PDS 2014 Booklet Single pages ds2 (1)

Guide
Session-2014
pre-departure
Guide
Session-2014
pre-departure
“Le véritable voyage de
découverte ne consiste pas
à chercher de nouveaux
paysages, mais à avoir de
nouveaux yeux”
“The real voyage of discovery consists
not in seeking new landscapes but in
having new eyes”
Marcel Proust
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00
contents
1.
France – International Students’
Destination
8.
Student Life
2.
The French Visa Application
Procedure
9.
Money Affairs
10.
Medical Assistance
3.
Important Travel Documents
11.
Information for Scholarship Holders
4.
Packing your bags!
12.
Practical Information
5.
Travel Kit
13.
Be Connected
6.
Registration with the French institute
14.
Important Numbers & Websites
7.
Finding Your Accommodation
15.
Useful Mobile Apps
international students’ destination
With nearly 280,000 international students
making up 12% of total postsecondary enrollments,
France, the world’s fifth-largest economy,
remains the third most-popular destination for
internationally mobile students after the United
States and the United Kingdom. International
students on their arrival in France witness a rich
blend of diversity and French tradition. In the
country known for ‘Quality of Life’, students enjoy
special privileges: discounts, assistance, impressive
range of courses and state-of-the-art facilities. This
is what the Qs team has to say, after voting Paris
best international student city for the second year
in a row in 2012 and 2013:
“Students in Paris often enjoy extensive access to
leading academics, with small class sizes and intensive
teaching, despite the low fees. Paris is frequently
rated as one of the most liveable cities in Europe, and
scores well for quality of living. But finally, all the
measurements used to create the QS Best Student Cities
still don’t capture the real appeal of studying in Paris
– one of the world’s most historic, culturally vital and
beautiful cities.”
Country Facts
In addition to being positioned in the top world
economies, France proudly boasts of
•
An excellent Health Care System
•
One of the best Life Expectancies in the
world
•
One of the safest environments of Europe
•
A renowned and diversified gastronomy
01
France
Savoir Vivre
A French sojourn, with a plethora of opportunities
and experiences, contributes tremendously in
shaping one’s personality. The nation’s treasure
lies in its quality education, its dynamic economy
and culture. By experiencing all this along with
their higher education international students tend
to progress with an open mindset to deal with
challenges that the economic world outside offers.
France and its education system not only impart
theoretical knowledge to students, but also prepare
them for more enriching experiences in their life
ahead.
Name: France
Location: Western Europe
Capital: Paris
Motto: Liberty Equality Fraternity
Currency: Euro
Official Language: French
Climate: Temperate
Population (2013): 65,543,000
Government: Republic
President: Mr. Francois Hollande
Prime Minister: Mr. Manuel Valls
Religion: France is a secular country where
freedom of religion is a constitutional right
02
the french visa
APPLICATION
PROCEDURE
All non EU students intending to study in France
need a valid visa for the duration of their studies
in France. There are three categories of visa on the
basis of the duration of stay.
Long Stay Visa: More than 6 months
Short-stay Schengen visa: maximum 3 months
(90 days)
Note: As soon as you receive your ‘Letter of
Admission’ from the French institution, commence
your Visa application procedure. It is mandatory
to contact your nearest Campus France office for
an interview if you apply for a visa longer than 3
months.
Long Stay Visa
Extended- stay student visa, with
residency permit (VLS-TS)
The VLS-TS visa applies to most international
students wishing to enroll in a French institution of
higher education.
Validity: In most cases, the ‘extended-stay visas with
residency permit (VLS-TS )’ is valid for 1 year.
When the VLS-TS visa is issued, the consulate
gives the applicant an official form (with
instructions that applicant must present to the
French office of immigration and integration
(OFII). Holders of the VLS-TS visa no longer have
to obtain a residency permit from the prefecture
having jurisdiction over their place of residence in
France, but they do have to report to the OFII and
complete several administrative formalities.
OFII – Office Français de
l’immigration et de l’intégration
OFII Process : To be done ON ARRIVAL in
France
A ‘VLS-TS ’ holder must, upon arriving in France,
send the following documents to the OFII by
registered mail (return receipt requested):
•
The official form received from the consulate
that issued the visa.
•
A copy of passport pages showing the visa
holder identity and the stamp indicating
entry into France (or into the Schengen area).
Upon receipt of these documents, the local
office of the OFII will send the visa holder,
by regular mail to the address provided by the
visa holder), a letter acknowledging receipt
of the form and possibly asking the holder
to report for a medical examination if such
an examination was not performed in the
holder’s country of origin or upon entering
France.
Upon receipt of these documents, the local office
of the OFII will send the visa holder, by regular
mail to the address provided by the visa holder),
a letter acknowledging receipt of the form and
possibly asking the holder to report for a medical
examination if such an examination was not
performed in the holder’s country of origin or upon
entering France. Note:
1. Students residing in Paris must bring the
above documents to the OFII. During
the months of September, October, and
November, students may use the OFII office
at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de
Paris (CIUP). At other times of the year, they
must bring the documents to OFII’s Paris
headquarters.
2. Some institutions (including many of France’s
universities) have entered into agreements
with OFII. Where such an agreement exists,
the student must submit the above documents
to the institution’s international student office.
Students are strongly advised to learn, before
arriving in France, whether an agreement
exists between their host institution and OFII.
In all cases, a tax of €58 must be paid by purchasing a
tax stamp marked “OMI” or “ANAEM.” The stamp
may be purchased: online at www.timbresofii.fr; in
certain shops that sell tobacco products (Tabacs); at
tax offices.
Typical list of documents (many of which will
be the same as those you supplied for your visa
application):
•
Certificate of enrollment at institution of
higher education, convention de stage (if
Internship) etc. indicating the reason of your
stay.
•
•
•
Proof of accommodation (rent bill/gas or
electricity bill for last 2 months issued on
your name or certificate from person who is
lodging you).
Proof of financial resources.
Two photographs
Connect to www.ambafrance-in.org for further
information
Citizens of non-European-Union countries will
also need to supply the following items:
•
•
Medical certificate, which is delivered after a
medical examination at the ANAEM / OMI.
You will get a letter from the Prefecture a few
days after you submit the above application.
Keep this certificate carefully as you will need
it for renewing your Carte de Sejour the next
year.
Fiscal Stamps for each type of renewal - check
the tariffs at the prefecture.
Once the application has been processed, you
will be invited (by post or by phone call) to come
and collect your carte de séjour (resident permit)
in person. The application processing time varies
greatly (up to three months, usually).
Till you receive your ‘carte de séjour’, you will be
provided with the ‘récépissé de carte de séjour’
(Receipt of carte de séjour). It is valid for three
months.
