Student Handbook 2015-2016 - Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle
Transcription
Student Handbook 2015-2016 - Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle
2015 2016 International Relations Office International Students Handbook Summary Editorial .................................................................................................................................... 4 Part 1 – LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL ............................................................................. 5 I. The International Relations Office ..................................................................................... 5 1.1 Service Overview...................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Your key contacts ..................................................................................................................... 6 II. La Rochelle Business School Presentation .......................................................................... 7 III. Organisation..................................................................................................................... 8 IV. Accreditations and Learning goals ................................................................................... 10 4.1 International Accreditatons ................................................................................................... 10 4.2 French Accreditations ............................................................................................................ 12 4.3 Learning goals ........................................................................................................................ 12 V. Research activity and knowledge transfer ....................................................................... 13 VI. La Rochelle Business School Internationalisation ............................................................. 20 6.1 The international dimension within La Rochelle Business School ......................................... 20 6.2 La Rochelle Business Students abroad................................................................................... 21 VII. The School’s special events ............................................................................................. 23 VIII. Corporate relations ........................................................................................................ 25 IX. ALUMNI: La Rochelle Business School Alumni association ................................................ 28 PART 2 – ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 29 I. Important administrative procedures BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE .................................... 29 1.1 Passports and visas ................................................................................................................ 29 1.2 Money matters ...................................................................................................................... 30 1.3 Getting to La Rochelle ............................................................................................................ 32 1.4 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 33 1.5 La Rochelle: Check-in and Orientation................................................................................... 34 1.6 Before You Leave Checklist .................................................................................................... 35 II. Important administrative procedures AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL IN FRANCE .......................... 36 2.1 Residence Permits – non EU Students ................................................................................... 36 2.2 Opening a bank account ........................................................................................................ 37 2.3 Health insurance .................................................................................................................... 37 2.4 Other insurance ..................................................................................................................... 39 LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 2 PART 3 – ACCOMMODATION................................................................................................ 40 I. Accommodation Service ................................................................................................. 40 1.1 Types of accommodation....................................................................................................... 41 1.2 ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORM ..................................................................................... 44 1.3 Methods of payment of the accommodation fees ................................................................ 45 I. Housing allowance (financial assistance) ......................................................................... 46 II. Accommodation financial information checklist .............................................................. 47 PART 4 – SCHOOL FACILITIES & SERVICES .......................................................................... 48 I. The Registry ................................................................................................................... 48 II. The Corporate Relations and Career Centre ..................................................................... 48 III. The multi-services subscription fee ................................................................................. 49 IV. The Library ..................................................................................................................... 52 V. School facilities............................................................................................................... 54 VI. IT Services ...................................................................................................................... 54 VII. Printing services ............................................................................................................. 55 PART 5 – Student Life in La Rochelle .................................................................................... 58 I. Living in La Rochelle ....................................................................................................... 58 II. School student associations ............................................................................................ 59 2.1 Student Associations Presentation ........................................................................................ 60 2.2 La Rochelle Business School Student Associations List - 2014 / 2015 ................................... 65 III. The school environment: catering, entertainment… ........................................................ 66 IV. Transport ....................................................................................................................... 67 V. Access plan to the School ................................................................................................ 68 PART 6 – Student life on the ANGOULÊME CAMPUS (Bachelor in Business Programme) .................................................................................................................................................. 69 I. A dynamic place to live ................................................................................................... 69 II. Living in Angoulême ....................................................................................................... 71 III. Major projects ................................................................................................................ 73 IV. The school environment: accommodation, catering, entertainment................................. 73 V. Access plan..................................................................................................................... 75 LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 3 Editorial Prof. Serena ROVAI Director of International Relations La Rochelle Business School « I believe that value creation in this century will come from mixing people from different cultures, backgrounds and competencies. Diversity will become a key issue in all spheres of life and it will be this blend which will produce, in many cases, a real competitive advantage. International education is no different in this respect and those students who have grasped the importance of diversity and see it as an opportunity for greater impact will undoubtedly succeed in the International Business arena. As international students, you are part and parcel of this process and we are happy and honoured to welcome you to La Rochelle Business School. I sincerely hope that the time spent in our School will turn out to be a defining moment for you as you contemplate your future international careers. Expatriation is always a daunting task since it is a time of self-discovery and learning to adapt to a new language, a new culture, a different education system etc. It really tests your ability to adjust quickly to new circumstances and surroundings. Our task in the International Relations Department is to facilitate your integration and to provide the best possible conditions for you to grow and to learn as much as possible from this experience. This Handbook has been designed to give you as much useful information as possible about the School, the town and the region. I sincerely hope it will assist you in adapting quickly to life in our School. I wish you a warm welcome to La Rochelle Business School and hope that your stay with us will be both profitable and enjoyable. » LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 4 Part 1 – LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL I. The International Relations Office 1.1 Service Overview The Department of International Relations is a department within the Business School which develops and coordinates activities and programmes to enhance the mobility of students, faculty and staff. It serves as an information centre, a link to institutions of higher education worldwide and a catalyst at every level for the internationalisation of the entire Business School community. The International Relations Department is finally a pool of international expertise working closely with key academic authorities and institutions worldwide. It boosts and educates La Rochelle Business School’s community towards globalisation in higher education. The key Department for all students’ international experience The whole team is available at all times to help students in the preparation and the organisation of their professional or academic expatriation: Help students in their choice of academic expatriation; Arrival, integration and orientation of international students in the School; Assistance in finding international internship placements ("Humacité" project included), in addition to the team of the Programme to which they belong. The expatriation assistance Department Throughout the year, the International Department organises key events such as workshops or "Global Village Days" in order to: Provide counselling to students for the choice of destination countries according to their study and career projects; Raise their awareness about cultural and social specificities in different geo-cultural areas; Help them in their administrative steps to prepare their expatriation. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 5 1.2 Your key contacts The Business School staff aims to make your stay in La Rochelle and at our School as happy and successful as possible. As such, the International Relations Department is available at any time to help you and to answer your practical matters and administrative requirements. As international students you have a number of contacts who can help you with your academic and administrative needs. ACCOMMODATION SERVICES The service provides short and long-stay accommodation solutions in apartments or home stays. Contact: Emilie BARADUC Tel: +33(0)5 16 19 62 54 v Email: accommodation@esc-larochelle.fr FRENCH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (IEF) Established in 1931, the IEF offers intensive French Language programmes for all proficiency levels. Taught by highly qualified teachers, classes provide personal attention and an introduction to life in France. Many international students start their La Rochelle Business School experience with the IEF. 0 v ERASMUS PROGRAMMES The service provides students with information about scholarships with the European ERASMUS scheme. v Contact: Géraldine CRESPEAU French Language Programmes Coordinator Tel: +33 (0)5 51 77 73 Email: crespeaug@esc-larochelle.fr ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES The International Coordinator in each degree programme provides information about their options for international study within the School’s partner university network. Contacts: v Bachelor in Business Bachelor in International Business Bachelor & MBA in Tourism Management Master in Management Katia BARBIER-PUENTE barbierpuentek@esc-larochelle.fr Luminita GEORGESCU georgescul@esc-larochelle.fr Marina KCHOUK kchoukm@esc-larochelle.fr These staff members are multilingual and highly experienced in looking after international students who are new to France. Any questions about your Programme or other academic issues should be addressed directly to the Programme Director and/or International Coordinator. You will be introduced to them upon arrival. Contact: Marie-Hélène WRIGHT Erasmus Coordinator Tel: +33 (0)5 512 77 22 Email: wrightmh@esc-larochelle.fr INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES v The service is responsible for the orientation and advising of international students. All new international students must report to the office on arrival in La Rochelle. They provide assistance with immigration related issues, international student orientation, crosscultural adjustment as well as personal issues. Contact: Claire FRESNAIS Tel: +33(0)5 16 19 62 50 Email: fresnaisc@esc-larochelle.fr Camille BERGE bergec@esc-larochelle.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 6 II. La Rochelle Business School Presentation Our Mission La Rochelle Business School (Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle) is a major regional actor. In a globalised world, characterised by change, complexity and uncertainty, the School’s core missions are to: (1) Provide undergraduate, graduate and executive business education whereby: - Learners (students and professionals) acquire the human technical and cultural skills and competencies to enhance their employability and receive guidance and direction to achieve their professional and personal goals; - Business organisations recruit graduates and address the professional development of their managers to meet the challenges of change and growth. (2) Develop knowledge in business and management through applied research and disseminate results to the academic and professional communities. (3) Contribute to the territorial and regional economic future by mobilising its networks and areas of expertise (sustainable management and tourism). The fundamental values and educational commitments of the School are: Respect, tolerance and trust Commitment and responsibility Honesty and integrity Teamwork and solidarity Sound knowledge of management disciplines Openness to the world and to others Responsible Management : Corporate, Social and Environmental La Rochelle Business School: identity card Now made up of 7 higher education teaching programmes, La Rochelle Business School has experienced continuous growth in its student numbers. The School’s ongoing development has been enhanced by its modern campus and its recognised innovative teaching approach. Founded in 1988, the Business School’s seven programmes include both bachelor and postgraduate programmes: the Master in Management – Grande Ecole Programme (ESC), the Bachelor in International Business, the Bachelor in Business, La Rochelle Business School of Tourism (Bachelor & MBA degrees), the Specialized MBA, the Business Foundation Program, as well as the Corporate Relations and Careers Centre and the Institute of French Studies (IEF). LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 7 While remaining faithful to its fundamental mission (higher management education), La Rochelle Business School has developed areas of expertise in two innovative sectors: sustainable development and the management of tourism and services. In order to ensure that its teaching content remains closely aligned to both current and future corporate needs, the School develops and maintains a large network of companies and university partners in France and worldwide. The School’s determination to achieve this objective is also illustrated by the professionalisation and the internationalisation of each study pathway. III. Organisation Key figures 3,280 students, including 780 international students – 28 nationalities – 170 academic partners in 47 countries 160 part-time teachers – 102 lecturers, including 27% with international backgrounds – 58 research faculty members 10,500 m² of facilities fully Wi-Fi equipped – 11,200 Alumni – 50 major corporate group partners – 42 clubs and associations The School is a non-profit organisation established in accordance with the French Association Law of 1901. The statutes of the association were modified in 2008 in order to lend more weight to the role of the professional world in the governance of the School. Today the La Rochelle Business school association is composed of the following colleges: The first college is made up of the Presidents of 3 local authorities and the President of La Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI); The second college is composed of 4 members designated by the La Rochelle CCI, a former student designated by the School’s Alumni association and a representative of the School’s Advisory Board; The third college is made up of 8 qualified personalities from the corporate world or from academia, designated by the first two colleges. The Management Council: General Director and Dean: Daniel PEYRON Company Secretary: Guillaume de SAINT LOUVENT LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 8 General Secretary: Henri JOUANIN Associate Dean, Marketing/ Communications/Development: Maxime GAMBINI Associate Dean, Programmes & Faculty: Olivier MAILLARD Associate Dean, Strategy /Accreditations/Internationalisation: Sarah VAUGHAN Director of Human Resources: Christine SZALAJSKI Director of Finance and Administration: Wilfrid SCHMITZ Executive in Residence: François SOULET de BRUGIERE Director of Corporate Relations: Jean-Michel CRAMIER Director of Educational Engineering: Erwan BUREL Advisory bodies The Board of Governors validates the School’s policy orientations, strategy and action plans. It is assisted in this task by an advisory structure: The Advisory Board examines the Schools medium and long-term challenges, analyses the key issues at stake and proposes major strategic orientations ; It is assisted by two advisory committees: The Research Committee, The External Review Committees of each Programme. The Management Council Its aim is to implement the policy orientations defined by the Board of Governors. Beyond the regulatory requirements (staff representation bodies), the Business School involves and consults all of its internal stakeholders in the context of a continuous improvement process: The Student Council (COVIE): provides a forum for consultation and discussions with students on all aspects of student life, excluding academic considerations; The Internal Review Committee: this committee verifies that the means implemented in each programme are appropriate to achieve the intended academic objectives. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 9 Student representation on the various committees is ensured as follows: Class Council & End of Year Exam Board 2 class councils are held per year with the student representatives (2 – 6 students per year group) 2 meetings per trimester with the Programme Director, the Student Representative meetings Director of Academic Studies and the Director of Experiential Learning and Personal Development (EDP) 1 meeting per semester, with 2 student representatives for Programme Internal Review Committee each year of the Programme Disciplinary Council 1 student representative elected by the students 4 times per year, 2 representative of each student association The Student Council (COVIE, Comité de la Vie Etudiante) and 2 student representatives from each Programme IV. Accreditations and Learning goals 4.1 International Accreditatons La Rochelle Business School holds four recognised international accreditations and certifications: AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) - AACSB accreditation places the School on a level of distinction and quality achieved by less than five percent of the world’s business programmes globally. TedQual (Tourism Education Quality for the Bachelor and the MBA in Tourism Management Programmes) - Since 2009, La Rochelle Business School of Tourism has been certified UNWTO TedQual by the World Tourism Organisation under the authority of the United Nations. Integrating the Global Code for Ethics in Tourism, TedQual sets international quality standards for quality and excellence in teaching, learning and internationally recognised competencies for the tourism sector. La Rochelle Business School of Tourism is the only French School to have LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 10 joined this exclusive club of 84 certified international institutions. EPAS (EFMD Programme Accreditation System) - La Rochelle Business School Master in Management and Bachelor in International Business Programmes have been accredited since 2011 with EPAS, awarded by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The accreditation of both those Programmes was renewed in 2014 for the maximum period of five years. AFAQ ISO 9001 (International Standards Organization) The ISO 9001 norm is part of the ISO 9000 quality management standards. It recognises that the School continually monitors, improves and manages quality across all operations. The School has been certified with the ISO 9001 since 2005. The most recent renewal was in 2013 for three years. La Rochelle Business School has been included in the Financial Times worldwide ranking of the best European Business Schools since September 2015. The recognition of La Rochelle Business School in this ranking confirms the quality of its entire range of degree-awarding programmes and places it amongst the TOP 80 of the best European Business Schools. Only 19 French institutions are included in this list. The Master in Management also entered the prestigious Financial Times Masters in Management 2014 world ranking, which positions the Programme amongst the top 70 Masters in Management worldwide. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 11 4.2 French Accreditations The School’s accreditation policy has enabled it to achieve the following awards: Admission to the “Conférence des Grandes Écoles” (December 2005); Renewal for 4 years’ duration of the French Ministry of Higher Education “ Visa ” authorization for the Master in Management, Bachelor in Business and BBA – Bachelor in International Business programmes; Renewal of the authorization for the Master in Management Programme to award a State recognised Master’s degree qualification for 4 years (Grade de Master) in 2014; Registration in the French National Registry of Professional Certifications (RNCP) has been awarded by the National Commission for Professional Certifications (CNCP) to the following qualifications offered by La Rochelle Business School: “Environment Management”, Level I (in 2013, for five years), for the Specialized MBA in Sustainable Development Programme; “Manager of Tourism Accommodation and Leisure organisations”, Level II (in 2012, for 3 years), for the Bachelor in Tourism Management Programme; “Sustainable Development Manager”, Level I (in 2012, for 5 years), for the Specialized MBA in Sustainable Development Programme; “Manager in Purchasing and Supply Chain”, Level I (in 2012, for 5 years), for the Specialized MBA in Purchasing & Supply Chain Management Programme; “Event Manager”, Level I (in 2012, for 5 years), for the Specialized MBA in Tourism and Services Management Programme; “Director of Tourism products”, Level I (in 2012, for 5 years), for the Specialized MBA in Tourism and Services Management Programme. 4.3 Learning goals The School’s general learning goals have been established for all Programmes by the “Assurance of Learning” (AoL) Committee in line with the Business School’s mission and value statements. These Learning goals illustrate the skills and “know how” characteristics that our students must acquire before graduation: Learning goal 1: Our graduates will be able to integrate discipline-specific knowledge across functional areas and use team skills to accomplish group tasks. Learning goal 2: Our graduates will have a global perspective. Learning goal: Our graduates will be effective communicators (written and oral skills). LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 12 Learning goal 4: Our graduates will be able to identify and to evaluate ethical issues as they relate to organisations and their social responsibility. Learning goal 5 - Undergraduate level: Our graduates will be able to effectively access and use information, as well as they will be able to research and solve business issues. V. Learning goal 5 - Postgraduate level: Our graduates will display analytical and research skills. Research activity and knowledge transfer Since 2004/2005, the year in which the School launched its research activity, the choice of specialisations developed and the recruitment of research faculty have given rise to a considerable amount of research work in Management Science disciplines and enabled the initiation of research work in line with the Business School’s mission namely, sector-specialised research in tourism and cross-disciplinary research in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Research conducted at La Rochelle Business School has three key objectives: To produce new knowledge to train our students so that they become vectors of innovation within companies; To help inform debate on current issues in society; To anticipate future evolutions within companies and organisations. We are convinced that Research contributes to the development of independent critical thinking abilities. To this extent, research contributes to the preparation of students and trainees for their integration in the world of work and also guarantees their employability throughout their professional career by providing them with sound managerial knowledge and the reflex of lifelong learning. Research orientations Our research orientations bring the School’s research teams together to work on shared projects, providing access to privileged field studies and ensuring the School’s visibility and recognition by different academic bodies, professional branches and business actors. The Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility and Innovation (L’Institut de la Responsabilité Sociale et de l’Innovation, IRSI) and The Tourism Management Institute (L’Institut de Management du Tourisme, IMT) of La Rochelle Business School strengthens our field of expertise and our ability to produce relevant studies. Their purpose is indeed to provoke reflection amongst business actors and to provide them with new frameworks of reference and new instruments and tools which will encourage more harmonious and sustainable economic development. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 13 Research Axis 1: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability (IRSI) This axis brings together researchers, teachers and stakeholder representatives who are conscious of responsible management issues. This coming together of like-minded participants is devoted to multidisciplinary research related to the various aspects of environmental strategies and policies within the context of Sustainability and CSR. The following issues are being studied as part of IRSI’s research: Innovative strategies in social responsibility and product valorisation; Brand equity and social responsibility policy; Responsible communication through the integration of product life cycle analysis; Integration of social responsibility via risk management and organisational learning; Management of stakeholder relationships; Integration of Social Responsibility by cost and performance management. Research Axis 2: Tourism Management (IMT) This second research axis unites researchers from different backgrounds (managers, geographers, sociologists and economists) in the development of multi-disciplinary research on the following subjects: Changes in consumer behaviour and experience, with particular regard to customer loyalty; Identification of the role of information and communication technologies in the definition of newly emerging occupations within the tourist industry; Promotion of the notion of quality within tourism companies and business activities; The environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism on Society; Analysis of the relationship between tourist business activity and the environment in which it develops, including the identification of sustainable tourism indicators. Research Axis 3 : Corporate Management (in process) This research axis gathers together researchers from various disciplines (management, law, economics, sociology etc.) so that they can work together in a cross-disciplinary manner on innovative issues such as: Company strategy and competitive advantage factors ; Financing the economy ; Organisational governance ; Organisational management and stakeholder loyalty ; Intercultural management. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 14 Research teams The success of the research strategy implemented by the Business School over the last ten years is due largely to its research faculty teams, but it has also drawn upon existing pedagogical expertise and the School’s educational programmes. To date, about half of our researchers focus their work on the School’s strategic research axes (Tourism and CSR) in accordance with their particular specialist expertise. The remaining researchers make occasional contributions in line with their academic area of interest. The two specialist areas of Tourism and CSR represent the School’s priority research axes. They are consistent with the key features of the city of La Rochelle and the Poitou-Charentes region. In particular, La Rochelle is reputed for its tourist and cultural activity (the Francofolies French music festival, the Grand Pavois International In-water Boat show, the International Film festival etc.). The city has also long been a pioneer with regard to sustainability (introducing a public bicycle sharing scheme in 1974 and a public electric car sharing scheme in 1986). Partnerships The School’s Research policy was initiated with a view to maintaining geographical proximity with the University of La Rochelle (ULR) and the CEREGE Research laboratory at the Poitiers University Business School (l’IAE de Poitiers). This resulted in the signature of two agreements: a tripartite framework convention with these universities in 2004, as well as a bipartite agreement with the CEREGE in 2004 and 2012. These partnerships have resulted in: Joint publications and delivery of papers; Research seminars (research methodology, research work presentations etc. ; The pooling of means and resources to organise scientific events; The participation of the Business School in the development of the Poitiers University Doctoral School as a result of its membership of the Laboratory Council; The possibility for the School’s qualified Research Professors to supervise doctoral theses at the CEREGE Laboratory. The Business School has also established tourism research partnerships with l’IMIS-ESTHUA at the University of Angers and with the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). These partnerships have resulted in the organisation of 5 bi-annual conferences known as “Les rendez-vous Champlain sur le tourisme” (The Champlain Tourism Conference) held in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. The 2014 conference has been held in La Rochelle. The Business School also collaborates with EIGSI Engineering School and HEC Montreal in the area of sustainability. Symposia and conferences La Rochelle Business School has gained legitimacy and recognition within the research field. This is demonstrated by the organisation and joint organisation of many scientific research events at both national and international level. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 15 For instance: The 7th ADERSE Conference : CSR and Innovation (La Rochelle, May 2010); The 15th Symposium of the Association of Information and Management (AIM): Information Systems and Sustainability, (La Rochelle, May 2010; Conference on the Integrated Management of Coastal Zones (Gestion Intégrée des Zones Côtières, GIZC), held in La Rochelle in June 2010; The Champlain Tourism Conference (Brussels in 2012, La Rochelle in May 2014; Co-organisation of the AFM Conference (2013); Organisation of the E5t Summer School (Energy, Energy Efficiency, Economical use of Energy and Territory) in 2013, 2014 and 2015; 4th edition of the “La Rochelle Day of Sustainable Development & Information Systems“ / 1st day event “Socially Responsible Investments“ (La Rochelle, 2014); Integrated maritime planning conference (2015) Co-organisation of the 6th Research CAMOT International Conference (China Association for Management of Technology), La Rochelle, 2015. Conference cycles Although La Rochelle Business School first mission is to offer a high academic knowledge, its top management is also convinced that accomplished managers can only be trained by hardly focusing on behaviours, personal development and openness to the world. La Rochelle Business School has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the local newspaper “Sud-Ouest” and the communications agency Diagraphe to offer to students and companies French conference series named “Les Débats de l’Atlantique” (Atlantic debates). 