“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence ...

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"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux". - Marcel Proust

(The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.)

PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

You are about to embark on what we hope will be a very rewarding experience. Good planning and keeping an open mind will be important in these final stages of your preparation.

This Pre-departure guide aims at giving you a clear overview of the issues to consider leading up to your departure.

We wish you a safe journey and a successful international experience.

Bon Voyage

Pre-Departure Guide | CampusFrance 1 / 34

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THEY’VE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT… ................................................................ 3 IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ..................................................................... 5

Passport .......................................................................................... 5 VISA .............................................................................................. 5 TRAVEL INSURANCE ................................................................ 6 AIR TRAVEL ................................................................................ 6

The FRENCH VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE ................................................. 6 REGISTRATION AT THE INSTITUTE IN FRANCE ................................................. 8

TRANSCRIPTS ............................................................................. 8 BIRTH CERTIFICATE ................................................................ 8 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC) ......... 8

SCHOLARSHIP HOLDERS ..................................................................................... 8 CARTE DE SÉJOUR - TEMPORARY STAY PERMIT (applicable to students with stay in France for more than one year) .................................................................. 10

PROCEDURE .............................................................................. 10 7 PACKING YOUR BAGS ...................................................................................... 11 8. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO FRANCE ....................................... 13

TRAVEL ABROAD .................................................................... 13 TRAVEL RESOURCES .............................................................. 13

MONEY & MEDICAL MATTERS ............................................................................ 14

EXCHANGE RATES .................................................................. 14 TRANSPORTING MONEY ....................................................... 14 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT ............................................... 14 CASH ........................................................................................... 15 TRAVELER’S CHEQUES .......................................................... 15 CREDIT CARDS ......................................................................... 15 ATMS .......................................................................................... 16 MEDICAL MATTERS ................................................................ 17

LANGUAGE PREPARATION ................................................................................. 17 THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE ........................................................................ 17 CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ................................................................................... 19

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT CYCLE ....................................... 20 FOOD ........................................................................................... 22 YOUR SAFETY .......................................................................... 22

TRAVEL ................................................................................................................ 23

EXCURSIONS ............................................................................ 23 HOSTELS .................................................................................... 23 MODES OF TRANSPORTATION ............................................. 24

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH HOME ....................................................................... 24

MAIL ........................................................................................... 24 TELEPHONE .............................................................................. 25 E-MAIL ........................................................................................ 26

STUDENT LIFE ...................................................................................................... 26

LIVING ACCOMMODATION .................................................. 26 LIVING WITH OTHER STUDENTS ......................................... 26


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LIVING WITH A HOST- FAMILY ........................................... 27 LIVING WITH A GROUP OF INDIAN STUDENTS ............... 27 POLITICAL ACTIVITY ............................................................. 28 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS .................................................................. 28 TIPS FROM PAST STUDENTS ................................................. 29

FRANCE ................................................................................................................. 30

FACTS AND STATISTICS ........................................................ 30 Important Web sites ............................................................................................... 34 Important contact details: ....................................................................................... 34

THEY’VE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT…

Testimonials from Indian students who have studied in France:


Studying in France is a great experience, allowing students be part of competitive and challenging courses and to meet new interesting people. Being part of the French student body is one of the best openings into the country’s rich cultural, historical and political heritage. Possibilities are endless for anybody who’s willing to work hard, take a chance and give the whole experience one’s all! - Smitha Chakravarthy, Graduate - Sciences Com’, école de communication, Nantes

I now have a French degree, and a job offer from a French company. This for me is the successful conclusion of a personal project which would not have been possible without the help of Campus France all along the way. I can trace it all back to June '04 when I started learning French at the Alliance Française de Bangalore - Hareesh V.H. Graduate - Euromed-Marseille Ecole de Management

N+i program gave me a tremendous opportunity to come to France and a platform to excel, learn and grow. However, you need to have a vision along with a dream; it’s not a cakewalk until n unless you are really focused. The INSAs have a world wide reputation for their achievements in the field of Science and Research and it has been pleasure to be a part of this institute. The courses were really good, especially the labs and the infrastructure to support project work in final year of the M-tech. - Pankaj Thakkar, Graduate - INSA Toulouse (n+i), Sales and Marketing Executive, ALSTOM Power France

The International MBA in Grenoble was a rigorous course with plenty of classroom sessions, case study assignments and finally the industrial internship coupled with a 25000 word thesis. The multicultural classroom with people from Peru, El Salvador, China, Japan, Mexico, Canada, all across Europe meant that we learnt a lot from each other. And then of course skiing, wine and the French cuisine... - Mahesh Marathe, Graduate - Grenoble Graduate school of Business, Associate, Media & Entertainment; Infosys Technologies Ltd

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IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport

To travel outside of your home country, you must have a passport. You

should already have applied for a passport if you don’t have one, but if you

haven’t, you must apply for one immediately.

Important points to note:

• Your passport should be valid for the ENTIRE duration of your stay

in France.

• Emergency Passport: On payment of Rs.1,500/- extra under the

“Tatkaal” scheme, you can receive your passport in a week or in ten

days.

• It is advisable to pay Rs.500/- more and get a “Jumbo passport” with

extra pages.

• Getting the ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) stamp is a

relatively simple procedure. Please do so before you leave.

• A passport is a valuable document, especially when you are abroad.

You must be careful with your passport since it is the document that

allows you to travel.

• Since it is possible to lose you passport while abroad, please make

sure that a set photocopies of this all-important document is left

behind with your family and another set in your unaccompanied

baggage while traveling.

• You will need the passport number for various reasons during your

travels, so keep it handy or memorize it.

VISA

A passport is an international document that is recognized by all countries. Visas represent each individual country’s way of regulating visitors’ passage through their borders. Each country varies with regard to its entry restrictions. If you are required to have a student visa for the country in which you plan to study, you must apply for it at the consulate or representative agency of the country where you are planning to study or visit. (See section 3, page 6, for information on Visa application procedure…)


Important!http://passport.gov.in/

http://www.amb-inde.fr/

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Determine clearly if the travel insurance policy meets your

anticipated travel needs for the first three months.

• Travel insurance is not the same as health insurance. Some travel

insurance packages will offer additional health coverage but you

should be clear about the details of your coverage if you purchase

these packages.

• From the point of view of the French Consulate, your insurance

policy must cover you for at least three months from the date of

onward travel and it must have a repatriation clause. This will be one

of the documents you will need to produce during the visa application

procedure.