If you do not receive your carte de séjour in three
months, you will have to apply for the renewal of
the récépissé de carte de séjour’ to Prefecture along
with three photographs. It is quiet common that
many don’t receive carte de séjour in first three
months. Don’t panic! As long as you have valid
récépissé you are a legal resident in France.
Note: You are allowed to travel in the Schengen
zone on your first ‘Récépissé de Carte de Séjour’
Important information regarding foreign travel
while waiting to complete OFII paperwork:
1.
2.
Within the first three months of your arrival
in France, travel is authorized without the
OFII sticker or proof of paperwork submission
(“attestation de dépôt de dossier”) provided you
have a valid multiple-entry long stay visa
Beyond three months, the OFII sticker
is mandatory or, in its absence, proof that
you have submitted your paperwork to the
OFII (“attestation de dépôt de dossier”) to
leave France. If you have not submitted your
paperwork to the OFII in the indicated
timeframe (3 months), you will need to
apply for another long stay visa in your home
country.
Short-stay visas
(less than 90 days)
Short stay visas are governed by European
regulations. The new community visa code provides
common rules for the granting of short-stay visas
within the Schengen area.
There are two types of short-stay visa: •
•
Airport transit visas allow the holder to move
through the international terminal of an
airport but not to leave the airport. This visa
does not apply to all nationalities
Uniform visas (valid throughout the Schengen
area) authorize stays of up to 3 months within
a given 6-month period. The number of days
that the holder may spend in the Schengen
area is specified on the visa sticker, along with
the dates of validity of the visa, which may be
up to 5 years provided the applicant’s passport
remains valid for that long (community visa
code, article 24).
In exceptional cases, French Consulates may grant
visas that are valid for France. Depending on the application, the uniform visa
may provide for one entry, two entries, or multiple
entries into the Schengen area. The holder of a
uniform visa may move freely within the entire
Schengen area (If a visa is extended, it will be a
limited territorial visa, Community visa code, article
25). It is not possible to renew this type of visa
from within the Schengen area, except in cases of
force majeure or for humanitarian or compelling
personal reasons (community visa code, article 33).
The issuance of a short-stay visa is free for students
and accompanying faculty traveling for academic or
training purposes (community visa code, article 16).
Note: Students wishing to enroll in a language
training course or other short-term program are
encouraged to apply for this type of visa.
The student examination visa: The student
examination visa allows the holder to enter France
to sit for an entrance examination or other form
of examination required as part of the process
of applying for admission to a public or private
institution of higher education in France. Students
who pass the exam may apply directly (without first
returning home) for a renewable 1-year residency
permit at the Prefecture for the area in which the
student’s new institution is located. Most applicants
for the student examination visa must use the CEF
procedure (see below) if that procedure is in effect
in their country.
Obtaining a Schengen visa
France’s consular authorities are responsible for
examining visa applications. Applications must
meet the following conditions: •
•
•
•
•
•
An application form must be completed,
signed, and submitted together with a valid
passport and a photograph. The visa fee must be paid.
Where applicable, biometric identification
data must be collected (community visa code,
article 11 and following). Applicants must present to the consular
authorities proof of the purpose and
circumstances of their visit, including evidence
that they possess sufficient financial means
and have a place to live.
Applicants must also provide information
that demonstrates their intention to leave the
Schengen area on or before the expiration
date of the visa.
Applicants must have medical insurance that
is valid during travel
Connect to www.ambafrance-in.org for further
information
Information for Interns:
Students going to France on INTERNSHIPS
need to have the following document, in addition
to other required documents listed above, to
obtain a visa:
‘CONVENTION DE STAGE’
•
A ‘convention de stage’ is an agreement
between the employer (it can be a company
of a host institution), the intern, and the
institution in India.
•
It stipulates the dates of the internship,
general tasks, and mentions that the
internship is connected to your course of
study. Your institute in France and the
‘Prefecture de Police’ (police department) will
issue a convention de stage if you are pursuing
a registered internship either for credit or as a
non-credit experience. A ‘convention de stage’
provides mandatory supplemental workplace
insurance.
•
The ‘convention de stage’ has to be signed by
the company representative, the university
representative and the student. It can therefore
take up to two weeks for the Internship
Coordinator to organize a valid ‘convention’
signed by all the parties.
•
You are requested to contact your employer
and ask for this document which is absolutely
mandatory in order to do an internship in
France.
•
For a stay over 90 days, the stamp of the
Direction Régionale des Entreprises, de la
Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail
et de l’Emploi (DIRECCTE) is mandatory.
03
important travel
Documents
Before departure
1. Passport
2. Travel Insurance
3. Air Ticket
4. Accommodation booking
Passport
To travel outside of your home country, you must
have a passport and a valid visa.
•
•
You should already have applied for a passport
if you don’t have one, but if you haven’t, you
must apply for one immediately.
Your passport should be less than 10 years old
and valid at least 3 months longer than the
validity of the requested visa. It must have at
least two blank pages available.
Note: Since it is possible to lose your passport while
abroad, please make sure that a set photocopies of
this all-important document is left behind with
your family and another set in your unaccompanied
baggage while traveling. You will need the passport
number for various reasons during your travels, so
keep it handy or memorize it.
http://passport.gov.in/
http://www.amb-inde.fr
http://ambafrance-in.org/
TRAVEL INSURANCE
(For short stay visa)
Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to
cover medical expenses, financial default of travel
suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling,
either within one’s own country, or internationally.
•
•
•
Determine clearly if the travel insurance
policy meets your anticipated travel needs for
the first three months
Travel insurance is not the same as health
insurance. Some travel insurance packages
will offer additional health coverage but you
should be clear about the details of your
coverage if you purchase these packages
From the point of view of the French
Consulate, your insurance policy must cover
the duration of your stay and it must have
a repatriation clause. This will be one of the
documents you will need to produce during
the visa application procedure
http://www.thomascook.in/tcportal/travel-insurance
AIR Ticket
Purchase a flexible ticket, if your finances allow
you to, to make changes in planning easier to
accommodate
•
Students going on long-term programmes
may consider buying a one-way ticket
•
Ensure that all ticket details are correct
•
•
•
If you are transiting, ensure that you have
relevant information on airport terminals and
on transit visa regulations
Communicate your travel itinerary and
contact details with the institute in France.
This might be useful in emergencies
Check the luggage dimensions allowed to
you with the Airlines your are flying
www.airfrance.com.in
Accommodation
booking:
A valid proof of accommodation needs to be kept
handy before departure. Make sure you have the
complete address and telephone/mobile number of
the accommodation you are checking into on your
arrival in France.
Note: Verify beforehand if you have an access
to ‘Cite Universitaire’ (priority given to French
Government Scholarship holders) or to housing
stock of welcome establishments. In all the cases
contact the International Relations services of your
institution which can advise you in your search for
an accommodation.
If you have not got the accommodation before
your arrival in France, think of reserving a room
in a youth hostel, or in a hotel, for your first few
days in France. Verify the proximity between
your educational institution, town and your
accommodation.