3 must-attend events for French speakers! Although the themes of the conferences deal with different issues one year after another, they always follow identic guidelines since they aim to invent new models. These latest, whether dealing with economical or sociological issues, are based on know-how, skills, talents, collective intelligence, trust and cooperation. Corporate Research Chairs Six Corporate Research Chairs have been signed since the start of the 2010/2011 academic year and they have focused on two key thematic areas. These are firstly: Social Responsibility and ISO 2600 with Fleury Michon and IMA Insurance; and secondly: Optimisation and Logistics in Multimodal transport with Alstom, Voies Navigables de France and Réseau Ferré de France. Furthermore, a diversity observatory was set up in 2010/2011 with the Regional Management of the Post Office. This observatory will stimulate our research teams’ exploration of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility and LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 16 will provide an ideal field of investigation for a number of our Postgraduate students as part of their applied thesis research. Fleury Michon Research Chair In April 2010, a Research Chair agreement was signed by the School with Fleury Michon for a three year period. The research work carried out within the context of this Chair in “Social Responsibility and Innovation“ will focus on two main themes: Integration and support systems for the future ISO 26000 standard; Good practices, initiatives and innovations in the domain of Social Responsibility and their adaptation to corporate processes. Alstom Transport Research Chair This Research Chair agreement was initially signed in November 2010 by La Rochelle Business School and Alstom Transport for 3 years. This Chair in “Social Responsibility and Innovation” focuses on the design of environmental and socially responsible improvements for Alstom Transport rolling stock (tramways, metro trains, TGV high speed trains etc.). Voies Navigables de France Research Chair Signed on September 30th, 2011, this partnership agreement focuses on the “Optimisation of logistics flows and multimodal transport“ for 3 years. It is intended to showcase the use of inland waterway transport and multimodal transport solutions. It is based on the expertise of La Rochelle Business School which has provided professional training courses in purchasing and logistics as well as research in the domains of the environment and sustainability over the last 10 years. IMA Research Chair Signed on June, 30th, 2011, for a three year period, this Research Chair aims to research and investigate the integration systems and support systems for the NF ISO 26000 standard (the guidelines related to the social responsibility of organisations) within corporate processes and organisational activities. These will be analysed within the context of IMA and will include analysis of good practice, initiatives and innovations within the area of social responsibility and will assess how these can be adapted to IMA’s social responsibility process. In order to guarantee the success of this project, IMA chose to draw upon La Rochelle Business School’s expertise and sound experience in the CSR field. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 17 Réseau Ferré de France Research Chair On August 2nd, 2012, Réseau Ferré de France (RFF) signed a three year partnership agreement with IRSI, La Rochelle Business School’s Research Institute for Social Responsibility and Innovation. RFF will participate in the activities of the Research Chair in the “Optimisation of logistics flows and multimodal transport“ by adding the rail transport dimension. RFF seeks to better define the needs of logistics professionals in France and overseas in order to offer them efficient and attractive modal shift solutions. The research work is organised around 3 key orientations which must remain consistently concrete, practical and usable by operators within the logistics chain: Research into methods, means and light structures which will make it possible to establish fruitful dialogue between road hauliers and rail transport at regional level ; Research into the ISO 26000 standard integration systems and support systems within RFF’s processes and business activity and for chargers likely to use multimodal transportation, particularly rail transport ; Research into good practice, initiatives and innovations in the area of multimodal transport and social responsibility and the ways in which these can be adapted to RFF’s social responsibility process. CEVITAL On June 12th, 2014, CEVITAL, which is the 1st Algerian private Group, signed a partnership with the School. Our Research Faculty supports CEVITAL in its CSR implementation and provides help in its economic and environmental performance improvement. Other research contracts are in the process of being developed. CleanTuesday Since 2012, through the Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, La Rochelle Business School has been a partner of the West Coast Clean Tuesday association which aims to support the development of “CleanTech“ projects, or “innovative eco-technologies“ in the western France regions of PoitouCharentes, Pays-de-la-Loire and Brittany. The association brings together sector professionals and specialists (start-ups, large companies, local authorities, investment funds, research centres etc. The RER Corporate Club (Rencontres Environnementales de La Rochelle) Created in autumn 2005, the RER Environmental Corporate Club has three types of members: Environment and Sustainable Development managers who wish to share their experience and debate on common subjects. They work in large French and international companies. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 18 La Rochelle Business School research faculty who brings its expertise in the resolution of environmental and social issues. Students who carry out case studies on identified company issues in the context of their projects. The RER, a genuine “community of practice“, aims to deal with current topics and prospective themes regarding Social Responsibility. The variety of company profiles present engenders a more opened and diverse debate than does the usual single specific business network. The meetings alternate between Paris and La Rochelle and include tours of industrial sites. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 19 VI. La Rochelle Business School Internationalisation How should management be addressed within the context of the global economy? How can managers be helped to manage cultural differences? It is the role of a Business School to answer these questions. The international dimension is an integral part of La Rochelle Business School – it can be found everywhere: in the multicultural diversity of the student body, in the internationalisation of the programmes, in the variety of experiences available as a result of international development projects and international partnerships… in this way the School truly reflects the image of its home city: at the gates of the Atlantic Ocean, open to the world. 6.1 The international dimension within La Rochelle Business School Key facts and figures 170 academic partners in 47 countries 3 international campuses : China (Beijing), the USA (New York) and Finland (Helsinki) 23 double degree programmes (with French and international partner institutions) 6 overseas offices: China, Morocco, Senegal, Mexico, Ukraine and Turkey. 1 International Business Week which gathers research professors and professionals coming from the 4 continents 9 taught foreign languages Almost 25% of international students coming from more than 28 countries More than 4,000 worldwide internship placements per year 1 dedicated student association: the International Students Office LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 20 Academic pathways taught entirely in English Students who enrol in most of the School’s programmes have the opportunity of taking all their classes in English via the “All in English Track”. This enables international students to take the full degree programme in English. They will work with French students with a good level of English who have opted to develop their managerial skills while improving their language skills at the same time. International recognition La Rochelle Business School guarantees that its students will be offered a coherent, international training programme that meets stringent academic and professional standards. Our international quality labels and certifications aim to assess and accredit the best programmes in business and management (bachelor, masters or doctoral degrees) and to compare them on an international level and ultimately to enable their improvement. Multicultural diversity The School currently receives 780 international students out of a total student body of 3280. Moreover, 35% of teachers and lecturers are of international origin, thereby providing an additional international dimension to the School which benefits from this strong cultural diversity. The presence of international students on campus fosters intercultural interaction between students and represents a real opening to the global world. It also provides students with the opportunity of building an international professional network while at the School. 6.2 La Rochelle Business Students abroad Experience abroad is a mandatory feature of all study programmes at La Rochelle Business School. There are a wide variety of ways in which this experience can be undertaken, each adapted to the student’s individual preferences and plans. The study abroad experience Improving language skills, further development of knowledge and skills – study abroad provides students with a wide range of benefits. Students are offered various academic experiences options, which allows a real personal and professional development choice*: A one semester to one academic year exchange in one of our 170 academic partners; A double-degree pathway; LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 21 A “multi-campus” pathway between La Rochelle, New-York, Beijing or Helsinki. * Admission procedure to these pathways changes from a programme to another and are subject to certain conditions. Study abroad is offered for the Master in Management – Grande Ecole Programme and for all the Bachelor programmes (a full year of study is compulsory for the Bachelor in International Business degree and academic expatriation if optional for the other bachelor degrees). World map of our University partners (April 2015)* * Admission procedure to these pathways changes from a programme to another and are subject to certain conditions. The complete list of our university partners and double-degrees is available on our website. Discovering life in a company abroad An internship is another type of international experience. While not only requiring good language proficiency, an internship abroad also offers a unique opportunity to learn about new management and organisational methods. Students will develop both their professional and intercultural skills and will benefit from a rewarding experience which will enable them to acquire skills and abilities which will make all the difference in their future professional life. “Humacité”: a humanitarian, social or civic project The “Humacité” project is a key component of the School’s approach to personal and professional development. All students, whatever their programme of study at La Rochelle Business School, devote 2 LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 22 to 5 months to a humanitarian, social or civic initiative, in France or abroad, working closely with populations in great difficulty. It is a unique experience which offers students a chance to experience a different environment and to discover others. Students who chose to live this experience abroad, most often in fast growing countries, achieve greater maturity while developing a sense of commitment and the capacity to bring about changes and adapt. These life lessons allow each student to excel and reveal his true potential. VII. The School’s special events Throughout the year, the School holds events, activities and meetings so that you can enjoy yourself and flourish on both a personal and professional level. You will find below an overview of some of our major annual events. October Student Associations Day All the cultural and sports activities available to students are present to tell you about their activity programme for the year. “Humacité” Forum Humanitarian, social and civic associations and institutions come to the School to meet students and talk about their work. Networking day: Company Forum These days are a real highlight of the year because they gather together national and international companies, small, medium and large-sized companies from a range of sectors: Banking and Insurance; Tourism, Industry, Retail Distribution, services: this is the ideal opportunity for students to discover occupations and activity sectors and to find out about possibilities for internships, work/study contracts or employment. February The International Week (organised in conjunction with the BDI Students International Office): The aim of this annual event is to create a global view of world trade and its economic Challenges, while offering the unique opportunity to discover the represented cultures within the School: Research professors and experts guest speakers present sectoral, economic and geographical development issues worldwide; Students who lived an academic or professional experience abroad share their stories; Meetings dedicated to international internship placements; Cultural entertaining events are organised by students: dance, cultural traditions, food tastings… A week raising intercultural awareness and allowing everyone to discover diversity! LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 23 March The Student Arts Show "Larguez les Âmes Arts" & Student Union Gala With theatre, dance, art exhibitions and music, this multi-artistic extravaganza showcases the many varied artistic talents present at the School. Village Departure by the Road Runners & Student’s Challenge Associations Since October 2012, and for a 3 year period, the Road Runners association is responsible for organising a car village known as “Le Village Départ Students Challenge” to mark the departure of the Students Challenge car rally road race. The Road Runners association provides 2 days of events organised around 3 main themes: new technologies and responsible transportation, road safety and accident prevention and motor sports. March The ‘Student Challenge’ is an eco-responsible car competition based on orientation skills and consistency. In addition to the sporting test it also incorporates the United Nations “Environmental Green Day” and the “Plant for the Planet Project”, a campaign which aims to plant a billion trees worldwide. Participants in the competition plant date-palm trees to combat the desertification of the land in Morocco and thus take part in collective, world-wide, volunteer action to combat climate change. The Island of Ré Regatta (Ile de Régate) A unique sailing event organised in La Rochelle by Sup de Co Voile, the School’s Yachting Club. The originality of this regatta lies in the fact that it enables handicapped and ablebodied sailors to compete together in teams on the same boats. The route leaves from the Minimes Marina and goes around the local islands, thus affording both beginners and experienced sailors the opportunity of discovering the beautiful stretch of water surrounding La Rochelle. April La Rochelle Beach Cup This major tournament gathers together more than 600 students from Business Schools around France. For one weekend, they compete against each other in sports played on sand: Beach Soccer, Beach Rugby, Beach Volley, Sand Ball and since 2011, Beach Basketball. Conferences & Seminars La Rochelle Business School organises since 2013 a seminar dedicated to energy issues the “e5T Summer School” (Université d’été e5T). This seminar is co-organised with the Engineering School of La Rochelle (EIGSI), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Rochelle and the e5T Foundation dedicated to energy, energy efficiency, energy saving and territory. This not-to-be-missed event brings together more than 250 guests and experts in order to think and to debate about energy issues. All students of La Rochelle Business School can attend this event for free. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 24 Graduation Ceremony Every year, La Rochelle Business Schools celebrates with both pleasure and pride its new graduates. Graduates, who are always wearing a traditional cap, a gown, and a programme coloured scarf* are the guests of honour of this special event and celebrate with their relatives this unique event which represent the end of their academic pathway. This key event is attended by around 3,000 guests and reflects commitment and entrepreneurial spirit. * These scarfs are made in India in partnership with the Taabar NGO. Profits provide food for 6 months to men who embroidered logos and finance self-defence classes of the women of Sneh Girls School. VIII. Corporate relations Key figures 6 Research Chair partnership agreements have been signed : with Fleury Michon, the Alstom Group, Inter Mutuelles Assistance, Voies Navigables de France, Réseau Ferré de France and Cevital More than 1,500 companies and 400 NGOs regularly receive the School’s students for internships or for international “Humacité” projects More than 300 professionals are involved every year for the oral admission sessions 619 ONG partners In 2014, more than 100 companies companies participated in the Business School’s various decision-making The involvement of companies in the life of the Business School Employability is La Rochelle Business School’s priority and therefore the School has always given corporate partners an important place in its governing bodies. This means that companies play a key role in discussions with the School management and may influence pedagogical choices within the programmes in order to ensure that our training programmes are closely aligned with corporate needs. Both French and international companies are represented on the following School bodies: The Board of Governors, The Advisory Board, LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 25 The External Review Programme for each programme. The Business School also receives and leads a number of corporate clubs, including, amongst others: The Club Poitou-Charentes ISO 26000 meetings in partnership with AFAQ; Company-oriented conferences: o Monthly breakfast meetings & the annual series of guest speaker talks; All the local business clubs (DCF, CJD, APM, GERME and regional business clubs). The Corporate Relations and Career Department The School created the Corporate Relations and Career Department in order to meet the expectations of professionals and to be able to provide them with solutions adapted to their needs. The Department incorporates 4 areas of activity all of which are totally dedicated to corporate matters: Key account partnerships division; Executive education division; The “Corporate Relations and Careers” Centre; The Alumni division. Key account partnerships This division establishes collaborative agreements between companies and La Rochelle Business School. These agreements define the services and interactions which are part of the partnership and enable both sides to benefit mutually from each other (recruitment of student interns, participation of managers in the teaching programmes, guest speaker talks on jobs and occupations, participation in the external review committees of each programme etc.) Each account is dealt with by a dedicated account manager who coordinates all these activities. Executive education The Corporate Relations and Career Department offers companies training solutions for their staff and managers. Whether in a customised or standard format, these training courses can lead to official degrees or certification, and in all cases guarantee a change in attitudes and methods. Short training courses financed as part of the French “DIF” system (Individual right for training); General Management; Commercial Management; International Management; LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 26 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability; Tourism and leisure; Personal Development, Coaching; Tailor-made courses designed according to corporate objectives and needs’ analysis; Banking & Insurance; Action Learning. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 27 IX. ALUMNI: La Rochelle Business School Alumni association ALUMNI’S NETWORK La Rochelle Business School now has almost 11,200 graduates living and working across the world on the 5 continents. This network, organised by the Business School’s Alumni Network, (known in French as “Alumni Le Réseau”), enables former students and final year students, to stay in contact with each other and to have privileged access to job placements and other specific events. To benefit, graduates and students must join the association. The Alumni association has a number of objectives: To monitor the career development of all the School’s Alumni, particularly by managing and updating the Alumni and Corporate database; To collate and publish job placements for School graduates; To maintain the link between the School’s training programmes and their year classes; To organise events or hold meetings for Alumni in La Rochelle, Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux, as well as in London and other international capital cities to maintain the link between graduates in their professional life and the School’s current students; To promote the School in order to facilitate the integration and development of professional careers. For more information about the association, or to meet up with the Business School’s Alumni network, please contact: Sandy Micheneau, Alumni Project Manager www.alumni-supdeco-larochelle.fr (in French only) Email address to contact the association: micheneaus@esc-larochelle.fr ; contact@alumni-supdeco- larochelle.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 28 PART 2 – ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES I. Important administrative procedures BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE 1.1 Passports and visas All students coming into France must have valid ID documents. If you are a citizen of the European Union*, an identity card from your home country will be acceptable for this purpose. If you are from outside the European Union you must have a passport from your home country. The passport must be valid for the full duration of your studies in France and contain the appropriate visa if necessary. *Member states of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Study Visa Students from the European Union do not need a study visa (please, refer to the above list). The same applies for students from the following countries of the European Economic Area - Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Andorra and Switzerland. Students from outside the European Union and who are studying for more than 3 months in France must request a long stay student visa. This visa enables students enter and stay in France. Please note that a tourist visa is not sufficient to undertake long term studies in France. If you do not have the appropriate visa you risk being expelled from the country. It is not possible to obtain a study visa once you arrive in France and if you arrive with a tourist visa, you will have to return home in order to get a study visa. You must apply for your visa at your nearest French Embassy or Consulate. As this can take quite some time we strongly advise you to apply for your visa as early as possible . Students living in the countries listed below are obliged to register with the CEF (Le Centre des Etudes en France – The Centre for Studies in France) to complete an online administrative file and obtain their visa: Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, India, Korea, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, United States and Vietnam. The procedure is outlined on the Campus France website: http://www.campusfrance.org/en/page/short-stay-visas-less-90-days LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 29 1.2 Money matters An international student applying for a visa must provide proof of sufficient solvency to the French Embassy. You must ensure that arrangements have been made to enable you to pay your fees on or before arrival as you will not be allowed to enrol until you have paid the required amount. It is not advisable to bring large sums of cash with you when you arrive in France so we advise the following options for bringing money to La Rochelle: Cash • Bring cash to cover the cost of taxis, buses, meals and other miscellaneous expenses. Your will want to bring a few hundreds Euros cash to help set up your accommodation. Credit cards are widely accepted though cash is prefered for making small payments. Bank Drafts • Bringing a bank draft to deposit is a safe mean of getting money in La Rochelle. However, a bank account can take 7 to 14 working days to be created, and bank drafts can take a further 7 working days to clear (before you can take money out of the account) Travellers cheques • You can bring money for the first expenses in the form of travellers cheques which you can deposit in your bank account once you arrive in La Rochelle. As most of the accommodation is self-catering, you will need to buy food on arrival. There are numerous shops, food outlets and supermarkets close by. In addition, we have a University restaurant (RU) situated near the School (around €3.20 per meal) and an on-campus cafeteria with prices for hot and cold meals averaging from €4.00 to €7.00 per meal. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 30 Obviously you will want to plan your finances as far ahead as possible. The total amount you will need will depend on your own personal lifestyle. However, based on the experience of previous international students, the approximate monthly budget for a student in La Rochelle including rent in a private apartment, food, clothes, books and spending money is given below: Accommodation and bills 550 € Housing benefit (CAF)* 120 € Food (campus cafeteria) 200 € Personal spending/extras 150 € Bus Pass (under 26 years old) 23 € ESTIMATED MONTHLY TOTAL 803 € * CAF: refer to page 46 We recommend that you open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving in France. Our International Student Services will provide help and advice on this matter when you arrive. To open an account in France most banks will require your School Student Identity Card (issued to you on enrolment), a letter confirming that you are enrolled at the Business School (provided by the Registry) and your passport. Most of the major French banks have branches near the Business School which are welcoming to international students. Cash points/ATM machines which accept all major bank/credit cards are located within a 5 minute walk from the campus. You should seek advice from your own bank before leaving the country as they may have a special arrangement with a bank in France which may be of assistance to you. You will receive further information about banking during the International Orientation Programme. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 31 1.3 Getting to La Rochelle All international exchange students who are receiving this document are expected to attend the Orientation workshops organised by their Academic Programmes. Please, do not forget to arrive in La Rochelle before those workshops. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the International Coordinator of your Academic Programme to get the exact dates (refer to contact details on page 5). Arrival by plane at La Rochelle’s airport Some international students will be arriving at the airport located in La Rochelle. There is a bus service running from outside the entrance that will take you into the town centre bus station, the fare is €1.30. A bus leaves once every 25 minutes or so from Monday to Saturday (no buses on Sunday). To get to La Rochelle Business School from the Place de Verdun (the central bus station) you will need to take the Illico bus and get off upon arrival at the “Rond Point de l’Europe” or “La Sole” stops. Arrival by plane at one of the main Paris airports Most international students will arrive in France at one of the two main airports in Paris (Roissy Charles de Gaulle or Orly - the website is www.aeroportsdeparis.fr) and will then need to get the train to La Rochelle from the Paris Montparnasse railway station. There is however another way to get to La Rochelle: by taking the train from Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport to Poitiers, and then on to La Rochelle. It is possible to take a suburban train (called the “RER”) and then the subway (metro: the website is www.ratp.fr) from the airports to get to the Montparnasse train station, but we strongly advise you to go by shuttle bus. Air France runs buses every 30 minutes to take you directly to the train station and not only will this make things easier with your luggage, but this way you’ll also have a guided tour of Paris! Air France Shuttle buses to Montparnasse train station From Orly Airport: take route 1 From Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport: take route 4 For more information about the times and fares of these shuttle buses, go to the following website and click on the route you are interested in: www.cars-airfrance.com LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 32 Travelling by train from Paris Montparnasse railway station to La Rochelle Direct high speed trains called “TGV” (Train à Grande Vitesse) run several times a day between Paris and La Rochelle. The journey takes about 3 hours. Please note that buying train tickets in advance is much cheaper than buying your ticket on the day of travel. It is possible to book your ticket from abroad using the following website: http://www.tgv-europe.com/en Travelling by car If you travel to La Rochelle by car, please remember the speed limits in France: • 130 km/ hour on motorways; 110 km/hour on dual carriageways; 90 km/hour on main roads and 50km/hour in built-up areas. You can plan your journey on the following website: www.viamichelin.com (Driving with a foreign driving license is allowed in Europe: http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/F1459.xhtml) 1.4 Climate Weather in La Rochelle is strongly influenced by the warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean which produces moist mild winters and sunny summers. You should this bring clothes for all seasons and weather. It is advisable, if you are coming to La Rochelle during Fall or Winter, to bring clothes that will keep you warm and protect you from the rain. F A L L Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in La Rochelle. In September and October it will still be quite warm, with daily highs of around 20°C. W I N T October heralds the start of the rainier period that lasts through winter. E R S U M M E R La Rochelle generally enjoy good summers. Although not as hot and dry as France’s south coast, the heat is pleasant and the skies sunny. S P R Summer ends from June to the end of September. In the peak months the average temperature is 20°C, with daily highs in the mid-20s and low averaging about 16°C. Winters in La Rochelle are quite cold but not bitterly so. The Gulf Stream ensures an absence of very cold winter temperatures with average highs below 10°C and average lows down to 3°C. January, the coldest month, below 0°C. It can drop below freezing frosts and snow are rare in La Rochelle. Rain and westerly winds from the Atlantic gain strength and can result in violent storms. I Spring arguably has the edge over autumn as there is less rainfall. Average temperature is around 20°C. N G LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 33 1.5 La Rochelle: Check-in and Orientation International Student check-in and Orientation workshops Each Academic Programme holds an International Student Orientation workshop for new international students at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. This workshop is mandatory for all new international undergraduate and graduate students, including exchange students. This workshop topics cover the School presentation and learning environment, the Academic programme objectives, introduction to classes and valuable information about life in La Rochelle on campus. During the orientation workshop, the International Relations Office staff will help you survive the first hectic days at School and ease your adjustment to La Rochelle. You will get key information about visa procedures, accommodation, money matters, healthcare, etc. The information and topics covered during orientation are essential to ensure a smooth transition to life in your new home! French Language Support (French Placement Test) All incoming students whose first or strongest language is not French will take part in an intensive French Language preparation seminar to help them practice and progress in French. A French Language Placement Test is organised at the beginning of International Student Orientation and your score will be used to determine the appropriate French class for you. Please note that all international students – registered in the different Academic Programmes of La Rochelle Business School – have the possibility to attend the French classes during their stay in La Rochelle and validate ECTS credits. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 34 1.6 Before You Leave Checklist Have you received an unconditional offer of a place on a program? Have you obtained the following documents for your journey? • • • • A valid passport A visa or entry clearance (if you need it) An air ticket Evidence that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and your housing and living costs Originals or certified copies of your qualifications Have you completed, signed and returned your acceptance and financial guarantee form/tuition fee payment agreement? Have you received full details of the course, the tuition fees and the cost of living expenses you will have to pay? Have you paid your tuition fee Deposit? Have you obtained insurance to cover your cash and belongings? Have you returned the Accommodation Form? Have you obtained medical insurance to cover emergency repatriation costs? Have you received information about the accommodation allocated to you? Have you had a health check at least four weeks before you leave your country? Have you completed and returned the Arrival Details Notification Form? Have you enough warm clothing? Have you enough cash and traveller’s cheques to cover your first few days in France? Is your baggage within the airline’s weight allowance (please check your ticket) • We have listed some of the things you need to check before you start on your journey to France. Further details are to be found on the Ministère des Affaires Etrangères website: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france/studying-in-france/administrative-steps/ LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 35 II. Important administrative procedures AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL IN FRANCE 2.1 Residence Permits – non EU Students If you are coming from outside the European Union you must apply for and obtain a valid student visa from the French Embassy or Consulate in your home country: If you are coming to La Rochelle for up to one year you must apply for a long term student visa. No matter what the marked expiry date is, you will need to validate your VISA within 90 days after arriving in France. The process can take up to 2 months to finish, so it is best to meet call in the International Student Services during Orientation to collect the information required to validate your visa. Please bring your passport, your visa and stamp of entry (usually done when you arrive in the French airport) with you. Students from the European Union do not need a Residence permit: they will simply need a passport/identity card, depending on which country they originate from (we strongly advise you to check with the French Embassy in your country to get sure about the exact required documents). If you are coming to La Rochelle for more than one year, you must apply for a resident’s permit at least 2-3 months before your VISA expires (at the end of your first year of study). Our International Student Services will supply you with the Resident’s Permit Application Folder and will explain the procedure and how to complete it. They will check the application and transmit your file to the local authorities (Préfecture) in La Rochelle on your behalf. Residence Permit (Carte de séjour) Those of you wishing to stay in La Rochelle for a period longer than 1 year will need to apply for this card toward the end of your first year of study. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 36 2.2 Opening a bank account For students living in France for a long period, it will be essential for you to open a bank account in La Rochelle. La Rochelle Business School and the BDI (The International Student Association) have signed a partnership with a national bank which proposes special advantages for students. Details about how to open a bank account will be given to you at the start of the new School year by the BDI. Feel free to come and see the BDI upon arrival. Required documents to open a bank account: A copy of your passport Proof of residence in La Rochelle (your lease or proof of accommodation if you are living in a host family) Your La Rochelle Business School Student Card (ISIC) or en enrolment certificate to the School. 2.3 Health insurance You may wish to have a medical examination before you leave your home country. If you do so, we recommend that it should take place at least four weeks before your departure and we advise you to bring the result of the examination with you. ALL international students are required to have health and travel insurance (including personal liability) for the entire period in La Rochelle. You must provide evidence of insurance on arrival. Health Insurance for European Students If you have state health insurance in your home country, you must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your national health service at least two weeks before leaving your home country. Thanks to this card, any medical costs at the doctor`s, chemist`s or in hospitals will be refunded in the same conditions as French citizens. If you don’t have health insurance in your home country you must subscribe to student health insurance when you arrive in La Rochelle. The fee for an academic year is around € 205. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 37 Health Insurance for non-European Students If you are under 28, you must subscribe to the student health insurance (social security) when you arrive in La Rochelle. After subscription, you will receive a Social Security number and a "Carte Vitale" (health insurance card) that you will use during your visits to the doctor or when purchasing medication at the drugstore. This card allows you to be refunded in the same way as French citizens for most medical expenses. If you are over 28, you cannot subscribe to the student health insurance. You have two options: You can take out a health insurance in your home country. You will therefore be able to provide health insurance certificate translated into French proving that all medical expenses will be covered in France. OR You can purchase private insurance. We often work with the following private insurance but you are free to subscribe to any private insurance. For more details, visit the website below: Student Welfare – www.peefrance.com The French healthcare insurance reimburses 70% of your medical fees (whenever you need to go to the doctor, dentist, gynecologist, hospital). In France, going to the doctor costs around € 23, that is to say that the social security will reimburse you around €14. Please, note that the reimbursement is effective a few days after your visit, you will thus have to advance your expenses. In order to obtain a reimbursement of 100%, you may buy an additional insurance called “mutuelle” directly at your healthcare insurance agency. If you do not subscribe to a “mutuelle”, the remaining fees will be at your own charge. The campus Student Health Service The campus Student Health Service provides a full range of health services to all enrolled La Rochelle Business School students. The staff at the clinic is professionally trained and is able to counsel students on health care needs. The clinic offers services including around the clock primary care, mental health, nutrition, contraception and sexual health and vaccinations. Medical consultations are for medical certificates only (internships, study abroad programmes etc.). 44, avenue Albert Einstein, 17000 La Rochelle. (‘Pôle communication, multimédia et réseaux” Unit) LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 38 2.4 Other insurance In addition to health insurance, you must have liability insurance. We advise you to subscribe to this insurance before leaving your country of origin to be covered during your trip. Whether you rent a studio / apartment in France or living in a family, you will have to purchase insurance Housing. Students will not be issued with an apartment key unless evidence of insurance cover for personal effects and personal liability is provided. If you need help to subscribe an insurance when you arrive in La Rochelle, we can inform you and give you the contact details of specialist insurance for students. Most banks offer insurance liability (RC). While you are opening your bank account, we suggest you to request an extension to the liability insurance. Also, be aware that many insurance companies can sell you a liability insurance, the price is about € 80 for a year. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 39 PART 3 – ACCOMMODATION I. Accommodation Service If desired, the Accommodation Service can assist you in finding accommodation in La Rochelle . What is this offer? 1/ Provision of housing advertisements in an apartment or host family of your choice 2/ Furnished accommodation / roommate / homestays close to school Your request will be handled by an estate agency or a private residence of the partner school, which will provide personalized support of your file, without charging you an agency fee. How to benefit from this offer? 1/ Fill Accommodation form available on page 44 and return it as quickly as possible. 2/ Adjust the € 150 application fee (see document "Terms of payment" on page 45). Please note that no return of the form and the Regulation on the date indicated on your admission letter, our services will be unable to assist you in finding accommodation. NB: • Accommodation Service charge is non-refundable in case of cancellation of your School registration. • The accommodation service provides support to students during their first installation in La Rochelle. If student subsequently wishes to move, he will be responsible itself of its housing search. • The Accommodation Service offer is open to newcomers. International students in further education cannot use it. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 40 1.1 Types of accommodation Host Family accommodation Living with a host family is usually a very rewarding and enriching experience. You will have an opportunity to discover the French way of life and improve your language skills by exchanging ideas and ways of doing things. The family will arrange to pick you up from La Rochelle train station or from the airport and will also provide assistance in finding your way around town. Our host families are carefully selected and regularly visited by our housing officer. We have been working with many families for several years. Homestay accommodation will provide you with your own room and you can choose to share breakfast and evening meals with families. If you do not take your meals with the family, you will be able to use their kitchen to prepare your own meals. In that case, please respect the French dining hours, i.e. between 7 pm and 9 pm. In a host family, it is important to respect the rules of the house, which are usually common sense rules (you cannot take a shower nor phone to your home country in the middle of the night). It’s important to check with the host family if you’re not sure whether you can or cannot do something. Always communicate to avoid misunderstandings. 1) Short stay: from 2 to 4 weeks NUMBER OF NIGHTS PRICE ROOM + BREAKFAST PRICE ROOM + BREAKFAST + EVENING MEAL € 120 € 147 € 260 € 350 € 400 € 490 € 540 € 662 1 WEEK (6 NIGHTS) 2 WEEKS (13 NIGHTS 3 WEEKS (20 NIGHTS) 4 WEEKS (27 NIGHTS) 1 B&B night: € 20 1 Half-board night: € 24.50 2) More than one month stay: Two available options: € 350 per month for a room – you may also have breakfast for € 2.50 and/or dinner for € 5 € 570 per month for a room (half board meal plan) The price includes Internet access and use of the washing machine once a week. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 41 Please NOTE For stays over 1 month: A € 200 damage deposit will be required at the beginning of your stay. Of course you will get it back afterwards if no damage has been done. Also, you must give back the keys that were given to you upon arrival. If you are staying with a host family, the exact period for your stay will be set in advance. If you wish to leave before the set date, you must notify your host family and the international relations office in writing. Please do so at least 1 month before the date of your move. If you do not respect this notification, € 100 will be automatically taken out of your initial deposit. No refund will be granted for the current month. Students in host family accommodation are not always eligible for Housing Benefit (refer to“APL” paragraph below). Please check with the Accommodation Service for more details. Apartments Housing costs in La Rochelle vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, such as the area, the proximity to public transport, condition of the property, whether it is furnished or unfurnished and whether or not utilities are included. Monthly rents range from € 350 to € 500. Booking an apartment If you are offered accommodation you will be sent a contract which sets out the terms and conditions of your residency. Your official acceptance together with the security deposit will make this document legally binding. NB: the offer of accommodation will be withdrawn and made to another student if you fail to confirm your acceptance by returned email. Contractual Arrangements (“BAIL” in French) Your accommodation contract should set out the terms and conditions of your residency together with details of your legal obligation. It should include the following: description of the accommodation duration of the contract the damage deposit initial and subsequent payment termination and departure arrangements Room assessment Before entering your accommodation you will be required to undertake a room assessment and this will be repeated on departure. This process will enable to assess whether any damage has been made to the accommodation and whether your security deposit can be refunded in full. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 42 In the event of damage or missing items, the landlord will deduct their value from the deposit. Any outstanding charges (rent, garbage tax…) will also be applied before refunding the deposit. The landlord is bound to return the deposit or the balance of deposit within two months after leaving your accommodation. Contractual Information The following list is not exhaustive but gives you an overview of some of the main points of your legal obligations: You must keep your accommodation clean, report all maintenance and damages, take full responsibility for your visitors and give full consideration to the regulations. You must take out insurance to cover both your personal effects and your legal liability for injury or damage to others or the property. If you cause any damage, you must pay for it. Utilities In apartment accommodation you will be required to pay for your own gas, electricity, water and possibly some other charges: Electricity/ Gas (EDF/GDF): an invoice is received for payment every two months or can be paid by bank transfer on a monthly basis. Water rates: this is usually included in the rates which are estimated on a monthly basis. The meter is read once a year to invoice you (or refund) according to the quantities used. Council tax (Taxe d’habitation) and garbage tax (Taxe “Ordures ménagères”): this is usually included in your monthly rates. Departure If you wish to leave prior to the date stipulated on the contract, you are required to give formal notice by registered mail. There is no refund if you go home early or wish to move accommodation. When leaving your accommodation at the end of the study period you are required to make the practical arrangements: Organising the electricity and water meters to be read and cut off Informing your insurance company of your departure date Arranging the room assessment and return of the keys If you need a temporary accommodation, you can contact the Youth Hostel (“Auberge de jeunesse”) which is located near the school: http://www.fuaj.net/homepage/larochelle/index.htm LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 43 1.2 ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORM Please send it back by email: accommodation@esc-larochelle.fr together with the €150 payment and the completed payment terms sheet (next page) Surname/Family name: …………………………… Male Female Nationality: …………………………………………. Permanent address: First name: ……………………..……...….……………… Date of Birth …………/……………/…………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Town: ………………………………………………. Country: ……………………………………………….. Tel: Mobile: …………………………………………… ……………………………………………… Email: ……………………………………………………………………………. Study period at La Rochelle Business School: Autumn Semester Spring Semester Full Academic Year Name of study programme at La Rochelle Business School: ……………………………………………………............. Indicate the exact dates of your stay during which you will need an accommodation * From: ………………/………….……/20…….… to ………………/………….……/20…….… * Note that our office can help you to find an accommodation for a September-to-June duration only. Accommodation offers: Please, tick the selected option Room in a host family € 350 Room + breakfast + diner in a host family € 570 € Individual furnished studio From € 400 to € 585 Shared furnished apartment (price per student) For 2 students: € 350-420 For 3 students: € 300-380 Prices above are non-contractual Any allergy or cat/dog dislike: ……………………………………………………………………………………….………………………….. * In case of a shared apartment, please mention the name of your roommate(s): Mr / Ms: …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………... Note that we need to receive each roommate Accommodation Request Form and the fee payment of each IN ORDER to deal with the request. Warning: lodging possibilities are different according to the duration of your stay, the availability and conditions requested by landlords. Depending on the time we receive your accommodation request from AND on the rental market, we can’t guarantee to entirely fulfil your request. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 44 1.3 Methods of payment of the accommodation fees Please send it back by email together with the Accommodation Request form on previous page Please tick the chosen method of payment: by BANK CHEQUE (in Euros) payable to: Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle by INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARD (Visa / Mastercard). For that, please complete the above information: Please indicate clearly the amount you would like to pay (in Euros): €…………………..………………. □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□/□□ □□□ Card numbers: Expiration date (month & year): Security code (3 last digits at the back of the card): Name of the card holder: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature of the card holder: By SWIFT BANK TRANSFER payable to Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle on the following bank account CREDIT AGRICOLE MUTUEL CHARENTE MARITIME DEUX SEVRES Agence de La Rochelle Minimes 12 avenue Albert Einstein 17000 LA ROCHELLE Tel: +33546283109 Bank Code Bank Code Account number RIB RIB 11706 11034 41348001000 50 IBAN FR76 B.I.C. (SWIFT) AGRIFRPP817 1170 6110 3441 3480 0100 050 Please, do not forget to indicate your name on the transfer and send us the bank receipt LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 45 I. Housing allowance (financial assistance) The French government provides housing assistance called "APL" (Personalised Housing) for some students. This allowance is given to students in possession of a visa validated by the OFII sticker, regardless of nationality, financing housing in France. It is given by the CAF, which is the Family Allowance. You will need to open a personal bank account in France and if you are not a citizen of a country member of the European Union or Switzerland, you must also have a residence permit. Having completed and signed your contract for rent, you must complete the APL application form and return it to: Caisse d'allocations familiales 4 bis avenue du Général Leclerc 17073 La Rochelle Cedex 9 You can also download the PLA application via their website: www.caf.fr Eligibility To benefit from the APL, you must: Being a tenant or roommate of a new or old housing (sized 9 m2 minimum). Housing in question must be your primary residence, with a lease in your name. Be in possession of a student visa with the OFII sticker The benefits are variable and are calculated according to your financial resources, the place of residence, the amount of rent and the type of occupation (shared or furnished). For students who have no declared resources, a minimum revenue is applied for purposes of calculation. Information on applying for the housing subsidy will be provided on arrival by the International Student Services Officer Claire Fresnais Students from outside the European Union holding a D visa stating "temporary residence permit exemption" are not eligible for housing assistance LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 46 II. Accommodation financial information checklist In residences or private accommodation: Security deposit or advanced contract fee: this is usually one or two months rents paid as a guarantee for damages. Subject to room assessment, the deposit will be refunded. Home insurance: it is mandatory if you rent a studio to cover property damage (fire, theft ...). You may be required to provide a financial guarantee for private accommodation in La Rochelle. Your financial guarantor must provide evidence of regular earnings and will be bound to meet all the accommodation costs (rent and rates). Fee for opening the electricity and water meters: this is not included in your rates and usually costs € 40. Council tax: equivalent to one-month rent and is payable at the end of the year by the occupant of the accommodation on 1st January of the given year LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 47 PART 4 – SCHOOL FACILITIES & SERVICES I. The Registry The role of the Registry is to assist students with administrative matters on a daily basis and throughout their course of study at the School. In particular, the Registry deals with administrative paperwork for internships and study abroad experiences both in France and abroad. This department is also responsible for the organisation of exam sessions in line with School Regulations. Throughout their academic studies, the Registry is available to assist students in the following ways: To provide a daily reception service and to answer questions To deliver and receive important information such as documents/class hand-outs, continuous assessment assignments, grade transcripts, enrolments for TOEIC sessions, the receipt, processing and sending of internship contracts, general questions about how the School operates, administrative processing of enrolment forms etc. The office of Claire Fresnais, the privileged interlocutor of international students is located in the Registry II. The Corporate Relations and Career Centre Open to all students at the Business School, the Corporate Relations and Career Centre, provides a bridge between academia and the professional environment. Its purpose is to assist students in their discovery of the corporate world, its occupations and the ways to gain access to employment. The Centre houses information on companies as well as a collection of books and materials enabling students to develop their tools for employability (CV, application letters, interview advice etc.). LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 48 The Centre also provides a place where students can meet professionals who come to the School to describe their company, provide advice on job applications (by individual appointment) or to participate in recruitment interviews. An advisor is available to welcome you to the Centre and to guide you in your research. Department Business and Careers offers many monthly workshops, including: Improve your internship search technique (in French and English). Boost your CV (in French and English). Submit your cover letter to a HR professional. Learn to present yourself in 3 minutes. Learn to build your network. Manage your online reputation on the net. Perform recruitment interview simulations. Understand how a recruitment process works (HRD intervention). In 2014, over 800 students have benefited from these workshops. They expressed a satisfaction rate above 95% at the end of their participation. III. The multi-services subscription fee The multi-services subscription fee (which has to be paid when the enrolment forms are submitted) gives students access to the following services: The Multimedia and Internet network You have 24 hour access to all the School’s bibliographical resources via your laptop from anywhere in the world whether you are on internship, on a gap year or studying abroad. You also have the same level of access from the self-service computers available within the School. Cyberlibris This is the leading digital library service in Europe. Today “Cyberlibris” includes more than 7,000 documents in French and in English. This online documentary resource provides full texts and is accessible to students 24/7 from any location in the world. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 49 The user has the possibility of annotating his/her preferred texts and can store them in his/her own “digital library”. The University Library Located just 5 minute walk away from the Business School, the La Rochelle University Library provides an additional service to that offered by the Business School’s “médiathèque”. It provides a borrowing and book consultation service. It also provides access to the entire range of bibliographical resources available in all of France’s university libraries. International Student card (ISIC) This card provides international recognition of your student status. It gives you the right to a certain number of services such as price reductions (cinema tickets, daily newspapers etc.) and access to foreign university libraries. Within the School, the card gives you access to the School’s photocopiers (including an initial credit for a fixed number of photocopies, which you can then top up as necessary). ISIC Insurance (New) La Rochelle Business School has negotiated a Group insurance contract for the benefit of all its students. ISIC insurance ensures you during your travels and stays abroad: Repatriation insurance Medical costs Liability Travel Assistance Luggage Impossible return A complete data sheet is available on the website of the School MyIntranet Intranet & Wi-Fi access This access service enables you to remain constantly in touch with the School. It provides access to classes and timetables, enables you to receive School “news” and to have an internal School email address. It is the main communication tool and means of communication between each Programme and its students. Through this system, student are therefore informed at all times about: LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 50 Information issued by La Rochelle Business School Its history, organisation chart, its strategy, values, important events at the School such as Company forums, the International Week, student associations and the Student Charter, including the Values Charter. Information provided by the Programme Class changes, room changes, the minutes of student representative meetings, class hand-outs posted on line by the academic team and summons to attend examinations Information provided by students Absence forms, administrative requests and requests for appointments. When they enrol, all students will receive a personal password. This must be kept private and confidential at all times. Each student is responsible for using his/her email account in an appropriate manner (cf. the Internal Regulations available on the school Intranet) and for respecting the School’s IT Charter. The Wi-Fi system covers the entire 10,500 m2 area of the School’s facilities and allows students to gain access to all online resources as well as to the networked printers/scanners/photocopiers. Printing Services Printing services are included in the multi-services subscription fee. Each student has a photocopying and printing credit of € 25. Further details of this service are provided on page 56. Microsoft Student Advantage As part of the "Microsoft Student Advantage" scheme to which La Rochelle Business School now belongs, students can take advantage of the possibility of installing the Microsoft Office ProPlus Suite free of charge for the duration of their study programme. Office 365 ProPlus provides a range of intuitive tools which are always updated and available from anywhere, whether online or not: (OneNote, Access and Publisher are not available for Mac computers) LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 51 Each student is authorized to install Office on 5 PCs or Macs and on 5 mobile devices (tablet, Android telephone, iPhone, Windows Phone etc.) in order to work at School, at home or while away travelling. As updates are made automatically, you will always have access to the latest version of Office with an optimal level of security. This offer is available via the Office 365 account which is given to each student at the start of the academic year. The University Medical Service This provides access to: An on-duty nurse, nursing care diagnosis, eye and hearing tests, vaccination service ; Medical consultations for medical certificates (internships, missions abroad etc.); A place where you can be listened to and receive psychological support Consultations for contraception and gynaecology; Nutrition and dietary consultations. IV. The Library Opening hours 62 hours a week From Monday to Friday: 8:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M. Saturdays: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M Contact: Tel.: +335 46 51 77 94 mediatheque@esc-larochelle.fr Library Resources 11,200 printed books 16,000 online materials 57 subscriptions to printed journals 10 databases Researching in these Resources: from My Intranet/Médiathèque/Catalogue Our online catalogue provides you with numerous research options: Access to news and tips of the library; LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 52 Find references and identify documents available in the library; Make online reservations; Access databases from both inside and outside the School; Consult thematic information flows; Access a selection of sites via a targeted research tool etc. Databases: The online resources are accessible from within the School as well as remotely, by using the links available in the “databases” tab on the Library website (Online catalogue/databases). You will be able gain online access articles from to tens of thousands of academic journals, electronic books, market surveys and financial data: Database Contents Press databases : access to articles in full-text versions Abi / inform Complete 5,745 referenced journals including 4,596 in full text versions. Business Source 4,170 journals referenced (indexing and abstracts) including 2,320 scholarly business journals. 3,267 journals available in full-text versions, including 1,662 peer-reviewed. Regional Business News 75 American business-focused periodicals in full text versions. Hospitality and tourism complete This specialised tourism database includes more than 749,000 archived resources. 440 full-text publications are available. Factiva Access to national and international newspapers and news bulletins and general interest and economic magazines (The Economist, Fortune, Time...) from 118 countries. More than 14,000 sources are available. Emerald Full-text multidisciplinary database offering access to 40 full-text specialised journals. Sale & Management 127 journals available in this French language database covering disciplines such as accounting, taxation, management, marketing, logistics and human resources. E-Books Scholarvox / Cyberlibris Unlimited access to 16,000 e-books including 11,000 specialised in management, accounting, tourism, environment… E-Books collection / Ebsco Acquisitions by e-book title. Finance database Altares / IODS Database giving access to Financial statements submitted to the commercial court registries by around 2.5 million French companies dating back to 2001. Financial, social and management data are registered as well as information on company leaders. Market surveys Pro’sector Sector surveys of the French market. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 53 Datamonitor: Marketline Collection of company reports and news stories covering key industries and including financial, macroeconomic and consumerism information. How to borrow materials from the Library? In order to enrol at the Library, you must show your student card and sign the Regulations. You may then borrow up to 4 books at any one time for a maximum of 15 days. The loan can be renewed at the end of this period, unless the book has been reserved. V. School facilities The School facilities are modern and were recently built. The whole surface area of 10,500 m2 houses the following rooms and work areas: 18 lecture halls (from 44 to 325 seats), 21 classrooms (18 to 50 seat), 1 language laboratory, 1 self-access IT room (known as the CYBER ESPACE) and 5 group work rooms (known as “Boxes”); 1 Library (420 m2 ): a work space area of 83 m2 and 3 group work rooms; 50 offices, 1 staff room for part-time teachers, 1 open space office for faculty professors, 1 reprographics centre shared with the La Rochelle Engineering School and 4 meeting rooms; A cafeteria (300 m2) shared by student associations and staff and a large reception room. All classrooms are equipped with video projectors or a flat screen. The whole building has Wi-Fi coverage making it possible to access online resources as well as the 11 printers in the ‘MULTIFUNCTIONS’ network. The School also has 2 videoconference facilities (I mobile and the other fixed). VI. IT Services For any questions about the use of the School’s IT resources, you can go directly to the IT Service (room 141) during the office hours which are reserved for students. Outside these times, you can ask for support or assistance by email or via the Sysaid portal which is available for this purpose (using a ticketing system). Two members of the IT staff are dedicated to receiving students in order to provide them with all the information they need to use the IT resources correctly, as well as advice and assistance. You are also asked to refer to the IT Charter posted on the intranet in order to understand the context in which IT resources may be used within the School. IT Service hours From Monday to Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. (non-stop). LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 54 Lap top computers Like many French Business Schools, La Rochelle Business School has fully integrated the use of laptop computers into its academic project. This equipment is compulsory for all newly enrolled students. Please note that a Windows 81 tablet can replace a laptop computer. If you already own a laptop computer, please note that a minimum configuration is required in order to connect to the School’s printers and network devices. Minimum configuration requirements: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Mac OS X (10.9 recommended) ; WIFI card 802.11b/g minimum; Up to date antivirus software (we recommend the use of free products such as Avast or MSE Microsoft Security Essentials); No illegally installed or pirate copies of software; Microsoft Office XP Pro 2007 (including Microsoft Access) or Microsoft Office 2010 Pro (including Microsoft Access)- Important information: in the framework of the partnership "Microsoft Student Advantage”, students receive for free, throughout the duration of their course, the ability to use Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus software (5 PC or Mac and mobile devices 5 devices). It is therefore not useful to acquire this software. Please, note that Macintosh computers (Apple) are not supported in certain programs with certain educational uses or business software. Special partnership Offers Every year, La Rochelle Business School negotiates special student offers with certain suppliers for equipment and software. The information about these offers will be sent to you through your School email account and will also be posted on the enrolment forms web portal for which you will shortly be receiving an access code. VII. Printing services For photocopies and printing, student self-service equipment is available (9 multi-function machines: printer/photocopier/scanner services) and located in various parts of the School. The exact location of the copying machines is shown on the intranet. 