AIR TRAVEL

• Purchase a flexible ticket, if your finances allow you to, to make

changes in planning easier to accommodate.

• Students going on long-term programmes may consider buying a one-

way ticket.

• Ensure that all ticket details are correct.

• Reconfirm your flight at least 72 hours prior to departure.

• If you are transiting, ensure that you have relevant information on airport

terminals and on transit visa regulations.

• Plan how you will get from the airport to your institution or place of

accommodation before you leave India.

• Arrive early enough to allow time to settle into your accommodation and

new environment.

• Communicate your travel itinerary and contact details with the institute

in France. This might be useful in emergencies.

• Check appropriate websites for travel advice.

• Inform your airline that you have an International Student Card. This

may allow you more baggage!

• If you are already in touch with other students going to the same

institute, contact them to coordinate your travel plans if possible.

• TGV tickets can be booked right away. Or fly!

The FRENCH VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Once your travel plans are fixed, seek an appointment from the assigned Consulate

for submission of the visa application file and for the actual stamping. You may please


Important!

www.lonelyplanet.com

www.travelwatchdog.com

www.seatguru.com

www.flymycase.com

www.hostelworld.com

www.lowcostbeds.com

www.whatsonwhen.com

www.travelblog.org

Important!The French institution will help

you with the insurance

packages available in France.

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contact the VFS for this (http://www.vfs-france.co.in/). You will then need to get an

appointment with the Education Adviser of the nearest CampusFrance office to obtain

a NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE. The entire process will take between a week and

ten days from the time you have finished your NOC interview.

The list of documents you will need to carry for the appointment with the Campus

France Counselor are:

• Valid passport (first and last pages)

• Copy of bio-data (CV)

• Copy of academic records (Class X, XII, Bachelor's and other degrees -

certificates + marks cards of the same)

• Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of finance + Bank statement for the last six months (In the case of

Parents / Guardian sponsoring the course, bank statements of the Parents /

Guardian + letter from the sponsor)

• Overseas medical insurance coverage (for a minimum of three months with

a repatriation clause)

• Letter of admission from the Institute in France / Letter from the French and

Indian institution if the student is going on an exchange programme

• Official document confirming award of scholarship (if applicable)

• A Demand Draft drawn in favour of “CEDUST” payable at New Delhi for Rs.

7,000/-. (Please recheck the amount from our website – www.india-

campusfrance.org )

• Long stay visa application form for those who are going for more than 90

days & short stay application form for those going for less than 90 days (will

be given to the student on the day of the NOC interview), duly filled with a

photograph affixed (carry 3 more photos with light background)

• Confirmed reservation print-out of the air ticket

The student will have to bring all the above-mentioned documents in ORIGINAL AND

TWO SETS OF PHOTOCOPIES. Please ensure that the two sets of photocopies are

arranged in exactly the same order. ALL students must complete the on-line

registration on the CampusFrance Web site (www.india-campusfrance.org ) before

the NOC interview. The procedure will take a minimum of one hour.

Once the NOC interview is over, you will have to proceed to the assigned Consulate

for the stamping.

The report sent to the French Consulate, after the interview, is confidential and

will not be made available to the students. The French Consulate reserves the

right to accept or reject an application.


Important!Contact the nearest

CampusFrance Counselor

www.india-campusfrance.org

http://www.india-campusfrance.org/



http://www.vfs-france.co.in/

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REGISTRATION AT THE INSTITUTE IN FRANCE

Ensure that ALL formalities involving your admission are completed

BEFORE you leave and request a written confirmation of the same from the

institute in France (contact the International Relations office or the person

who has dealt with your file).

TRANSCRIPTS

You will need to carry ALL transcripts and degree certificates that you have

declared during the admission procedure. These documents MUST BE

translated, attested and certified by the Alliance Française. It is

recommended that you carry at least five sets.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

The Birth Certificate must carry your name. If this is not the case, please

ensure to get a notarized document to this effect. The Indian Embassy in

Paris is also authorized to certify this. Please arrange to have your birth

certificate translated and attested in French as this is a very important

document in France. The Class X marks sheet IS NOT considered an

equivalent.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)

• ISIC is the only internationally accepted proof of student status. More

information can be found on http://www.stictravel.com/students/ .This card

accesses a world-wide network of specialist student travel offices offering

you savings on accommodation, tours and transportation.

SCHOLARSHIP HOLDERS

Once you have arrived in France, you will have to report to the Egide office

nearest to his institution (mentioned in the letter granting the scholarship) and

produce the following documents:

• Scholarship letter that you will receive prior to your departure.

• Admission letter

Keep a set of birth certificate and academic records (marks sheets and

degree certificates) handy though this may not be required.

Upon submission of the above documents, you will receive:

• Insurance for the first month,

• A cheque for initial expenses (of 200 Euros approximately)

• An attestation Egide acknowledging your status as a French

Government scholarship holder.

• A student guide.


Important!In certain cities Egide will

arrange to pick you up at the

airport.

http://www.egide.asso.fr/

http://www.egide.asso.fr/

http://www.stictravel.com/students/

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6 NEW LONG STAY VISA VALID AS RESIDENCE PERMIT

FOR STUDENTS GOING ON LONG TERM STUDY PROGRAM ( Duration of study: 03 months – 12 months)

With effect from 1st June 2009, visas valid for a stay above three months in France will exempt such visa holders from applying for a residence permit during the validity period of the visa.

Which are the categories concerned?

This reform affects:

spouses of French nationals visitors students employees in France temporary workers in France

Applicable areas:

These provisions concern the French Departments (mainland and overseas) as well as Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. However, they are not applicable for stays in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and Mayotte. This does not concern Algerian nationals either, whose entry and stay in France are governed by a bilateral agreement.

What has changed: It is no longer necessary to apply for a residence permit at the Prefecture.

While submitting the visa application, the applicant must attach a document called the “attestation OFII” which must be sent within three months of their arrival in France to the competent “Délégation territoriale de l’Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration” according to one’s residential area in France (the addresses of the territorial delegations are listed overleaf in the attestation form as well as on the website of the OFII. The OFII will call the applicant to proceed to registration formalities. This formality is mandatory and in the absence of registration within three months of arrival in France, the visa holder will be considered to be in an irregular situation by the French authorities.

Such visa holders will be able to move freely through Schengen territory during the validity period of the visa for stays not exceeding three months.

