15% service charge (service
compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving a
couple of Euros (or 2-3%) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change
from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris)
a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters a couple of Euros for each bag and
chambermaids the same per day. Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the
metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistants 5%. Small tips of around one or
two Euros are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and
museum tour guides. It is standard practice to give a small tip to tour guides and
bus drivers after a private excursion, depending on the level of satisfaction.
TRANSPORTATION/TRAVELING
In Paris
The first thing to buy in Paris is a Plan de Paris in booklet form (the Ponchet and
Michelin maps are excellent). These contain maps of the metro and the various
bus lines, in addition to complete street maps by arrondissement. You will
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probably also want to have the Guide vert for Paris (Michelin) which is an
excellent guide to the city. Carnets of 10 tickets (second class) can be purchased
for €8.85 that can be used for both the métro and the bus system (unlimited
distance within Paris in both cases). Tickets bought individually cost €1.22. The
carte orange allows you an unlimited number of trips on the métro and bus within
the city of Paris (about €43.50) or beyond (3 zones: €57.70).
Within France
Student organizations at various institutions in Paris, as well as the CROUS
(Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) organize group
excursions and trips at a reasonable cost. Such trips are a wonderful opportunity
for you to get to know French students, while doing something you enjoy. The
book Let’s Go France is very useful for information on low-budget lodging and
meals, sites and places of interest, transportation, and helpful addresses such as
post offices, etc. It is updated yearly and sold in the U.S.
BICYCLE: Many train stations offer bicycle rental and car rental services.
An attractive travel option is to travel by train to a destination of your choice and,
using this destination as your starting point, to explore the surrounding
countryside by bike on your own. Bicycle excursions are also sometimes
proposed by student travel agencies or by student organizations: check bulletin
boards at the institutions where you are taking courses.
:
BUS
Many of the buses on the road are fairly spacious, equipped with bathrooms and
screens where you can watch your favorite movies. Where a choice is available,
check schedules and process since bus travel is sometimes faster and in any event
more scenic than train travel. Discounts are available to students.
The TRAIN:
is the most popular mode of transportation in France and in many other European
countries. There are many discounts available to persons under 25 for travel
within France. Information about these discounts can be obtained at any train
station, as well as from various student travel agencies. Rebates are also available
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for persons of all ages; so, when you have visitors who want to travel
inexpensively, be sure to check for what discounts may be available to them.
The French national train company, SNCF, has a useful website that we
recommend you check for schedules and prices. The website address is
http://www.sncf.com/indexe.htm. The English version of this site makes it very
convenient for students who have never traveled to France. This way, you can get
to know some of the train fares and plan out any trips you want to take while in
France.
PLANE
Discounted student airline tickets can be purchased at the Office de Tourisme
Universitaire (OTU), as well as Nouvelles Frontières.
Outside France
PLANE (See directly above)
TRAIN:
You may wish to purchase a Europass or Eurail pass at any student travel agency
(such as STA Travel). However, we recommend that you purchase your tickets
directly through Rail Europe. This subsidiary of the French train system can be
reached at 1-800-4EURAIL, 1-888-BRITRAIL, or 1-800-EUROSTAR in the US.
You can also visit their website at http://www.raileurope.com, which has a listing
of all the train schedules. If you are under the age of 26, the best deals are the
Eurail Youth Flexpass or the Europass Youth. The passes are a much better deal
than purchasing the tickets in France. A passes is valid for two to three months
from the first time you first use it, however call Rail Europe to double check. A
student card costs Є 40, but you can save up to 50%. Save your Europass until
you have time to do the bulk of your traveling, yet buy one early, if you plan to
travel immediately and extensively.
It is advisable to buy some bottled water to drink before you board a train.
Any food or beverages sold on the TGV can be expensive. Never drink water
from any bathroom faucet on any European train. Do not brush your teeth either!
Virus infections run rampant in the water of train bathrooms.
If you plan to travel to other countries, be advised that regulations vary
and may change at very short notice. Consult a travel agent for current
procedures.
Before leaving home to travel to a foreign land, visitors should make up their
minds neither to resist the culture in which they will find themselves, nor to
surrender to it. What they need is to allow a new and flexible personality to
develop, one that will retain its own cultural identity while recognizing the right of
members of other cultures to retain theirs.
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VOYAGEZ AVEC SAGACITÉ!
TRAVEL WISELY!
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