1 A tablet may replace a laptop computer provided that it is capable of functioning with the Microsoft Office suite and of installing applications. To date, only Windows 8 tablets allow for this kind of usage. iOS and Android tablets cannot therefore replace a laptop computer. We also advise against the use of Windows RT tablets. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 55 The use of your ISIC card enables you to access all the copying facilities and to print your documents. The “Follow Me” system enables you to release your print requests at the copier nearest to you. The copying machines provide colour or black and white prints in various formats (A4/A3, double-sided, etc.). You can also use USB sticks to print your documents directly on a copier (provided the original document is in PDF format) or you can scan a document onto your USB stick. It is also possible to print from a computer linked to a computer connected to the Wi-Fi network (PC or Mac) or to a tablet or smartphone (iOS, Android, Windows RT, and Windows Phone). To release your print requests, access the photocopy mode and on “Scan to mail” swipe your student card over the electronic reader located on the left-hand side of the machine. In order to do this, you will need to register, just one time, the “Myfare” number of your card by typing in your La Rochelle Business School login and password. Then at the bottom of the screen on the left, press on “Enregistrer une carte” and then swipe your card across the electronic reader. A small blue window will appear with a message confirming that your card has been registered. If this is not the case, you will have to repeat the registration process. For the “Scan to mail” option, it is not necessary to enter your email address as this is the default address. It is possible to print your documents (PDF and picture formats - bmp, Jpeg, tif only) by using a USB stick. This must be inserted into the USB port located at the front of the machine on the right of the touch screen. It is also possible to scan your documents onto a USB stick. A user manual is available on the intranet which describes these points in detail. Documents can be printed from a laptop computer or from a touch screen tablet. In order to do this, please contact the IT Service so that the necessary drivers can be installed. Black and white printing: For black and white print requests, select the “Black and White” printer in the list of available printers. All printing is set to a double-sided default setting. If you wish to change the print setting you must do so in the printer properties menu before printing. Printers are located outside the Cyber-Espace room in the following places: the Research Corridor on the ground floor/ The library/ On the ground floor in the main corridor / In the 2 nd Hall /In the International Hall on the 1st floor / By the Exam Department on the 1st floor/ In the BB and BI corridor on the 1st floor. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 56 Colour printing: For colour printing, select “Color” in the list of printers. Prints are produced by default in colour and double-sided. To change the print settings, go to Properties and change the settings before printing. The colour printers are located outside the “Cyber-Espace” room and on the 1st floor by the Student Accounts Department. Printing credit: At the beginning of September all students have a € 25 printing (this allows for 500 b/w A4 sized copies or 125 A4 colour prints). An A4 black/white is charged € 0.05(including VAT) and an A4 colour print is charged € 0.20 (including VAT). You can top up your print account in cash at the “Kiosque” (Tech’Support desk) throughout the day and can choose the required credit amount (€ 1, € 2, € 10...). LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 57 PART 5 – Student Life in La Rochelle I. Living in La Rochelle A dynamic, friendly and welcoming city, La Rochelle provides an exceptional setting in which to live and work. As a historic seaside and maritime city it delights visitors with the quality of its environment and by the wide range of economic, tourist, cultural and sports activities which it offers. A privileged environment With an exceptional rate of annual sunshine (2,400 hours per year, or in other words, as much sunshine as on the French Riviera) and its close proximity of the islands of Ré, Oléron, Aix and Madame, La Rochelle provides a privileged natural setting to live in. Moreover, it benefits from its reputation as a city committed to sustainable development which is reflected in the city’s various actions in this area. Its prestigious heritage, preserved and enhanced over the years, also contributes towards making La Rochelle a great place to live in. An expanding University Centre Located by the sea-side and close to the historic city centre, La Rochelle University is resolutely open to the professional world and to the institutional and international environment. Almost 15,000 students frequent this centre of higher education - a number which continues to increase each year. Today, the University Campus includes an Institute of Technology (IUT), faculties in Law, Sciences, Literature, History-Geography and Languages, as well as La Rochelle Business School and the EIGSI Engineering School. It also has a university library, university restaurants, student halls of residence and several sports and cultural facilities. A dynamic economy Located in the centre of the French Atlantic Coast, La Rochelle and its surrounding conurbation constitute the leading economic centre of the Poitou-Charentes region. From water sports to food industries, from information technologies to communications and tourism or the transport industry, La Rochelle is home to a large economic fabric of small and medium-sized companies as well as to 15 large corporate groups. Some 7,000 companies contribute to the development of the local economic environment. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 58 A genuine, lively cultural heritage All year round, life in La Rochelle is punctuated by artistic, cultural, sporting and festive events of international reputation. Major annual events: Les Francofolies: Modern French music festival: www.francofolies.fr The International Film Festival: www.festival-larochelle.org The TV Fiction Festival: www.festival-fictiontv.com The Jazz Festival: www.jazzentrelesdeuxtours.fr The documentary film festival “Sunny side of the doc”: International Documentary Film market reserved for professional filmmakers. www.sunnysideofthedoc.com La Rochelle Marathon: www.marathondelarochelle.com The Grand Pavois Boat Show: www.grand-pavois.com II. School student associations Taking part in a student association … this is a great way of learning by doing. The knowledge which is useful when you take action often stems largely from the action itself. Because experience and experimentation play a large part in the success of academic study, La Rochelle Business School includes in its academic programme in the 1st Year a “SCAP” (Sports, Communications, Associations and Promotion) module, which provides students with the opportunity to get involved in a team project of their choice either within a student association or sports club or as part of the Promotion activities for the School’s Communications department (education fairs, Open Days etc.) Student associations also provide excellent management training experience for those who choose the Entrepreneurship Pathway in the 1st Year of the Master in Management – Grande Ecole Programme or in the Experiential Association in the 2nd year of the Bachelor in Business programme. During their mandate, students manage their association, their projects and their teams. They benefit from additional management training and customised coaching. This is a unique experience in which they are responsible for: LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 59 a team; a budget which may be more than € 250,000; One or more projects incorporating marketing, sales, financial, ethical, environmental, or humanitarian issues etc. Assisted and supervised by professionals and managers from the School, these students are initiated into the role of a project manager and are faced with real managerial situations. 2.1 Student Associations Presentation Student associations at La Rochelle Business School include 10 non-profit organisations set up according to the French Law of 1901 and a large number of other clubs. These associations develop around 40 large-scale thematic projects which account for an annual economic activity worth more than € 600,000. Projects involve at least 500 active members including about 400 students on SCAP projects and about 60 project managers. Assemblée Solidaire Associative (ASA The Assembly for Solidarity between Associations) ASA brings together all the associations with official 1901 Law non-profit making status. Its purpose is to promote collaboration and to harmonize activities between associations, particularly by coordinating the student associations’ events calendar in conjunction with the Student Life and Organisations management team. Contact - asa@edu.esc-larochelle.fr ASA oversees 2 entities: 1) LR Boutique: The creation and management of a line of clothing and accessories in the School colours. The sale of these items makes it possible to raise funds for student association projects. Contact: lrboutique@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 2) Sponsoring & development: S&D looks for and maintains local and national partnerships for important association event Contact: sd@edu.esc-larochelle.fr The Student Union (BDE) : the cornerstone of student social life The BDE welcomes all students and provides the link between students and the School Administration teams. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of student association projects by providing financial support with money from the BDE subscription fee paid by students. The BDE organises several student entertainment events in close cooperation with other student organisations: integration events, School Evening parties, cultural and sports outings, student service offers etc. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 60 Contact: bde@edu.esc-larochelle.fr / http://www.bde-esc-larochelle.fr The MBA branch of the BDE, Masters’In, organises events specifically for students in the Master’s degree programmes. Contact: mastersin@edu.esc-larochelle.fr The International Students’ Association (Bureau des Internationaux, or BDI) The BDI is devoted to the welcome and assistance of international students attending La Rochelle Business School. It provides assistance with their administrative procedures, opening bank accounts, finding accommodation etc. The BDI also organises visits to discover regional and national places of interest and puts on events designed to encourage contact between French and international students. For the last two years, the BDI has created and edits a practical guide book for all students on the La Rochelle Campus. Written in both French and English, the booklet is called “Le Petit Moussaillon” (which literally means The little cabin boy). As a leading player in the International Week held in January/February by the International Office, the BDI organises entertainments, themed meals, cultural meetings etc. But the BDI also sets up challenges such as the “Sup de Cook” Cookery Competition. The 3rd competition held in April 2015 confirmed the success of this initiative and strengthened the reputation of the BDI at local level. Contact: bdi@edu.esc-larochelle.fr The Students’ Arts Association (Bureau des Arts, or BDA) The BDA supervises and coordinates the different clubs which develop artistic activities (dance, drama, music and wine appreciation etc.). It promotes these activities for both beginners and more experienced participants. The BDA oversees various entities: 1) Ames-Art: organises the annual BDA show entitled “Larguez les Ames Art”. This performance combines drama, dance and song and provides both budding and experienced artists with the opportunity to show off their talents. All the clubs from the artistic section contribute to this great show. Contact: amesart@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 2) Oeno Terre Happy: OTH is the School’s wine appreciation society. The association invites oenology experts to initiate participants in the discovery of top “grands crus” wines and organises outings to visit vineyards and learn about wine-producing techniques. OTH has created an energy drink called “ESCAP” which is sold within the School and at certain outlets in La Rochelle. Contact: oth@edu.esc-larochelle.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 61 3) Zicness brings together singers and musicians of all different styles and influences. They entertain at evening parties and various events at the School and at external venues. Contact: zicness@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 4) Lez’Art is for drama enthusiasts: improvisation matches, theatre shows etc. Contact: lezart@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 5) Deep n Dance: introduction to and practice of dance in a variety of styles, choreography and performances at student association events. Contact: deepndance@edu.esc-larochelle.fr Well’Com Well’Com brings together media design enthusiasts working on all types of communication supports for all the School’s associations and/or internal School services. The association also offers its skills to the professional world by proposing services to external companies Well’Com includes the following clubs: 1) Canal Sup: provides photo and video coverage of association events: nothing escapes the notice of Canal Sup! 2) Sup’Actu: is the club for the School’s reporters. Whether the subject is an association, sporting or institutional event, Sup’Actu is there to provide journalistic coverage and relay the information across the various media channels (internet web sites, Facebook, blogs etc.). Contact: supactu@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 3) Ad’Design: provides graphic designs, communication support and advice for the creation of posters and marketing support materials. 4) Le Récap: the post-events news programme which reports on association events and life at the School. 5) La Superette: records media creations and productions (photos, videos, posters etc.) on the Well’Com web site. : http://lasuperette-well.com/ La Rochelle Actions (LRA) LRA, Service Provider Marketing and meets the needs of businesses offering students paid assignments in the areas related to the teachings of the School: commercial prospecting, canvassing and customer inquiry ... LRA also developing a marketing research service on behalf of companies. LRA forges links with the association of former students of the School, businesses pool Contact: lra@edu.esc-larochelle.