On Arrival
(For long stay visa)
Arriving in a new country can be stressful. For this
reason, many institutions have set up systems to
support newly arrived international students. The
features of those systems vary but often include
an airport pickup, reserved housing, individualized
guidance, tutoring, and instruction in French as a
foreign language. By offering such support, France’s
universities and schools endeavour to be at your
service.
Note:
•
In case of flight delay, have all your
documents with contact details of concerned
persons (Accommodation coordinator,
Institution coordinator etc.) for ready
reference
•
Verify in advance your route and mode of
transports (taxi, train, bus) to your place of
residence or towards the train station from
where you will board the connecting train to
your educational institution (Gare du Nord,
Gare de l’Est, Gare Montparnasse, Gare de
Lyon, Gare Saint Lazare)
•
In case of arrival at night, board a Night Bus
‘Noctilien’ or a taxi which can take you to
your destination. Charles de Gaulle Airport
is well connected to Paris by ‘Noctilien’ lines
N143 and N140, departing from Terminal 2F
with travel duration from 30 – 60 minutes.
Cost of ticket: 7,60 Euros.
Some documents may be required during your
administrative formalities. Remember to bring
them with you:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Your passport or identity card
Your valid visa
Birth certificate **
Proof of Medical insurance
Proof of previous studies
Proof of address or a declaration by the
people providing accommodation
Proof of financial resources (615 EUR/
month)
3 passport photos
** Birth Certificate:
Step 1: Apostil on original Birth Certificate
Step 2: Birth Certificate translated in French
Birth certificate (either the hospital record, or the
one from the Birth and Death Registry Office,
issued by the Municipal Corporation for cities
/ Gram Panchayat for those born in villages)
mentioning your name and your parent’s name
needs to be translated before your departure from
India.
Translation Cell: Contact ‘Alliance Française’ in
India (see www.afindia.org for the list of authorized
and French government recognized translation
centers in India) for translation of the Birth
Certificate.
Note: The tenth grade certificate or the passport will
NOT work as Birth Certificates in France.
Get an Apostil: Apostil (Apostille) is a legal
verification to prove the authenticity of a document.
It is issued by Ministry of External Affairs at Delhi,
Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati.
Procédure :
1. Get your birth certificate issued from the
Municipal office of your birth (no other
document is valid, no affidavit, notary or any
other). Try to get two originals if possible
(Keep one at home in case...).
2. You need to then contact the Home
Department of your State where they have a
certification/attestation/authentication office.
3. You have to get an apostil on your birth
certificate by MEA, Delhi by submitting your
documents to one of the ousource agencies:
4.
http://www.mea.gov.in/legalization-ofdocuments.htm
This office will authenticate your birth
certificate.
Administrative formalities
Like any other individual entering France for the
first time, you will have to go through air police
and border control procedures. Citizens of the
European Union can enter and travel freely with
a national identity card or passport. International
students need to present the following documents
on demand to the French authorities:
A. Letter of Admission from the French
institution
B. Money
C. Passport + Visas and residence permits (if any)
D. Proof of Accommodation
Note: Inform your host institution of your
arrival before leaving from India. Try to take an
appointment or request for information beforehand
about administrative registration which needs to
be done on your arrival. For the same, contact the
concerned person from International Relations
office of your institution and ask for the working
hours and location of help desk for students.
Also request for schedule of ‘Orientation Week’
on your appointment with Welcome Desk for
Students in your institution
Note: Inform your accommodation establishment
of your arrival before leaving India. Take an
appointment with them for checking the ‘inventory
of fixtures’ and taking the keys of your room.
your bags
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Remember the golden rule: less is best!
Remember the silver rule: if you can’t afford to
lose it, don’t bring it!
Pack in compartments. Put clothes, toiletries,
maps and guide books into separate
compartments so that you can find them easily.
Pack the heaviest items in the bottom and
close to your back (in a travel backpack), for
better balance.
You will be responsible for carrying your
own luggage when you arrive at the overseas
airport. Having an unmanageable amount of
luggage only makes things worse.
Identify your luggage.
Remove old tags with incorrect information,
especially airline destination tags.
Since brown and black bags are very common,
it makes things much easier if you put an
identifying sign on your bags such as a piece of
brightly colored tape.
Be aware that airports have strict security
requirements for safety reasons.
Departing India – If you are departing India
with expensive items (such as computers,
cameras and video cameras) and you intend
to bring them back to India, you can register
these items with Customs. Once registered,
you do not need to declare these articles to
Customs on your return to India but you
should keep the registration form handy in
case Customs has any questions.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
04
packing
Never carry items for strangers and make sure
that you have packed your own suitcases and
know what they contain.
Pack your most personal and valuable items
in your carry-on bag to minimize loss if your
baggage is misplaced!
Make sure that nothing in your carry-on bag
can be construed as a weapon ex. nail files, nail
scissors, pen knife, etc.
Many students find that a large backpack
(not an external frame backpack) is more
convenient than a suitcase.
Travel light but prepare for changes in
temperature. Carry at least one heavy weight
coat and one waterproof one.
Since laundry facilities are expensive in Europe
and are often hard on clothes, carry easy-tocare-for clothing that can be washed at home
and drip-dried.
Get ready to walk much more than one
normally does in India. It is imperative to pack
a good pair of shoes for this.
Roll your clothing when you pack it. You can
fit more in your suitcase and your clothes will
be less wrinkled.
05
travel
kit
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two day overnight backpack
Bath towel
Tissue packets
Contact Lenses (extra pair)
Travel size toiletteries
Eye Glasses (extra pair)
Compact umbrella
Rain gear
Sleeping bag/Cover sheet (for weekend
excursions)
Smartphone
Batteries / Chargers
Diary
Travel books ( Let’s Go…, Lonely Planets)
EuroRail Pass
Photos of family
Copies of CV
Passport size pictures (20 copies – colour)
Pack an extra bag in your luggage to use on
your way home.
Money (See section 9)
An Important “FOLDER” to be prepared &
should carry all the photocopies of:
•
Airline ticket
•
Passport
•
Visas
•
Credit cards
•
Certified copies of birth certificate
•
& Academic records
•
Admission letter
•
Address book
•
Medical records / Prescription
•
•
Bank details &
This Pre-departure Guide!
“Leave behind a set of photocopies of the above
with your family and put one away in your
unaccompanied baggage”
Note: Verify the itinerary and the schedule
of different modes of transports to your
accommodation.
Note down the following for your ready reference:
Type of transport: Bus, train, metro
Transport Number: Bus number, train number,
metro line
Name of train station, bus stand, and metro station
Also make a note of alternatives available in case of
delay in your arrival.
Have a functional telephone in France, in case of
emergency and other transport related problems.