A minimum of one week (varying according to nationality and the reason for the stay) should be allowed for obtaining a visa.

What has not changed:

The long stay visa application form has not changed.

The supporting documents to be furnished, in accordance with the reason for staying in France, have not changed.

Where to apply:

Visa Section of the Embassy of France in New Delhi

CampusFrance Offices – For Student Visas.


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CARTE DE SÉJOUR - TEMPORARY STAY PERMIT (applicable to students with stay in France for more than one year)

PROCEDURE

Once you have completed the registration formalities in the institute in

France, you will be given a student card. You will have to then submit the

student card along with photos, insurance, accommodation, admission, proof

of financial resources (scholarship/bank account/sponsor details) passport

and visa copies, birth certificate (proof of birth) and a completed application

form to the local prefecture.

Please note that the above mentioned documents must be certified

translations in French if the originals are in any other language.

This file can be either sent by post or handed over in person at the

prefecture. In some cases the school will send it for you. Once they receive

the application and if all your documents are in order, you will receive a

"récépissé" (a receipt acknowledging your application which also serves as a

temporary proof of residence) - this is normally valid for 3 months. The “carte

de sejour” will, in principle, be granted within this period if not, you can ask

for an extension of the récépissé. You will receive a call for a medical exam

for which a fee has to be paid at a local bank or post office. With this letter

and proof of payment, you have to report to the medical center assigned to

you on the appointed date and time. Please retain the receipt that you will be

given after the medical test.

When you receive an intimation that your carte de séjour is ready, you can

collect it on the specified date by producing your passport (original), the

receipt from the medical centre and your student card.

This entire procedure will take about 3 months (the period indicated in the

récépissé), but this can vary depending on the city.

IMPORTANT:

- You CANNOT travel outside of France with just a récépissé, you

need the carte de séjour to do so. If you have only a récépissé

and you want to go out of France and during the first three

months, you will have to request a "visa de retour" from the

prefecture. This may take between a week and 15 days, again

depending on the city.


Important!All students must carry their

passport and Carte de séjour

at all times.

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7 PACKING YOUR BAGS

• Remember the golden rule: less is best!

• Remember the silver rule: if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t bring it!

• Pack in compartments. Put clothes, toiletries, maps and guide books into

separate compartments so that you can find them easily. Pack the heaviest

items in the bottom and close to your back (in a travel backpack), for better

balance.

• You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage when you arrive at the

overseas airport. Having an unmanageable amount of luggage only makes

things worse.

• Identify your luggage.

• Remove old tags with incorrect information, especially airline destination

tags.

• Since brown and black bags are very common, it makes things much easier

if you put an identifying sign on your bags such as a piece of brightly colored

tape.

• Be aware that airports have strict security requirements for safety reasons.

• Departing India – If you are departing India with expensive items (such as

computers, cameras and video cameras) and you intend to bring them back

to India, you can register these items with Customs. Once registered, you do

not need to declare these articles to Customs on your return to India but you

should keep the registration form handy in case Customs has any questions.

• Never carry items for strangers and make sure that you have packed your

own suitcases and know what they contain.

• Pack your most personal and valuable items in your carry-on bag to

minimize loss if your baggage is misplaced!

• Make sure that nothing in your carry-on bag can be construed as a weapon

ex. nail files, nail scissors, pen knife, etc.

• Many students find that a large backpack (not an external frame backpack)

is more convenient than a suitcase.

• Travel light but prepare for changes in temperature. Carry at least one heavy

weight coat and one waterproof one.

• Universal travel adapters may be needed for electronic items.

• Since laundry facilities are expensive in Europe and are often hard on

clothes, carry easy-to-care-for clothing that can be washed at home and

drip-dried.

• Get ready to walk much more than one normally does in India. It is

imperative to pack a good pair of shoes for this.

• Roll your clothing when you pack it. You can fit more in your suitcase and

your clothes will be less wrinkled.


Important!For baggage regulations, check

with your airline well in advance.

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Things NOT to carry:

- Too many clothes or shoes

- Anything that you are too attached to...jewelry;

valuables…Remember the silver rule!! If you can’t afford

to lose it, don’t bring it.

- Food except maybe spices or special things you fear you

cannot purchase overseas

- Musical instruments that cannot take a beating

SAMPLE PACKING LISTTwo day overnight backpack

Bath towel

Tissue packets

Contact Lenses (extra pair)

Travel size toiletteries

Eye Glasses (extra pair)

Compact umbrella

Rain gear

Sleeping bag/Cover sheet (for weekend excursions)

Alarm

Flashlight

Camera

Walkman / IPod

Batteries

Converter/Adapter (for electric current)

Pocket knife (packed in your checked baggage)

Diary

Travel books ( Let’s Go…, Lonely Planets)

Money belt (invaluable for carrying important travel documents ie tickets passport,

money)

EuroRail Pass

Youth Hostel Card

Photos of family

Snacks to keep you going until you find a local grocery store

Zip lock plastic bags to assist separate but keep items in your luggage identifiable

Copies of CV

Passport size pictures (20 copies – colour and black and white)

If it’s important for you to cook, carry a small pressure cooker

Pack an extra bag in your luggage to use on your way home.

Expense sheet

Money (See section 9)


THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

FOLDER

Photocopies of

Airline ticket

Passport

Visas

Credit cards

Traveler’s cheques

Certified copies of birth

certificate academic records

Admission letter

Address book

Medical records

Prescription

Bank details

&

This Predeparture Guide!

Leave behind a set of photocopies of

the above with your family and put

one away in your unaccompanied

baggage.

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8. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO FRANCE

TRAVEL ABROAD

One of the most exciting parts of study abroad is the opportunity to travel.

Not only can you travel around the region and throughout the city where you

are studying, but you also have the chance to explore other areas. If you are

going on a short-term exchange programme (LESS than 90 days, you will be

allowed to travel within the Schengen states, others please check section on

“Carte de Séjour”)

TRAVEL RESOURCES

Libraries and bookstores have hundreds of travel books. There are books for

every region, every budget and every style of travel. They are extremely

helpful and informative. If you are going to study abroad, you should take the

trouble to research the area where you will be staying. Travel books are a

great way to do this. They will give you information on the places to visit, to

stay, to eat, and other helpful information. Read as much as you can before

you leave but you should also invest in buying a book to take with you.

Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/) is popular among college

students because they focus on the low budget options and cater to the

interests of younger travelers.