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 62 Student Sports Association (BDS) The BDS has two main responsibilities: the management of physical and sports activities in collaboration with the University Sports Service (SUAPSE, Service Universitaire des Activités, Physiques, Sportives et d’Expression) as well as the organisation and management of sports events for the School. Contact: bds@edu.esc-larochelle.fr The BDS includes the following clubs: 1) Sport n’ Co: coordination of the sports teams involved in inter-university and business school competitions, in close collaboration with the SUAPSE and the CRSU. 2) Road Runners: for car enthusiasts, who enjoy the freedom of the road, Road Runners offers the opportunity to show off your driving skills: initiation in karting, participation in inter-Business School competitions such as the “ESSEC 24 hour race”, Road Runners assists, advises and supports teams in their preparation for the two car rallies in the Moroccan desert: the “Students’ Challenge” and the “4L Trophy”. In addition, Road Runners organises the departure village for the Students’ Challenge and is responsible for the reception of all the competing teams. Contact: roadrunners@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 3) Gliss Spirit: is for those who enjoy sliding sports, either on water or on hard surfaces and who are beginners or experienced practitioners. Gliss Sport offers introductory sessions during outings and weekends devoted to ‘slide sports’. The “Students Gliss Game”, a new highlight of the sporting calendar takes place at Sables d’Olonne during May. Contact: glisspirit@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 4) LR Beach Cup: Organisation of the biggest student tournament for sand sports in France: 800 participants for one whole weekend with 5 different disciplines: handball, football, basketball rugby and volley ball. Entertainment and activities organised by the various BDS sports clubs (displays, introductory sessions, demonstrations–surfing, sailing, etc.) Contact: lrbeachcup@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 5) Nautics Games: Organisation of water sports competitions between students held at the Old Port in La Rochelle: a sporting and highly entertaining event! Contact: nauticsgames@edu.esc-larochelle.fr 6) Polo & Sea: in partnership with the equestrian centre “La Petite Ecurie”, this latest addition to the sports section offers horse riding enthusiasts the opportunity to discover the game of polo. Contact: poloandsea@edu.esc-larochelle.fr Sup’Citoyenneté Sup’Cit focuses on social and civic actions. It manages a number of key projects: Solidarity Events: blood donor sessions with EFS, collections of toys and clothes for the underprivileged. Participation in collections of food for the “Restos du Coeur” charity and for the national Food Bank. Activities and events during the Telethon etc. Be’Epi, the Student solidarity food store: in partnership with local charitable associations Be’Epi helps students on the La Rochelle university campus who find themselves in need. It provides access to food LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 63 and hygiene products for the symbolic price of € 1. Cookery demonstrations and workshops on preventive healthcare are also offered. Contact: beepi@edu.esc-larochelle.fr ENACTUS: every year Sup’Citoyenneté selects a certain number of its projects to be presented at the international ENACTUS competition. This competition is a veritable breeding ground for entrepreneurial social development projects set up in France or abroad. More information is available at www.enactus.org Contact: supcitoyennete@edu.esc-larochelle.fr Sup de Co Voile (La Rochelle Business School Sailing Club) Sup de Co Voile sets up sailing teams and takes part in local and/or national regattas (Course Croisière de l’EDHEC, Spi Dauphine, Match Racing etc.). It has also started the development of a major student sailing project, the “Sup Sailing Cup”. The association organises introductory sailing sessions and promotes sailing and university water sports in collaboration with the SUAPSE. Contact: supdecovoile@edu.esc-larochelle.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 64 2.2 La Rochelle Business School Student Associations List - 2014 / 2015 Radio Campus LR 1901 Law Association Assemblée Solidaire Associative (ASA) – 1901 Law Student Union (BDE) - 1901 Law Association Association Develops a solidarity fund for association projects; coordinates projects, supervises associations events International Student Association (BDI) 1901 Law Association Welcome and integration of all students, organises events, supports association Welcome and integration of international students, organises events, resource for overseas experience Student Sports Association 1901 Law LA ROCHELLE ACTIONS Student Radio station Well’Com 1901 Law Association Sup de Co Voile (Sailing Club) 1901 Law Association SUP ACTU SPORT’n CO CANAL SUP SUP EVENTS ROAD RUNNERS GLISS SPIRIT Sailing training La Superette Design and advising: websites, brochures, posters, logos Photo/video: coverage of association, sport and institutional events Institutional Web Competitions: local, national and European regattas Course Croisière EDHEC Spi Dauphine Voile découverte: mini cruises open to students and Sup Sailing Cup staff: La Rochelle Student Regatta Communication: Monitors social media: MAIN PROJECT Sup Sailing Cup Legal structure Attached clubs Projects LR Beach Cup Nautics Games Polo & Sea Sport training and competitions: university and inter- Business Schools. Management of the Sport SCAP module Events, sports Participation in the 4L Trophy & Students Challenge Organisation of sports events: Village départ, LR Beach Cup, Nautics Games Sup’ Citoyenneté 1901 Law Association 1901 Law Association AssociationAsso loi 1901 Association AD’DESIGN Le Rattrapage Arts association 1901 Law Association LEZ’ART ZICNESS Les Têtes en LR DEEP’n DANCE ESCAPE AMES ART OENO TERRE HAPPY Artistic and cultural activities: drama, music, dance, cinema, wine-tasting, Performances: concerts, exhibitions, … Event organisation: Larguez Les Ames Arts, Organisation of activities for companies: Market surveys Marketing research Paid sales assignments Organisation of civic events: blood donors, toys…, Téléthon, Student solidarity Food Bank Be’Epi Awareness-raising activities MAIN PROJECTS MAIN PROJECT MAIN PROJECT MAIN PROJECT LR BEACH CUP LARGUEZ LES AMES ARTS Professional Conference ENACTUS Competition VILLAGE depart “Students LARGUEZ LES AMES ARTS LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 65 III. The school environment: catering, entertainment… Located at the heart of the university campus in the Minimes district, La Rochelle Business School is situated in an excellent location and in particularly pleasant surroundings. The School accounts for almost a quarter of the La Rochelle student community. Food and catering services The School cafeteria A lively, friendly space, the School cafeteria is the best solution for short lunch breaks. University Restaurants (known in French as the “RU” or Restaurant Universitaire) The four “RU” on campus all provide breakfast and dinner during the academic year. Meals at the RU are paid for by the Moneo card which can be topped up with credit from your bank card, for whatever amount you wish. Culture, sport and entertainment A city full of History, La Rochelle will charm you with its architecture, its monuments, its geographical location, its climate and its very special atmosphere. It is also a cultural and sporting city. The CharenteMaritime department is a major tourist destination which offers a myriad of sites to visit, including its three beautiful islands Ré, Oléron and the charming little Aix. To find out more: La Rochelle Tourist Office: http://www.holidays-la-rochelle.co.uk/ La Rochelle City website: http://www.ville-larochelle.fr/en/home.html Le petit moussaillon: Local ‘what’s on’ guide booklet including information on entertainment, outings and leisure activities available from the International Student Association Office (BDI) LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 66 IV. Transport Located just 2.5km from the Old Port, La Rochelle Business School is in the centre of the Minimes district. Reputed for its wide range of transport facilities, La Rochelle provides students with bus services across the city, but you can also combine this with other means of transport: the Illico bus + bicycle+ water taxi. A student transport card, “Le Pass’ Transport”, provides a reduced student rate. A bike loan service is also organised by the La Rochelle Municipal services and is available at the Tourist Office. You can also use the sea bus water taxi service which connects the Old Port to the Minimes Yacht Marina. The city of La Rochelle offers a wide variety of public transport environmentally friendly. We strongly recommend that you purchase a monthly bus pass at student rates (www.rtcr.fr). For only € 23 per month, gives you unlimited access to all buses priests Rochelle and its surroundings. This subscription also gives you free access to the following transport: The sea bus that takes you from the old port at the Minimes. A supplement may be required on board. The ferryman who crosses the old port to take passengers to the other side. Other transport methods are available: The yellow bikes or "Yélo" are yellow rental bikes. This system works through automated bicycle rental facilities available at different locations of the city. An annual subscription is required. It costs € 25 (or € 20 if you already have a bus pass. The first half-hour of use is free, however, in case of daily rent longer term rates are charged by the hour. www.yelo-larochelle.fr Municipal taxis take passengers from one stop to another at discounted prices. The Mobile Yélo electric cars can be rented by subscribing to a monthly subscription. The rate is per hour. www.yelomobile.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 67 V. Access plan to the School LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 68 PART 6 – Student life on the ANGOULÊME CAMPUS (Bachelor in Business Programme) I. A dynamic place to live The CIFOP Campus of Angoulême Campus, which is over 16 hectares, offers a pleasant environment for all students. Student accommodations, self-service, sports fields... environment allows the living everyone to follow his training in ideal conditions. The Campus is located in the municipality of the Isle of Espagnac, 2 Km away from Angoulême. It is a true place of exchange which combines both students and employees following executive education ... It is a reference organisation in the landscape of the initial and continuing training. Accommodation 4 residences within the campus CIFOP: 200 fully equipped single rooms (sanitary, 90 cm bed, wardrobe, table, chairs, bedside table ...) 6 rooms accessible for people with reduced mobility An accommodation & food package for students with a work/study rythm A dedicated Office to answer all questions A monitoring service to ensure students’ security Luggage storage available to residents on arrival and departure The residences open from Sunday evening to Friday morning Free parking nearby Life on campus: recreation and relaxation areas, a dynamic socio-educational association offering various entertainments, sports activities and a gym LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 69 Services & facilities on Campus Facilities Description Total area: 16 hectares Total area of facilities: 31,140m² Number of buildings: 30 Isle d’Espagnac facilities Number of classroom: 111 Number of workshops: 9 Number of parkins: 9, covering 728 lots Sports Complex: 3 (1 gym - 1 football field - 1 rugby field) Dedicated to teaching (classrooms): 640 light and client computers 35 Laptops 18 servers 3 ESX Projectors in almost all classrooms 23 A3 / A4 and printers, colour, black and white Computer equipment and information systems - WIFI access with 47 passive terminals and a videoconferencing controller CIFOP Dedicated to the administration (administrative and teaching staff) : 120 computers 9 servers 2 ESX 2 secured storage 16 printers 7 copiers 1 firewall for Internet access and administrative pedagogy Computer equipment rental EMCA: 25 HP Z420 stations + screens 35 HP Z230 stations + screens 45 HP Z600 stations + screens Computer equipment and information systems - ACER Veriton M6620G 21 stations + screens EMCA (École des Métiers du Cinéma Animation) 45 HP Z620 stations + screens 1 HP server storage area + 1 QNAP Backup Server Computer equipment: 1 LENOVO 1 TOSHIBA laptop 2 shelves SAMSUNG slates Staff 140 employees 250 external stakeholders LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 70 II. Living in Angoulême The South West Balcony Based on a plateau overlooking the 80meter valley of the Charente, the city is known as the “Southwest balcony”. It is both a commercial and administrative town, with a university centre and a vibrant cultural life. It is dominated by the famous international festival of comics which largely contributes to the international reputation of the city. Of its tumultuous past, the city, which is recognised as an art and history town, has inherited a historical, religious and urban background that attracts many visitors and tourists. A land of Industry and Innovation As the largest industrial centre of the region, the Charente Department is now a land of innovation in the areas of image, video game, mechatronics, design and packaging. An international opening With the Cognac as the leading product, 95%of which is exported, Charente is open to the world and places at the heart of international trade an entire sector: the “Spirit Valley”. A specialised higher education system Several schools of engineers and university sectors have been created in recent years at the initiative of the universities of Poitiers and La Rochelle, CESI and CNAM. A city in motion The “Espace Carat” isn’t just the Parc des Expositions (Exhibition Park), neither the “Centre de Congrès” (Congress Centre), it is more multipurpose than Zénith, and comparable to Bercy in Paris. The “Espace Carat” hosts events both at a regional and national level, such as consumer or trade shows, trade fairs, corporate events, seminars, conferences, congresses. It also organises concerts, shows, festivals and sporting and cultural events. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 71 Angoulême, the city of festivals... Many activities are offered throughout the year in Angoulême and in its area: International Festival of Comics Comic designers, writers or amateurs coming from all around the world meet every year in January, in Angoulême for exhibitions, drawing competitions, dedications, professional exchanges www.bdangouleme.com French Film Festival in Angoulême (FFA) Created 6 years ago, the festival brings together the biggest names of French cinema (writers and directors) who attend many premieres www.filmfrancophone.fr Circuit International des Remparts (International Fortifications tour) During 3 days, old vehicles are showcased for a competition of elegance, tourist rally or the legendary Circuit international des remparts. www.circuit-des-remparts.com Gastronomades The meeting of reference for all gourmets, at the heart of the city, with cooking classes, tastings, exhibitions …www.gastronomades.fr In addition to these festivals, many other cultural activities are offered to the inhabitants of Angoulême and Charente such as museums, Romanesque heritage ... without forgetting the famous painted walls and the "NEF" site, which is a site of reference in terms of distribution, support and practice of contemporary music! Last but not least, there is also lots of available sports: martial arts, athletics, basketball, billiards, bowling, golf ... Everyone can find his sport of interest in Angoulême or nearby. Other annual events: Mixed Music Festival: www.musiques-metisses.com Festival Piano en Valois: www.piano-en-valois.fr Festival Head in the clouds: festival organised by the theatre of Angoulême. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 72 III. Major projects Two current developing projects will bring a new image to Angoulême … The future LGV Tours-Bordeaux train line, which is expected to be ready in 2017. Angoulême will be located 35 minutes away from Bordeaux and 1h35 from Paris. The new "Alpha" media centre which will open in late 2015, near the Angoulême train station. It will be a new place of living and meeting for all residents of the city. In addition to a rich collection of 150,000 books, CDs, DVDs, video games and old books, the centre will have a 100-seat auditorium, an exhibition area, positions accessible computers ... IV. The school environment: accommodation, catering, entertainment Accommodation CROUS La Croix du Milieu 16 400 La Couronne Tel: +335.46.25.51.51 – direction.angouleme@crouspoitiers.fr Residence Sillac 6 rue du Colonel Chabanne 16000 ANGOULEME Tel: +335.45.25.51.51 - residence.sillac@crous-poitiers.fr Residence L'auberge Espagnole 14 rue Saint Cybard 16000 ANGOULEME Tel: +335.45.25.51.51 - residences.angouleme@crous-poitiers.fr Social residence Isabelle Taillefer 14-16 rue des Cordonniers 16000 Angoulême Tel: +335.45.38.79.39 - fjtccas@mairie-angouleme.fr LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 73 Locappart16 Youth Information Centre Place du Champ de Mars 16000 Angoulême. Tel: 0+33.45.37.07.30 - locappart16@sfr.fr / www.locappart16.fr Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and from 1:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Friday from 1:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M Restaurants A cafeteria. A teaching restaurant, "L'Amphitryon", for those wishing to enjoy a cuisine served by students from the hotel and catering industry. A Language Teaching Centre, regular bus lines to reach Angoulême and its surroundings, a privileged location in the heart of business ... A RU (University Restaurant) in the city centre 3 restaurants run by the CROUS "The Breuty", "The Nile" and "Crisp" are open to all students enrolled in a higher education institution. LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 74 V. Access plan LA ROCHELLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK 2015-2016 75