Have the key contact details (name of the person,
telephone number, address) handy for ready
reference. Example: Name and telephone number
of the International Relations Officer in your
institution or Name and telephone number of
person in-charge for your accommodation
Don’t hesitate to you request the co-travelers
(French citizens) for any information. It is an
opportunity to make new contacts and know more
about your surroundings.
at the french institute
After you arrive in France, you will need to register
at your new university or institution.
@ Public Universities in
France:
All students enrolling at public universities are
required to register in person at the beginning of
each academic year. Registration comprises two
parts:
Administrative registration (inscription
administrative): You will enroll in the national
student health plan, choose a supplemental
insurance plan (mutuelle), and pay any balance due
for your tuition (unless you paid in full in advance).
At the end of the process you will receive your
student ID card. Visit your university’s website to
find out the dates and other details of registration
Academic registration (inscription pédagogique):
In this second phase of the process, you will
register for your courses, learn the dates and times
of your classes, and receive additional information
on grading methods and examination schedules.
06
REGISTRATION
@ Other French Higher
Education Institutions
(Grandes Ecoles, etc.)
Private French institutions have their own
registration procedures, which are normally
communicated to students well before the
beginning of the academic year. Be sure to take
note of any documents that you may be asked to
provide at registration. Originals are often required.
Once you arrive at the institution, contact
International Relations office of the French
institution or your programme coordinator
(with whom you have been in touch during your
admission process). Register with them and seek
other necessary information.
Note: Don’t think of doing everything in the first
week, you have enough time to adjust and settle
down in new surroundings. List down all the ‘Todo’ things and organize yourself. You will have a
smooth adjustment cycle if you are organized!
07
finding your
ACCOMMODATION
Before looking for a place to live in France,
students must decide, in light of their financial
means and the length of their program, what sort
of housing arrangement is best for them. Housing
is relatively expensive in France, but international
students, like French students, enjoy the benefit of
housing assistance.
University Residence
Hall
Located on campus or in town, university
residences are run by France’s regional student
service centers (CROUS, Centres régionaux des
oeuvres universitaires et scolaires). The residences
feature furnished rooms and studios, generally wellequipped. The monthly rent is between €120 and
€350. Space in university residence halls remains
in very short supply, however, especially in Paris,
where priority is given to the recipients of French
government scholarships and students participating
in exchange programs. www.cnous.fr (Centre
National des OEuvres Universitaires et Scolaires)
Note: In contrast to the situation at France’s
universities, most Grandes Écoles and private
institutions have a good supply of on-campus
housing. Rents range from €250 to €500 per month.
Privately Operated
Student Housing
Private buildings designed for students are found
in most large cities. Most have been built in recent
years to compensate for the shortage of university
housing. Rents range from €600 to €700 per
month in Paris and from €400 to €800 elsewhere.
Private Sector Rentals
Renters are generally required to make a deposit
to guarantee the payment of rent. Rents are high,
especially in large cities, and above all in Paris.
In general, renters must show proof that their
monthly income is at least three times the rental
amount.
Shared Rentals
Property rentals to groups. Several individuals may
enter into a lease with a property owner, with each
having equal rights to the property. No special
regulations apply to such rentals. All tenants have
the same rights and obligations as does a single
tenant who executes a lease. Anyone who wishes to
apply for housing assistance must ensure that his or
her name appears on the lease.
Note: Joint-responsibility clauses are often added
to group-rental agreements and apply for the entire
term of the lease. Such clauses mean that if one
tenant does not pay his or her share of the rent, the
property owner may try to collect it from the other
tenants.
Subletting
In principle, tenants may not rent their
accommodations to others. Before a tenant sublets
all or part of the rented property to another
individual, he or she must obtain the prior written
consent of the property owner, who has the right
to demand the immediate termination of the
lease and the payment of an occupancy fee. The
law states that the tenant may not collect from a
subtenant a rent greater than that which he or she
owes to the property owner. French regulations on
subletting: www.souslouer.com
ROOMS IN PRIVATE
HousES
More suitable for short stays, renting a furnished
room in a private home may cost €200 a week
in Paris with breakfast included, or €300 with
breakfast and dinner. Costs are lower outside Paris.
Intergenerational
Housing
Several organizations have matched older people
who have a spare room to rent with students
looking for a place to live. The older individual,
who may be a property owner or a tenant, must
offer a suitable room, which may be furnished or
unfurnished, with free access to the common areas
of the property (kitchen, bathroom, living room).
The student agrees to be a “good neighbor,” to
exercise reasonable care and vigilance, to perform
“small favors” to facilitate the daily life of the
older person, and to pay a portion of the utility
and maintenance charges (such as water and
electricity). To use the services of an organization
providing intergenerational rentals, the student
generally must pay a yearly fee to the organization
(typically between €100 and €350 depending
on the type of lodging found), in addition to
application fees (around €15).
08
Student
life
Cultural Activities
Students enjoy lower prices and special rates in many
aspects of daily life – advantages that can improve
their quality of life. Unrivaled cultural dynamism
– Literature, films, museums, theaters, opera, cafes
and the national flair for food and fashion are a
part of everyday life in France. Throughout the
year, especially in summer, the nation celebrates its
culture and other nation in a parade of local and
international events.
www.Francefestivals.com and http://www.
lonelyplanet.com/france
An extensive system of discounts, assistance,
and special facilities allows students to stretch a
relatively modest budget to cover basic needs – to
enjoy life in France. Benefits include a network
of student restaurants, university housing, rent
subsidies, health insurance, student clubs and
associations, discounts on public transportation,
movies, libraries, and sporting events.
www.culture.gouv.fr
http://www.tv5.org/
http://www.france24.com/en/
http://www.radiofrance.fr/
Cost of Living
Taking into account the many discounts for which
students are eligible, the average monthly student
budget is €1,000 in Paris and €800 elsewhere in
the country.
Food, meals
•
1 baguette: €0,80
•
1 coffee: €1 - 2
•
1 Camembert cheese: €2
•
1 croissant: €1
•
1 kg of pasta: €1
•
1 kg of potatoes: €1,20
•
1 kg of rice: €1,90
•
1 liter of milk: €1,20
•
6 eggs: €1,50
•
1 meal at a university cafeteria: €3,15
•
1 fast-food meal: €7
•
1 meal at neighborhood restaurant: €10 - 20
•
1 sandwich: €3 - 5
Health - Medical visit
•
General practitioner: €23 and up (of which
€14 is reimbursed)
•
Psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, neurology: €37
euros and up (€24 reimbursed)
•
Gynecology - ophtalmology: €28 euros and
up (€19 reimbursed)
•
Specialist: €25 euros and up (€19 reimbursed)
•
Dentist: €30 euros and up depending on
service rendered
Culture, leisure
•
1 month of Internet access: €20-50
depending on the plan or bundle (Internet,
TV, telephone, unlimited calling to certain
countries).