Visit the “Office du tourisme”, a feature in every city in France, for information

and useful tips on what to see and do in places. http://us.franceguide.com/.

Travelling in France is extremely convenient: look for coach and train

schedules in the central train station in every city – “la gare”. All major cities

are well connected by train and as a student, one can avail heavy discounts

on train fares. Buy the “12-25” card at the onset (about 50 euros) which will

allow for 50 percent discounts on all or most train ticket purchases.

To travel economically all over Europe, try the coach “Eurolines”. Coaches

connect all major cities over Europe and ply practically all week. They are

extremely convenient, quite inexpensive and are a good way to meet fellow-

students from different countries.


Important!

http://us.franceguide.com/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/



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MONEY & MEDICAL MATTERS

EXCHANGE RATES

Exchange rates can affect the amount of money you actually have. A helpful

web site for exchange rates is The Universal Currency Converter at

http://www.xe.net/currency/. It will take a little time to get used to exchange

rates. Just stay aware of them while you are abroad, and pay special

attention if you plan to travel outside France. Also, remember that exchange

rates fluctuate daily depending on the world economy. The longer your stay,

the more drastic the changes can be.

TRANSPORTING MONEY

If you are traveling on weekends, banks and currency exchange agencies

may be closed. You will most likely be able to find various exchange

companies that do remain open every day, but they can have poor exchange

rates or charge high commissions, and they may be difficult and time

consuming to find.

You can always exchange money at the airport from which you are

departing. Airports generally have poor exchange rates, but if you are only

exchanging a small amount of money, it is a minimal difference.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

• Open a bank account as early as possible. In some cases you will

need a letter of introduction from a bank indicating that you have an

account in India and that you are of good standing. Try to obtain a

letter of introduction prior to leaving and if possible, keep a translated

version of this letter.

• Opening an account at “La Poste”, the post office, is simpler. They

do have attractive offers and function exactly as another bank would.

• When opening up a bank account overseas, try to do so with a large

national bank as opposed to a state/local bank where charges might

be higher and branches less accessible.

• Make sure that someone at home has authority to act on your behalf

i.e. he / she is authorized to be your Power of Attorney. They should

be able to transfer money to you immediately.

• Ask your local branch in India about the procedures for wiring money

to an overseas account.


http://www.xe.net/currency/

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CASH

You should carry approximately 100 to 150 Euros with you when you leave.

This will save you time and trouble once you arrive. This money might be

used for transportation from the airport to your institute and it will also be

helpful if you want to purchase food or drink upon arrival. Having this cash

will prevent you from scrambling around looking for a currency exchange

booth. This is especially important if you plan to arrive on a Sunday. DO

NOT carry too much money in cash: it’s dangerous and cannot be replaced.

TRAVELER’S CHEQUES

Traveler’s cheques are the safest way to transport money. Small

denominations make exchanging easier.

Be careful to use well-known traveler’s cheques with good name recognition

so businesses will not question these cheques when you attempt to cash

them (e.g. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa, etc.).

When you purchase traveler’s cheques from the bank, you should receive a

receipt that lists the serial numbers of all of your traveler’s checks. Keep

these receipts in a safe place. If any checks are lost or stolen, these receipts

provide the proof needed for you to get a refund from your traveler’s cheques

company.

Tip:

To encash your traveler’s cheques, use the post office rather than any bank.

The post offices will cash them for no commission whereas certain banks

charge a small percentage.

If you are in a small city/town and are cashing large amounts, the local post

office might need a day or two to arrange for that cash. But in bigger cities

and main post offices, they will have the cash at hand.

CREDIT CARDS

Even if you do not plan to use it, a credit card provides a safety net in case

you have an emergency or just need money that you did not budget for.

These cards may also allow you to write personal checks at banks or, if you

request this service, you can get cash advances on your card at ATMs and in

banks around the world. It is always a good idea to call your credit card

companies prior to your departure to let them know that you will be using the

card abroad. If you haven’t advised them of your intended use of the card

overseas, they may block it thinking it has been stolen. By taking a few

minutes to call them, you can save yourself a lot of frustration. Make sure

your cards can be used in France. Find out what services are available with

Indian credit cards. Credit services usually have conversion charges at a

certain percentage as well as interest charges if you do not pay off your

balance by the due date. Use credit services ONLY if absolutely unavoidable.


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ATMS

ATMs offer a number of advantages. It is no longer difficult to find ATMs

around the world, especially in Europe. They are often open 24 hours and

the fees are minimal. The exchange rate is immediate and often favorable.

However, if you plan to count on this as a means of organizing your funds

overseas, you will want to be certain your card can be accepted overseas.

Using your Visa or MasterCard debit card is very handy since it will be

accepted internationally as both a credit card and an ATM card just like at

home. Make sure that you know your PIN numbers before you leave. In

addition to debit cards, there are ATMs worldwide that accept Visa,

MasterCard, and American Express and allow you to make a cash advance

with a PIN number. Debit cards attached to a savings account will NOT work

in ATMs abroad.

Talk to your bank about the options open to you while overseas. Some banks

even offer a listing of all ATMs in the area where you will be studying. As with

credit cards, inform your bank that you will be using the card abroad. If you

haven’t advised them of your intended use of the card overseas, they may

block it thinking it has been stolen. Be sure to have the customer service

phone numbers that you will need to contact if your card is blocked. (You

should ask your bank for the number to contact a person rather than an

automated menu if possible.) Pre-planning can make all the difference.

The best advice is to plan on having money available in a few different forms

(traveler’s checks, credit cards & ATM cards). Create a plan and be certain

you have access to enough funds to secure your lifestyle abroad.

IMPORTANT:

• Wear a money belt when traveling around.

• BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET! You must exercise some financial

planning especially noting the fluctuating exchange rates.


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MEDICAL MATTERS

• It is advisable to have full medical and dental check-ups prior to

departure.

• You must have prescriptions of any medication, including common

medicines that you carry. This is very important as some medicines /

drugs are considered illegal.

• You should take with you a detailed letter from your doctor explaining

any ongoing/existing medical conditions and medication that may be

required in case of health related emergencies. Try and include both

the chemical and commercial names of any medication.

LANGUAGE PREPARATION

If you are traveling to a country and you do not have a strong grasp of their

language, it is very helpful to learn some basics before you depart. The most

helpful method is to take a course in this language. Another way to try to pick

up the basics and to get a peek into the culture is to watch films from that

country or in that country’s language. Most video stores have a foreign film

section.