•
1 cell phone plan: starting at €30 per month
depending on provider. Plan prices vary
in the amount of calling time and data
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
transmission they offer. Prepaid cards starting
at €5 are sold in licensed tobacco shops.
1 student-rate movie ticket: about €7.50.
Some national theater chains offer unlimited
monthly admission cards for €30.
1 museum admission: €5-10
1 student-rate swimming pool admission:
€1.70
1 newspaper: €1.20
1 DVD player: €50 - 150
1 MP3 player: €20 - 150
1 paperback book: about €6
1 night in budget hotel (**): €60
1 theater ticket: €10 - 30
Transportation
•
1 round-trip Paris-Barcelona air ticket: €100150
•
1 round-trip Paris-Brussels- Amsterdam
Thalys rail ticket: €100-120
•
1 round-trip Paris-London Eurostar rail
ticket: €100-150
•
1 round-trip Paris-Nice TGV (highspeed
train) ticket: €140. If reserved far enough in
advance, tickets can be as cheap as €50.
•
1 monthly public transportation pass in Paris:
from €60 (Paris proper) to €123 (outlying
suburbs)
•
1 liter of gasoline: €1.40
•
1 city bike: €1 per day in Paris, but free for
the first 30 minutes. Public bike rentals
(through Vélib’, Vélov, V3) are available in
several large cities. Prices vary.
Modes of transport
Public transportation in France is a strong point and
is the cleanest, cheapest, fastest way to get around.
It is also a good way to get know the culture. When
you arrive in France investigate the options for
transportation. Many train or subway systems offer
monthly passes at a discounted rate for students. Due
to the many variations in driving laws, insurance,
speeds and even on which side of the road to drive,
we do not recommend renting or driving any
personal vehicle. Even if the public transportation is
great, don’t forget to walk sometimes.
http://www.francerailpass.com/
http://www.navigo.fr/
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/services-train/carteabonnement-train
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/
http://www.ratp.fr/
Walking is often the best way to get to know a city,
not to mention good exercise. Bicycles are another
very good option. In many cities, they can often be
rented or purchased inexpensively, and they provide
a fun alternative to walking.
Cross Cultural
Communication
Inside the classrooms
The French Education System lays emphasis on
both theoretical and practical aspects of learning.
A highly organized way of instruction is followed
in the institutions across the country. Case studies,
internships and presentations are key elements in
the French Classroom. Students are required to
follow the attendance policies and examination
processes. They are also encouraged to interact with
the faculty and international coordinators at their
respective institutes. This further helps the students
in understanding the French Education System.
The French Higher Education System is noted for
its large variety of universities, schools and colleges,
for which the organization and entry requirements
vary according to the type of establishment and the
kind of course you want to study.
Working in France
While in school Students
From the member countries of the European
Economic Space (plus Switzerland) may work freely
and without restriction while studying in France.
As long as they do not neglect their academic work,
they may combine employment with scholarships or
other financial assistance. Since July 1, 2007, French
law has allowed other international students to work
under the following conditions: A residency permit
(VLS-TS, validated by OFII, or a residency permit
in addition to a visa) marked “student” entitles the
student to accept paid employment for up to 60% of
the legally defined work year (or 964 hours per year),
without prior administrative authorization.
Note: The time that students spend in internships
connected with their academic program (and
covered by a written internship agreement) are not
counted toward the maximum allowable working
hours, even if the student is compensated during the
internship.
The minimum gross hourly wage, set by law, is
€9,40. Withholding reduces the worker’s net wage
by about 20%.
Working at a public institution of higher education
International students are eligible for student jobs
at universities and other public institutions of
higher education. Students are hired to provide
the following services: assisting incoming students;
helping disabled students; providing tutoring;
providing IT support and assistance; coordinating
and staffing cultural, athletic, and social events;
working in the career center; and supporting
their institution’s promotional efforts. Student
employment contracts are offered for a period not
to exceed 12 months. They run from September 1
through August 31. Students may work up to 670
hours between September 1 and June 30, and up to
300 hours between July 1 and August 31.
After graduation
• International students holding a degree equivalent
to a master or above International students
who have earned a degree that is equivalent to a
European master or above may seek authorization
to reside in France from 6 months to 1 year after
the expiration of their student residency permit. This
authorization, which is not renewable, allows the
graduate to work for up to 60% of the legal work
week. If the employment contract is related to the
subject of the graduate’s degree program and if it
provides compensation that is equal to or greater
than 150% of the minimum wage, the prospective
employee may apply to the local prefecture for
change of status from student to employee.
Once authorization is granted (it is not granted
automatically), the individual may begin working
full time.
• Other students accepting an offer of employment
from a French firm after graduation implies a
change in status (from student to employee).
Graduates apply for the change by submitting their
employment contract or offer of employment.
Chequebooks, debit cards, credit cards and all
other methods of payment can be brought into the
country with no restrictions. However, any French
or foreign individual transporting a sum of money
equal to or higher to €7,623 (notes, travellers
cheques or pre-completed cheques) across the
border must complete a written declaration to the
customs department. A detailed, dated and signed
inventory list estimating your valuables needs to be
presented too to the authorities.
Note: Verify that your international debit card allows
you to retrieve money from the ATMS in France on
your arrival. To pay your expenditure by cheque in
France you should have a bank account in France.
The first month’s budget is little more as a student has
to deal with miscellaneous expenditure while adjusting
in new environment.
Opening A Bank
Account
International students may open a “nonresident”
bank account (in Euros or another currency) or, if
they will stay long enough, a “resident” account (in
Euros or another currency).
•
If you stay in France more than 3 months, you
can open an account in a bank. The formalities
are straightforward; you will just need to show
your passport, residence card and proof of
domicile in France.
•
You may wish to ask your bank at home
if it maintains ties with a French banking
network, which may make it easier for you
to open an account (perhaps even before you
Money
affairs
•
•
•
09
France and 17 other countries of the European
Union—Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain—use the euro (€)
as their currency.
arrive in France) and transfer funds. You will probably be asked to provide a bank
identity statement, or RIB (Relevé d’Identité
Bancaire), which you can obtain from your
bank, to enable deposits to or withdrawals
from your account—for example, direct
deposit of your wages or automatic, scheduled
payments of your bills. The major bank cards (Visa and Master
Card) are accepted by most French businesses
for transactions in excess of €15. Cash
transactions must be made in Euros. Checks are used less and less in France.
Few businesses will accept checks drawn on
foreign banks. Exchange Rates
Exchange rates can affect the amount of money
you actually have.