Living in a culture where a different language is spoken is extremely exciting.

It will make your experience even more significant if you try to use and

understand the language. Once you are abroad it is good to seek out

experiences that allow you to use it, such as ordering food in the language,

spending time with local residents, seeing plays or movies in the language or

just paying attention to the signs and conversations around you. It can be

frustrating but the experience is well worth the struggle.

Even if you do not have time before you leave to do extensive language

study, attempt to familiarize yourself with some of the most often needed

words. You can purchase an inexpensive phrase book at most book stores

that will provide you with the basics. Most good travel guides will provide you

with a list of the translation of several key words as well as their

pronunciation. This is information that you might want to carry around with

you for a while. This is an easy task that can be a huge help to you once you

arrive overseas.

You may also visit www.clickonfrench.com for information on online French

courses.

THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE


http://www.clickonfrench.com/

CampusFrance

French classes are organized into cycles for first-, second-, and third-year

students. Classes are usually very large. Although semester-length courses

are offered more and more frequently, students should expect many year-

long courses with exams at the end of the academic year that test an entire

year’s instruction.

There are two main types of classes within the French university system.

One type, called “Cours magistral”, consists of a series of lectures held in

amphitheaters for large groups of students. The lectures present a broad

theoretical analysis of major issues and trends in the given field. The

“Travaux dirigés” or “Conférences de méthode” are the other types of classes

and are conducted in smaller groups and follow more closely the pedagogical

pattern practiced in American universities.

Although assigned homework is rare, professors do provide extensive

bibliographies from which students are expected to select books to read.

Small classes require you to be active in the classroom environment.

Students should bring familiar reference books and key works which are

important for their majors, since these materials might not always be readily

available in English. Generally speaking, all books from the reading lists may

be found at the university libraries.

On the final exam, students may be asked to present a broad, conceptual

analysis of a given question based on lectures and independent reading.

Students must obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the subject through

judicious reading.

Be ready for strict attendance policies and hence it is very important to

acquaint yourself right from the beginning on attendance and examination

policies of the institute in France, it may lead to rather stringent action.

Do not hesitate to question your professors on the way they expect you

to structure your presentations, essays etc. This is a strong point with

the French and by and large all students are expected to stick to

prescribed patterns. Do not wait for the last minute to do this as your

grades will suffer.

Join students’ recreational clubs – it’s a great way to interact and will

distract you from any feeling of homesickness that might surface on

and off!


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CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting to a new culture is one of the most critical parts of the overseas

experience. Each individual will have a different reaction to cultural

adjustment, but there has been a documented process that most students

experience. The following section explains that process. Reading and

understanding these stages will ease your adjustment to a new culture.

Each of us has experienced the feeling of being a stranger in a new situation.

For you it may have been going to summer camp; moving to a new city with

your family; or during your first semester at college.

Making the transition to a new environment (city, school, etc.), can be difficult

on two levels.

The first level of adjustment relates to the transition into a new situation.

Although it can be difficult at first, you will find that understanding the various

components of your new experience will help you greatly. You will be

spending a semester or summer session, or possibly a year or more, with a

new group of people in a different culture. Even if you know some of the

other participants, it will not be like it is at your home institution. You will be

meeting new people and leaving your comfort zone. Keeping an open mind

and being willing to get to know new people is the key to making this

transition.

The second level of adjustment has to do with studying in a different culture;

with a different home; and possibly in a different language than the one you

are used to. Unless you have lived abroad before, you will not be able to truly

understand the impact of this change until you get there. There are a million

things that are specific to our culture that we take for granted each day.

Going overseas can be a wake up call to this. Getting used to these

differences will be a stress on your system if you are not ready for them, but

it is part of what makes going abroad such an incredible learning experience.

Everyone goes through this - you must remember this - but it is crucial that

you know what to expect before you begin to experience it. Even if you

choose to ignore this section before you leave, keep it handy once you arrive

overseas and read it once you begin going through your cultural adjustment.

You WILL experience this cycle, so educate yourself beforehand and know

what to expect.


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CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT CYCLE

The following information is adapted from Bring Home the World by Stephen

H. Rhinesmith.

When you move from one culture to another you will experience culture

shock. This is the condition that occurs when you experience anxiety after

moving to a new culture. The intensity and length of this anxiety will depend

on the individual and the situation that they are experiencing. To overcome

this anxiety you must go through an adjustment cycle.

1. Selection/Pre-departure Anxiety

2. Honeymoon

3. Initial Culture Shock

4. Surface Adjustment

5. Mental Isolation

6. Integration/Acceptance (Duration of Program)

1. Selection/Pre-departure Anxiety: After an applicant is accepted to their

program, there is a feeling of excitement and anticipation as the experience

draws closer. They begin to make preparations for the term abroad such as

travel arrangements, passport applications, and purchasing items they will

need. Expectations are high during this stage which continues until just

before departure when some anxiety can return. INDICATORS: insomnia,

less interest in current activities.

2. Honeymoon: Positive feelings of excitement return during the first weeks

abroad. Changes in routine are exciting and the new world is fascinating.

Expectations for the experience are high. With lots of arrival introductions,

the visitor is often overwhelmed with being the focus of attention and activity.

He/she is shown a level of respect and concern which might be quite

uncommon back home. INDICATORS: insomnia, stomach queasiness.

3. Initial Culture Shock: After the initial fascination and excitement

subsides, the stress of overseas living begins to manifest itself physically.

The constant differences wear on the students making them tired and

anxious. They experience changes in their eating and sleeping habits,

difficulties in dealing with others, language struggles, and mental fatigue.

Everything seems new and the student longs for the comforts and familiarity

of home. To help get through this stage it is helpful for a student to

investigate the city and find places to which they feel some attachment. It is

important that students find people with whom they feel comfortable during

this stage. INDICATORS: tired, restless, irritable, crying, impatient, minor

health problems.


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4. Surface Adjustment: After a few weeks, students begin to adjust to the

new environment. Things that seemed different and new begin to feel

familiar. Students discover the area they are living in and start to feel like it is

home. A big part of this stage is feeling a connection to the country and

people. Language begins to get easier in this stage. INDICATORS: sense of

accomplishment.

5. Mental Isolation: After the novelty wears off completely, students begin to

feel the difficulties again. These become very frustrating, and a desire to be

in control of the situation can lead students to isolate themselves. This can

be a very lonely period. Some might feel that they have discovered the area

and are no longer interested in it. Everyday struggles affect the student

greatly and can become larger issues. INDICATORS: fatigue, colds,

headaches, boredom, lack of motivation, hostility towards local people and

customs, crying, lack of self-confidence.