A helpful web site for exchange rates is ‘The
Universal Currency Converter’ at http://www.
xe.net/currency or http://www.rbi.org.in/home.
aspx . It will take a little time to get used to
exchange rates. Just stay aware of them while you
are abroad, and pay special attention if you plan
to travel outside France. Also, remember that
exchange rates fluctuate daily depending on the
world economy. The longer your stay, the more
drastic the changes can be.
www.thomascook.in/Best-Live-Rates
Wire transfer
ATMS
If you are traveling on weekends, banks and currency
exchange agencies may be closed. You will most likely
be able to find various exchange companies that
do remain open every day, but they can have poor
exchange rates or charge high commissions, and they
may be difficult and time consuming to find.
ATMs offer a number of advantages. They are
often open 24 hours and the fees are minimal. The
exchange rate is immediate and often favorable.
However, if you plan to count on this as a means of
organizing your funds in France, you will want to
be certain your card can be accepted.
You can always exchange money at the airport
from which you are departing. Airports generally
have poor exchange rates, but if you are only
exchanging a small amount of money, it is a
minimal difference.
Using your Visa or MasterCard debit card is very
handy since it will be accepted internationally
as both a credit card and an ATM card just like
at home. Make sure that you know your PIN
numbers before you leave. In addition to debit
cards, there are ATMs worldwide that accept Visa,
MasterCard, and American Express and allow you
to make a cash advance with a PIN number. Debit
cards attached to a savings account will NOT work
in ATMs abroad. Talk to your bank about the
options open to you while overseas. Some banks
even offer a listing of all ATMs in the area where
you will be studying. As with credit cards, inform
your bank that you will be using the card abroad. If
you haven’t advised them of your intended use of
the card overseas, they may block it thinking it has
been stolen. Be sure to have the customer service
phone numbers that you will need to contact if
your card is blocked. (You should ask your bank
for the number to contact a person rather than an
automated menu if possible.) The best advice is to
plan on having money available in different forms.
Create a plan and be certain you have access to
enough funds to secure your lifestyle abroad.
Swift Codes; http://www.theswiftcodes.com/
france-bnp-paribas/
IBAN: International Bank Account Number
RIB: Le relevé d’identité bancaire/ Bank Account
Number
BIC: Bank Identifier Code
Cash
You should carry approximately 200 to 350 Euros
with you when you leave. This will save you time
and trouble once you arrive. This money might be
used for transportation from the airport to your
institute and it will also be helpful if you want to
purchase food or drink upon arrival. Having this
cash will prevent you from scrambling around
looking for a currency exchange booth. This is
especially important if you plan to arrive on a
Sunday.
Note: DO NOT carry too much money in cash: it’s
dangerous and cannot be replaced.
In addition to Indian debit card, you receive a debit
card and a cheque book on opening a bank account
in France.
assistance
Medical insurance
Students from countries outside the European
Economic Space who are under 28 years of age on
October 1 and enrolled in a recognized educational
institution for a program of at least 3 months’
duration are automatically enrolled in the student
segment of the national health insurance plan, part
of France’s social protection system. Students join
the plan when they register at their educational
institution. The cost of participation is about €200.
Some students (notably scholarship recipients) are
exempted from paying the fee.
After age 28, non-European students must join the
social security system through the health insurance
consortium closest to their residence. Addresses
for those organizations, known as caisses primaires
d’assurance maladie (or CPAMs), can be found on
the Web site of the social security system:
www.ameli.fr
Students from within the European Economic
Space (plus Switzerland) may take advantage of the
French social security system without additional
cost provided they obtain a European Health
Insurance Card valid for the entire academic year.
All other students (those staying for less than 3
months, and students enrolled in institutions that
do not participate in the French social security
system) must purchase an individual medical
insurance policy from a private insurance company.
In France, the annual cost of such policies runs
10
Medical
from €150 to €550. On average, social security
covers about 70% of the expenses related to an
illness. Students may obtain supplemental health
insurance coverage. The three largest student
group-health plans are:
•
•
•
La Mutuelle des Étudiants : www.lmde.fr,
active throughout France;
Emevia, an association of regional student
health plans: www.emevia.com;
Smerep: www.smerep.fr.
Multirisk Renter’s
Insurance
All dwellings must be insured against risks such
as theft, fire, and water damage. Insurance can be
purchased from private companies. Multirisk home
insurance includes liability coverage, meaning that
the policy holder is insured against claims from
third parties who may be injured in an accident on
the premises.
Note: Other types of insurance are also available,
such as automobile insurance, insurance for
participation in a sport, and insurance for
repatriation policy.
Social Security In
France : Terminology
Following is a useful alphabetical guide explaining
terminology used in the French Social Security health
insurance system. Affections de longue durée - Long term illnesses
These are severe or chronic illnesses for which Social
Security covers 100 percent of medical expenses.
Assurance maladie - Health insurance Health
insurance is one of the four branches constituting
the Social Security System which provides
universal, compulsory and interdependent Health
Insurance. Irrespective of age and state of health,
each beneficiary receives protection against the
risk and consequences of disease, for which they
contribute according to their means.
Ayant-droit - Dependant A person who is eligible
to the refund of medical expenses on the same
basis as the insured (dependents include spouse,
unmarried partner, PACS partner, child or any
other dependant person who has been living with
the insured for at least one year).
Carte Vitale - National health insurance card
The Carte Vitale (green health card) is the national
insurance card issued to anyone eligible aged 16
and over. It gives evidence of membership and
rights to French health insurance - an affiliation
to CPAM. It is issued on application to CPAM.
It contains all the administrative information
necessary for the refund of care:
•
Social security number
•
Details of health insurance scheme and topup insurance
•
Details of the relevant health insurance office
•
Full name and date of birth of the card
holder and their dependants
•
Details of any exemption or reduction
that apples to payments or entitlement to
supplementary universal cover
The Carte Vitale does not carry personal medical
information. The Carte Vitale should be handed
over at every health appointment (doctor, clinic,
hospital, pharmacy) that is equipped with a
computer able to read it. The patient will generally
receive reimbursement for treatment or medicines
directly into their bank account within five days.
Reimbursement is made according to income
level and the Tarif de Convention (or “approved
treatment cost”) currently in force. A Carte Vitale
has no expiry date but must be updated annually
inserting it in the green box at town halls and
some hospitals and pharmacies. A person without
a Carte Vitale eligible for state health insurance
will receive a feuille de soins (a brown receipt form)
from the doctor, pharmacist or hospital staff. This
is recognised by CPAM as a legitimate medical
payment. It should be posted to CPAM for
reimbursement.
Conventioné; Dépassement d’honoraires Government regulated; Overstepping of fees A
doctor’s fee depends on their position regarding
the Agreement which binds doctors with Social
Security. Fees are set to a fixed rate, the tarif de
convention.
•
•
Médecin Secteur 1: Doctors who choose to
adhere to the Agreement are “governmentregulated” (conventioné) and the fees charged
are in line with fixed rates
Médecin Secteur 2: Doctors who choose not
to adhere are “non-government-regulated”
(non-conventioné). In this case, they may
fix their fees freely while Social Security
only refunds the patient in line with the
government-set tariff
Degré d’invalidité - Grade of incapacity
Loss of physical capacity of an individual, assessed
as a percentage of normal capacity.
Forfait journalier - Daily hospital fee
This is the minimum amount that any inpatient
has to pay for any hospital stay exceeding 24 hours.
(It covers accommodation expenses). Foyer - Household
The “household” includes the applicant and
dependents: husband and wife, or cohabitant, or
partner bound by a PACS, children, parents and
the other persons in charge. Frais de soins - Health expenses
Expenses incurred to receive health care (medicine,
doctor’s visits, hospital stay, laboratory tests, etc.)
Incapacité permanente - Permanent incapacity
This is a permanent loss of the ability to work
resulting from an occupational injury (or travel
accident) or disease. Such loss can be either total
or partial.
Indemnités journalières - Daily allowances
Benefits paid to offset wage loss during a sickness
leave, a maternity leave, a paternity leave or an
occupational injury leave.
Médecin traitant - Primary care physician
The primary care physician is the medical
practitioner who knows the patient best and
maintains records of health problems, past
and present, way of life and habits. Having a
primary care physician helps to avoid repeating
tests; it also helps to stop the multiplication of
prescriptions. The primary care physician’s role is
to coordinate the different consultations and tests
necessary for the health of the patient (parcours
de soins). The primary care physician can be a
General Practitioner or specialist. For any medical
matter a patient should first visit their primary
care physician who will refer the patient to the
necessary health professional. Médicament générique - Generic drug
Generic drugs are copies of other medicines. They
are made of the same principal ingredients as the
brand-name medicines, have the same effect and
are as reliable. They are generally between 20 and
30 times cheaper than the brand originals.
Mutuelle - Mutual insurance company A mutuelle is an “association” which provides
top-up or complementary health insurance to its
members in exchange for payment. The top-up
insurance allows for better reimbursement for
health expenses by complementing the percentage
reimbursed by the Social Security. Parcours de soins coordonnés - Coordination of care
Coordination of care is determined by the primary
care physician who coordinates the involvement
of other doctors, and by the personal medical file
which records the main information necessary
about the patient. Medical monitoring coordinated
by a doctor who knows the patient well means that
the patient can be better and more suitably treated.
This also helps to avoid consultations and tests that
can be costly both for the patient and the French
National Health Service.
Régime d’assurance maladie - Health insurance
There are several types of health insurance:
•
General regime (often called simply
“Assurance maladie”), which covers most
people under the system (the employed and
retired people from the private sector)
•
Specific regimes which cover certain
professions such as farming and artisans
•
Special regimes (about 100), which cover
civil servants, mainly, and other workers from
the public sector (SNCF, EDF-GDF) and
ministers of religion
•
An obligatory regime is a health insurance to
which a person is automatically adhered to
because of their personal situation. Top-up
insurance can be added to the basic cover
provided by the social security. Rente - Occupational injury pension
Regular payment paid in compensation for a
permanent incapacity.
Sécurité sociale - Social Security
Created in 1945 and founded on the principle of
national solidarity, the Social Security system is
made up of four branches:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Health
Old-age
Family
Dependence
It guarantees workers against any kind of risk
that could mean a reduction in income: illness,
maternity, invalidity, accidents at work and
professional illnesses, old age, death, death of a
partner and family. This guarantee works by the
insured and their dependents being affiliated to
one (or several) obligatory regime. The Social
Security is made up of several dozen regimes, the
most important one being the general workers’
(non-agricultural) regime from which two thirds of
its payments are made.
Ticket modérateur - Top-up
The top-up represents the part of the charges not
covered by health insurance and which is paid either
by the patient or by the additional medical cover.
Tiers-payant - Third-party payment
This is when the top-up insurance automatically
pays all or part of the sum spent on health care.
It applies generally to payment for prescription
medicines prescribed by a doctor. The insured
presents the top-up insurance card (white) and the
carte vitale (green) to the pharmacist and makes
no cash payment. The pharmacist is reimbursed
directly by the top-up insurance and the social
security. Third-party payment can include other
services, particularly hospitalisation costs, once
agreed to by the insurance company.
Scholarship
Holders
Upon submission of the above documents, you will
receive:
•
Insurance for the first month
•
A cheque for initial expenses
•
An attestation ‘Egide’ acknowledging your
status as a French Government scholarship
holder
•
A student guide
Campus France Agency: www.campusfrance.org
Contact: scholarship.france@gmail.com
practical
information
Driving in France
If you hold a driving license issued in the European
Economic Area, this license is valid in France. If you
hold a driving license issued in a country outside
of the European Economic Area, you may drive in
France with your foreign license throughout the
entire duration of your studies, if you hold a student
residence permit. If you remain in France after your
studies, you have a period of one year in which
to request the conversion of your foreign driving
12
Scholarship holders need to report to the Campus
France Agency office nearest to their institution
(mentioned in the letter granting the scholarship)
and produce the following documents on arrival
in France.
•
Scholarship letter that you will receive prior
to your departure.
•
Admission Letter
Keep a set of birth certificate and academic records
(marks sheets and degree certificates) handy
though this may not be required.
11
information for
license into a French license. This period of one year
runs from the date of issue of a residence permit
other than a student residence permit
HEATING AND
ELECTRICITY
You can obtain information from the following
companies:
• EDF-GDF: www.bleuciel.edf.com
• Direct Energie: www.direct-energie.com
Grocery Shopping
Specialist stores
Your weekly food costs when you live in France
will depend on whether you shop at an out-oftown supermarket chain such as Carrefour or at a
local grocer, which will be more expensive. Stores
in most towns are small, quirky, and unique–not
dedicated to one-stop shopping. If you want a
baguette, you go to the boulangerie. You buy
cigarettes from the tabac, meat from the boucherie,
candy from the confiserie. Although there’s
nothing wrong with doing some of your bulkbuying at a supermarket, one of the great pleasures
of living in France is its markets. You won’t find
fresher fruit and vegetables–and you won’t find
goodies such as farm cider in a supermarket.
Main national chains other than food, found in
out-of-town shopping malls:
•
Sportswear: Decathlon, Sport 2000
•
Computer equipment: Boulanger
•
Furniture, white goods: Darty, But,
Conforama, Maisons du Monde
•
DIY : Castorama, Leroy Merlin, Brico
Dépot, Monsieur Bricolage, Weldom.
The main national chains:
•
The giants: Carrefour, Auchan, E.Leclerc,
Géant Casino. These stores sell virtually
everything useful for everyday living.