6. Integration and Acceptance: Students get tired of these negative

feelings and begin to explore the country and culture on a deeper level. They

start to feel more at ease with their surroundings. Differences become

understandable and they enjoy finding ways to work with them. Students feel

at home. INDICATORS: normal health

REMEMBER – You can always get in touch with the CampusFrance

Counselor back home! Homesickness can affect your grades hence do

not wait for too long before you deal with it. Make sure you talk about it.

Dealing with Culture Shock (Stages 1 – 6)This is just an introduction to what you may go through. Remember that

everyone experiences this cycle differently, but even the most experienced

travelers go through this when living, working or studying in a new place. Be

open to new experiences and the feelings that go with them. Most

importantly, talk about what you are going through with other

participants or your program advisor. Since everyone goes through this, it

is helpful to share your feelings so you and the other participants can learn to

cope with them. Here are some useful hints from How to Adapt to a New

Country (Adapted from work by Kay Clifford, University of Michigan,

International Center, 1991):

1. Explore: Get a sense of the physical environment and norms of behavior.

2. Be slow to judge: If you do not understand a behavior, ask a local resident

about it and remember that the Indian culture is one of hundreds of different

cultures. The way the Indians do things is not the only way – or the best way

- to do things.


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FOOD

When you visit a new country, you will want to try all of the local cuisine. This

is part of the cultural experience, but let it be gradual. Don’t feel that you

have to try every new dish or drink during your first week.

Food habits are very different in France. If you are vegetarian make sure to

find out if what you are being served is “vegetarian” in the way you

understand the word! Get acquainted with a couple of restaurants and once

you’ve broken the ice, they are likely to whip up food to suit your palate!

YOUR SAFETY

As in other settings, the decisions you make before and during the program,

and by your day-to-day choices and behaviors, can have a major impact on

your health and safety abroad.

In general, you should:

• Read and carefully consider all materials given to you that relate to safety,

health, legal, environmental, political, and cultural conditions in the France.

• Participate fully in orientation programs.

• Provide your family with emergency contact information, and keep them

informed on an ongoing basis.

• In being an ambassador of your country we encourage you to be respectful

of the laws and customs in France. You are subject to the rules and

regulations applicable to students in France and could be subjected to

disciplinary action if you breach these.

• Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety

risks when making daily decisions. Promptly express any health or safety

concerns to the program staff or other appropriate individuals.

• Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well being of others

and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.

• Accept responsibility for and consequences of your own decisions and

actions.

• Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and

law enforcement services in France.

• You should expect to feel jet lag upon arrival overseas. It will take a few

days for your system to adjust to the time and climate changes, so pace

yourself. Get plenty of sleep before you travel and drink lots of fluids before

and during the flight to prevent dehydration. Don’t overestimate your level of

energy in the first few days!


Important!

When it’s time to return home, you may

experience what is known as “return

anxiety”. Register on www.ifan.in, it’ll

help!

http://www.ifan.in/

CampusFrance

• Protect yourself and your belongings. Do not leave your purse or wallet

accessible to thieves or pickpockets. Be especially careful in crowed areas

such as airports, train stations and big department stores.

• Avoid threatening or dangerous situations, e.g. walking alone at night or

going to an unknown area of town at night (even in pairs or in a group).

• Do not hitchhike.

• Avoid large crowds such as demonstrations or political rallies.

• Inform the program director on site in the event of illness or a necessity for

medical attention.

• Whenever you leave the program site and choose to travel on your own for

whatever length of time, leave your itinerary with the program director AND a

friend or roommate. This should include information on where you are going,

how you are going to get there, where you will be staying and when you

expect to be back.

• Using illegal drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the programme

and judicial sanctions. If you see illegal drug use, remove yourself

immediately from the scene.

• Use the same common sense that you would use here at home when

meeting new people.

TRAVEL

EXCURSIONS

Many students take the opportunity to travel around the region in which they

are studying while abroad. This is especially true in Europe, which has an

extensive and efficient railroad system. If you are considering doing this, you

should plan ahead. Speak with a travel agent or the International relations

office to help you make arrangements.

A travel agent will be able to suggest reliable modes of transportation for

travel, areas of the region that are popular, travel restrictions and where to

get information about places to stay and things to see. It is advisable to ask

students from the area what is the best way to travel, what the deals are, and

where to go.

HOSTELS

Many college students choose to stay in youth hostels while traveling. A

hostel is an inexpensive accommodation option whereby a group of people

share a room and bathroom. Although they can be of a lower quality than a

hotel, they are cheap and a good way to meet other young travelers.


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Many hostels are beginning to require advance reservations, especially

during high traffic periods. Check for the dates of any local holidays or

festivals before you go; this may impact availability in particular hostels.

Hostels often provide lockers for safety reasons. The following are interesting

Web sites for hostels in France.

http://www.fuaj.org/

http://www.hostels.com/fr/

http://www.french.hostelworld.com/country.php/Hostels/France

MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Europe is one of its strong points and is the cleanest,

cheapest, fastest way to get around. It is also a good way to get know the

culture.

When you arrive in France investigate the options for transportation. Many

train or subway systems offer monthly passes at a discounted rate for

students. Due to the many variations in driving laws, insurance, speeds and

even on which side of the road to drive, we do not recommend renting or

driving any personal vehicle. Even if the public transportation is great, don’t

forget to walk sometimes.

Walking is often the best way to get to know a city, not to mention good

exercise. Bicycles are another very good option. In many cities, they can

often be rented or purchased inexpensively, and they provide a fun

alternative to walking. Biking is very popular in many European countries.

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH HOME

You are about to embark on one of the most exciting adventures of your life.

You are going to want to share these experiences with friends and family

back in India. However, other countries have different systems of

communication so it may take you a little bit of time to adjust. Read through

this section to examine the different options for communicating.

CampusFrance too will be happy to hear from you once in a while!

MAIL

Overseas mail is famously slow and sometimes unreliable. Sending things

via fax is more practical.

Postcards are also a great way to communicate with friends and family and

make for great memories when you return.


Important!Once you have settled in, please

e-mail CampusFrance with all

your contact details.




CampusFrance

Courier services must clear customs, so it may be delayed for several days

or even weeks. Inquire about delivery times and guarantees before you

spend the money.