•
Supermarkets or neighbourhood “hypers”:
Super-U, Carrefour Market, Simply, Cora,
Casino, Intermarché, Ecomarché
•
City-centre supermarkets / department
stores: Monoprix , Galeries Lafayette
•
Hard Discount: Leader Price, Ed, Aldi, Lidl,
Netto
Pharmacie (chemists)
Pharmacies open and close like other small shops;
however, in towns there is usually a “pharmacie de
garde” or two open each Sunday too and sometimes
even at night. In towns with several pharmacies, a
rota system usually operates, and it is easy to see a
pharmacy which is open, as its green cross will be lit.;
but in small towns, where there are perhaps just one
or two pharmacies, it may be necessary to ring the bell
for service, particularly in the event of a night-time
emergency. In large towns, there are always some
pharmacies open 24/24: to see where they are on a
given date, consult local media for rotas or try googling
for “pharmacie de garde + n ame of town”
CONNECTED
Mobile Plans
On a contract:
Forfaits avec engagement are mobile plans taken
out for a minimum duration, usually 12 or 24
months, depending on the offer. The subscription
can be blocked to only include a certain number of
hours each month, it can be unblocked, or it can
be unlimited. These offers include a new mobile
phone at a reduced price. Bills are paid monthly by
direct debit.
The main mobile telephone providers are:
Bouygues Telecom, Orange, SFR, and Free.
Without a contract
Forfait sans engagement are mobile plans without
a minimum duration. The mobile subscription is
managed entirely online, and a new mobile phone
at a reduced price is generally not included upon
sign up. The main providers all have a ‘low-cost’
mobile plan including basic plans as well as
complete offers that include unlimited phone calls,
unlimited text messages, international calls and
Internet: SFR: Série Red, Orange: Sosh, Free,
Virgin Mobile etc
13
be
Prepaid offers
Prepaid offers, or pay as you go, do not require
a subscription. After buying the SIM card and
prepaid credit, calls can be made immediately.
Internet
The many Internet providers in France each offer
packages with ADSL, VDSL or optical fiber (plus
TV and telephone) for roughly the same price.
Comprehensive information on ADSL availability
in France, price and service comparisons can be
found on the website HYPERLINK “http://www.
ariase.com/” Ariase.com (in French).
A few Internet access providers:
• Bouygues: www.bouyguestelecom.fr
• Darty: www.dartybox.com
• Free: www.free.fr
• Numericable: www.numericable.fr
• Orange: www.orange.fr
• SFR: www.sfr.fr
Note: Check if your accommodation is equipped
with Internet before you sign up for a contract with
one of these access providers.
14
important
numbers & websites
HOUSING
Information
•
ACTION LOGEMENT - Eligibility
criteria for Loca-Pass program:
www.actionlogement.fr
•
ANIL - information on the right to housing
in France and related contacts:
www.anil.org
•
CAF - The French family assistance fund:
www.caf.fr
•
CIDJ - Notices of lodgings offered by private
parties:
www.cidj.com
•
CNOUS - The French national studentservice agency:
www.cnous.fr
•
DROIT EN LIGNE - Laws and regulations
pertaining to housing in France:
www.droitenligne.com
•
INFOLOGEMENT - General information
on student housing:
www.infologement.org
•
MA PIAULE - Public and private student
residences, by region:
www.mapiaule.com
UNCLLAJ - National union of local
committees for independent youth housing,
notices of vacancies at regional level:
www.uncllaj.org
Student housing networks and associations
•
ADELE, an association for the economic
development of student housing - private
student residences:
www.adele.org
•
CEP ENTRAIDE ETUDIANTS - for
students 18–26, lodging in Paris and Paris
region - €20 annual membership:
www.logements-etudiants.org
•
UNME, national union of student residences:
www.unme-asso.com
Private student residences in Paris and the
provinces
•
Antaeus: www.antaeus.fr
•
Cap’Etudes: www.cap-etudes.com
•
Fac-Habitat: www.fac-habitat.com
•
Groupe Réside Études - Les Estudines:
www.estudines.com
•
ICADE Résidences Services:
www.icade-immobilier.com
•
Nexity Studéa: www.nexity-studea.com
•
Mgel logement: www.mgellogement.fr
•
Résidences OSE: www.leclubetudiant.com
•
Le Service Logement Étudiant:
www.le-sle.com
•
Stud’City, uniquement à Clermont-Ferrand:
www.studcity-clermont.com
•
Studelites : www.studelites.com
The Private Sector
Student housing in the Île-de-France:
•
www.lokaviz.fr
•
www.pap.fr
•
www.entreparticuliers.com
•
www.paruvendu.fr
•
www.petites-annonces.fr
•
www.seloger.com
•
La colocation
•
www.appartager.com
•
www.colocation.fr
•
http://colocation.vivastreet.com/annoncescolocation
•
www.leboncoin.fr
•
www.pap.fr/annonce/colocation
•
www.colocationfrance.fr
•
www.easycoloc.com
•
www.ma-colocation.com
•
www.okroommate.com
(in English)
•
www.koloc.org
•
Sublets
•
www.souslouer.com
Intergenerational and family housing options:
•
Séjours France Familles (rooms in family
homes): www.sejoursfrancefamille.fr
•
Réseau COSI:
www.reseau-cosi.com
CULTURE
•
French federation of international music
festivals:
www.francefestivals.com
•
•
•
National monuments center:
www.monuments-nationaux.fr
Centre Pompidou:
www.centrepompidou.fr
France’s national museums:
www.rmn.fr/francais/musees/
Cité de la Musique:
http://mediatheque.cite-musique.fr
>Répertoire de sites>Diffusion
Sciences, a science and technology portal
(Cité des Sciences et d’Industrie, Palais de la
Découverte):
www.universcience.fr
WORKING IN FRANCE
•
Official information on regulation of
foreigners working in France:
www.service-public.fr
> Etranger - Europe > Etrangers en France
HEALTH INSURANCE
•
•
•
•
•
Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie
(CPAM):
www.ameli.fr
Cité de la Santé – Universciences:
www.universcience.fr/fr/citede-la-sante
La Mutuelle des Étudiants:
www.lmde.fr
Smerep, student group-health plan:
www.smerep.fr
Emevia, an association of regional student
health plans:
www.emevia.com
15
•
•
•
•
•
useful
MOBILE APPS
iTranslate: a simple word-to -word translator
(Free).
Myairport: provided by the Paris airport,
it gathers information on flights, timing,
directions, services offered, translator etc
(Free)
Air France: Your trip at your fingertips:
purchase tickets, check in, modify your
reservation, view your flight status etc. (Free)
RATP : Itinerary and metro map for Paris
(0.79 €)
Voyage-SNCF: book you train and plan
your trips in France or any neighborhood
•
•
•
•
•
countries (Free)
Troc des trains : to find second-hand train
tickets (Free)
XE currency exchange : it’s always useful to
have a currency conversion app handy (Free)
France 24 : Access world news anywhere,
24/7 and in real time (Free)
Lafourchette: to find good restaurants and
get discounts! (Free)
ParisApps: find all useful apps for Paris!
(Free)
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