French mailboxes are yellow in colour and they can easily be found in public

places and on the outer walls of post offices. Collection times are indicated

on each box. In general, mail sent within France that is posted before the last

collection, arrives the next day, unless sent economy rate. Mail sent abroad

will take a little bit longer, and delivery times depend on the destination—on

average it takes between one to five days. Stamps are available in post

offices, which are open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,

and on Saturday mornings. In Paris the main post office, located at 52, Rue

du Louvre (metro station “Louvre”) is never closed! It is the only post office in

France open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Stamps are also

available from tobacco shops, called “tabacs”, at the same rates as the post

offices. These shops are identifiable by a red or orange diamond-shaped

sign.

Sending parcels home from post offices is generally convenient and reliable.

Sturdy yellow shipping boxes with self fastening systems are available in all

sizes at moderate costs.

Another safe and reliable way to send large items, parcels, or luggage within

France is by using the SERNAM. This forwarding service operates out of all

major train stations. For a reasonable charge SERNAM will forward an item

by rail

TELEPHONE

Everyone wants to hear a friendly voice from home every once in a while.

Here are some things to remember:

• You may not have a telephone that can call overseas in your living

accommodations. In this case, it may be necessary for you to use public

phones or a cell phone. The best way to call from a public phone is to get a

calling card. “Euro Latina” is a card highly recommended by past students as

it is very reasonable. It is very expensive to make calls on cell phones in

Europe, whether you are calling a local number or a destination abroad. (You

should never call home from a cell phone.) However, receiving calls on your

cell phone is often free. The same applies to sending and receiving text

messages.

• Make sure your family is aware of the time difference between India and

France!


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E-MAIL

Some programs provide their students with access to an e-mail account for

free or for a nominal fee. If your program provides you with this service, this

is the cheapest and most effective way to communicate. The transmission is

virtually instantaneous and convenient for most of your friends back at school

and your family if they have internet access. Getting access to computers

abroad may be limited to a certain time of the day and may only allow you to

be on the computers for a limited amount of time.

There are much fewer Cyber cafés in France than in India!

STUDENT LIFE

You will only be living abroad for a limited time. Make the most of your

experience. Discover the region in which you live. Be sure to get to know the

city in which you live. Many students hop trains every weekend and explore

all the sites around them and leave without really knowing the town they lived

in. Meet the locals. Go to cultural activities like operas, plays, fairs and

concerts. Visit the historical sites and museums. Discover the art houses in

your city. Hike around the area. Go to sporting events or even enroll in

intramural activities. Look at the architecture. Eat at local restaurants.

Investigate the nightlife. Find activities and festivals that are unique to your

area and attend them. Become a part of campus organizations and

participate in events that are organized, especially those that are organized

for international exchange students.

Even if you are on a limited budget, you can do most of these things. Use

your ISIC card to look for student discounts. Make the most of your time as a

student in France.

LIVING ACCOMMODATION

There are many different options for accommodations depending on the

program you attend. You may live independently in an apartment, with a host

family, or in a residence hall. Regardless of which situation you are in, it is

important to remember that living conditions in other countries will be

different from those in India. The point of living abroad is to immerse oneself

in the lifestyle of another culture. Living as the citizens of that country do is

the first step in achieving this. So be open to differences in living

accommodations, and remember that it is all part of the experience of being

abroad.

LIVING WITH OTHER STUDENTS

Many of you will have the opportunity to live with other students. Whether

they be French or other international students, this experience comes along


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only once in a lifetime. As with any living situation in your home country, you

may run into clashes and differences. Be sure to handle these times with

respect and maturity. Living with other students gives you an insight into the

city, culture, and sense of humor of the people that is nearly impossible to

tap into otherwise. Sometimes you can get the names and numbers of

roommates before you leave for your program; you may want to think about

contacting them and talking beforehand.

LIVING WITH A HOST- FAMILY

If you are living with a family, learn to respect their rules. They are opening

their home to you. Respect this commitment and generosity by taking the

time to get to know them and to follow the rules they give you. Living with a

foreign family can be an incredible experience if you open yourself up to

getting to know them and understanding their customs. Ask them about what

you can and cannot do.

Telephones for instance may be available, but limited. You may have to pay

a deposit up front.

Meal times are often set. If you plan on being out, inform the family in

advance. If you have special dietary needs be sure to notify the program

coordinator and include any special needs on your housing applications. It is

customary to bring gifts to your hosts, especially treats for the children. If any

problems with your host family arise it is always better to talk to someone

about a potential problem sooner rather than later in order to reach a

resolution. It is important to make the most out of this opportunity;

communicating and working on the relationship is the only way to make it

work for everyone.

LIVING WITH A GROUP OF INDIAN STUDENTS

If you are going on an exchange program, you may be housed with other

Indian participants. You will probably get to know each other very quickly and

share one of the most amazing times of your life together. Although exploring

and experimenting in your new setting with your peers is exciting and

enriching, be sure to take time to get into the culture your are visiting. You

will probably regret spending all your time abroad with Indians, so make an

attempt at meeting new people and really giving your new surroundings a

chance.

A good way to make your accommodations feel more like home is by getting

to know the area in which you live. Take the time to meet local shop owners

or neighbors. Take a long walk around your area. The key is to always seek

out new experiences.


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POLITICAL ACTIVITY

From time to time, every country in the world undergoes political change.

This can result in changes in leadership, variations in the economy, and even

social unrest. Such political changes may occur from the national level to the

local and even institutional levels. In some parts of the world universities

themselves may become the focus of such political changes. Specifically,

you may encounter political party campaigning, student strikes or union

demonstrations. Although it may be tempting to participate in such activities,

it is highly recommended that you be only a passive observer.

In many countries such activities can often lead to unpredictable violence. If

you become involved, there is no way to ensure your safety. If you do choose

to observe from a distance, stay close to your residence, follow all

instructions from your host university and most importantly, stay in touch with

the nearest Indian Embassy.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

France has 11 public holidays that correspond to religious holidays or to

historical dates.

Government offices and private companies are closed as well as most

businesses.

Police stations and hospitals remain open.

• January 1st: First day of the year.

• Easter Monday (March or April depending on the year). Religious

holiday

• May 1st: Labor Day.

• May 8th: WWII Armistice Day in 1945.

• Ascension Thursday (in May or June): Religious holiday

• July 14th: National holiday (anniversary of the storming of the

Bastille on July 14

• 1789, symbolic date of the beginning of the French Revolution).

• August 15th: Assumption day, religious holiday

• November 1st: All saints day, religious holiday

• November 11th: WWI Armistice Day in 1918

• December 25th: Christmas day, religious holiday


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TIPS FROM PAST STUDENTS

• Make a sincere attempt to learn the French language.

• Administrative procedures can be slow but you will receive help from

the international relations office. If you have trouble with

administrative procedures/other kinds of settling in problems, don’t

hesitate to involve people around you: your institution, friends, fellow-

classmates etc. More often than not, they admire the courage and

the will in Indians to come so far away from home and study/live, so

they’re very willing to help when they can. But do read up on/ get

information on your own, because whatever problem you’re likely to

face as an international student, the locals will be very unaware of,

and will not have any idea about how to go about things. Armed with

the information, you can get them to help you execute things, like

getting a support letter, asking for help with writing letters, getting

someone to accompany you to an official meeting and so on and so

forth.

• Make an effort to keep in touch with alumni.

• Register on the IFAN website.

• If you loose your passport contact the Embassy of India in Paris

(http://www.amb-inde.fr/).

• Have an open mind and a willingness to appreciate diversity of

culture and languages.

• Read up as much as you can on various aspects on India and on

France.

• Learn to cook! – take along photocopies of favorite recipes

• Try to make friends with new people. Do not hang out with a familiar

clan, the learning will be greater

• Take advantage of cultural events

• Be street smart

• Exercise caution when moving around alone

• Try to do something different each day

• Not everything needs to be planned

• When in doubt, take a chance!

Q. If a student finishes his studies and has applied for extension of stay to look for a job, what steps need to be taken and will he be still on student visa or another titre ? A. A student must apply for an extension of stay to look for a job. The students must go via the Prefecture .The procedure to obtain an extension takes 2 months and hence the students must accordingly apply for the extension before he completes his last semester of his program. In such a case, he will be required to furnish his first semester mark sheet.


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Q. Can working on this student visa lead to legal hassles if a student is hired and needs to start immediately? If a student is hired then he can work provided he changes his status of visa immediately and thus he cannot work on student visa.

Q. International Driving licenses given in India are they valid or not in France (we had an HEC student who landed in trouble at the Spanish border as this was not recognized.).

In each Prefecture, there is a bureau de circulation cell, if a student has an International Driving License given in India then they should approach the bureau de circulation to get the license validated without which the student will face trouble.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once you have settled in, write to us at Campus France and give us your contact details.

You must also mail your details to [email protected] upon arrival in France.

FRANCE

FACTS AND STATISTICS

• Location: Western Europe, bordering Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620

km, Germany 451 km,

• Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,

Switzerland 573 km

• Capital: Paris

• Climate: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters

and hot summers along

• the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-

northwesterly wind known as mistral

• Population: 60,424,213 (July 2004 est.)

• Ethnic Make-up: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African,

Indochinese, Basque minorities

• Religions: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%,

Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%

• Government: REPUBLIC


mailto:[email protected]

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Languages in France

French, the official language, is the first language of 88% of the population.

Most of those who speak minority languages also speak French, as the

minority languages are given no legal recognition. 3% of the population

speaks German dialects, predominantly in the eastern provinces of Alsace-

Lorraine and Moselle. Flemish is spoken by around 90,000 people in the

northeast, which is 0.2% of the French population. Around 1m people near

the Italian border, roughly 1.7% of the population, speaks Italian.

French Society & Culture

Food is a passion with the French. French cooking is highly refined and

involves careful preparation, attention to detail, and the use of fresh

ingredients. It varies by region and is heavily influenced by what is grown

locally.

French Family Values

The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has

certain duties and responsibilities. The extended family provides both

emotional and financial support. Despite their reputation as romantics, the

French have a practical approach towards marriage.

Relationships - Public vs. Private

The French are a private people and have different rules of behavior for

people within their social circle and those who are not. Although the French

are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family

that they are free to be themselves. Friendship brings with it a set of roles

and responsibilities, including being available should you be needed.

Etiquette & Customs in France

The handshake is a common form of greeting.

Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the

left cheek and once on the right cheek.

First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited

before using someone's first name.

You are expected to say “bonjour” or “bonsoir” (good morning and good

evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop

and “au revoir” (good-bye) when leaving.

If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbors with the

same appellation.


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Gift Giving Etiquette

Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13 as it is considered

unlucky.

Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain

flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red

carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at

weddings.

Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young. When in

doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism.

If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The

French appreciate their wines.

Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a French house for dinner:

Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10

minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been

delayed. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is.

If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, sends flowers on the

morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening.

Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is

not as relaxed as in many western countries.

Table manners:

Table manners are Continental - the fork is held in the left hand and the knife

in the right while eating.

If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat.

Do not begin eating until the hostess says “bon appetit”.

If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with

the fork over the knife.

Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible

and not in your lap.

Finish everything on your plate.

Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork.

Peel and slice fruit before eating it.

Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Business Meetings Etiquette

Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in

advance.

Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon

the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the secretary.


CampusFrance

Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common

vacation period.

If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.

Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.

Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.

Dress Etiquette

Business suits are understated and stylish.

Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the initial

meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of

the company with which you are conducting business.

Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours.

The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories.

Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card.

French business cards are often a bit larger than in many other countries.

The information in this guide is accurate at the time of printing.

Information may be subject to change.


CampusFrance

Important Web sites

www.france-in-india.org

www.india-campusfrance.org

http://passport.nic.in/


www.voyages-sncf.com



http://www.french.hostelworld.com/

Important contact details:

CITY TELEPHONE E-MAILNEW DELHI +91 11 30410000 [email protected]

[email protected]

KOLKOTA +91 33 22830769 [email protected]

MUMBAI +91 2222091556 [email protected]

PUNE +91 20 64017969 [email protected]

BANGALORE +91 80 41231346 [email protected]

HYDERABAD +91 40 27700734 [email protected]

CHENNAI +91 44 28279803 [email protected]

AHEMDABAD +91 79 26561734 [email protected]

CHANDIGARH +91 172 2668627 [email protected]

We thank Abhishek Chandrashekar, Hareesh V.H., Smitha

Chakravarthy, Asha Jayaraman and Shayan Mujawar for their valuable

inputs and their assistance in putting this pre-departure guide together.





http://www.voyages-sncf.com/


http://passport.nic.in/


http://www.france-in-india.org/

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