A guide to studying in Paris.For perspective and accepted

study abroad students.

Created by: Christine Carol Detris

Drexel University Class of 2010

Parler Français

Build vocabulary. Reading newspapers and magazines can introduce you to new words

on a daily basis.Grazia,a fashion magazine, is issued weekly and only costs €1!

Don’t be afraid. Conversing with native French speakers who really love their language

might be intimidating, but don’t let it. Most of the time, they appreciate your effort and

wait patiently for you to express yourself.

Avoid English. It can be tempting and comfortable to switch to English when socializing

with other Americans, but this makes it more difficult to retain your French skills.

Convert Technology. Change the language on your cellphone, iPod, and Facebook to

French. Not only will this expand your vocabulary to include technological terms, but it

will get you in the habit of thinking in French even when you are alone.

Use slang. Pick up a few French phrases that you wouldn’t typically find in a textbook to

help you sound like a native. Chepa is short for je sais pas, and the perfect word to use when

someone asks you for directions or when the next bus arrives.

"Do a language exchange through Craigslist or another site on the Internet. Your Frenchwill get much better and you'll actually get to build a relationship with a person from an-other culture.”

- Jared Miller, University of Pennsylvania 2009

Chances are, you chose to study in Paris because you want to im-prove your French language skills. Follow these tips and you’ll findyourself discussing Molière with Sorbonne students in no time!

Just looking at French pastries isenough to make anyone’s mouthwater. Visit your neighborhoodpâtisserie to find your favoriteéclair or pain au chocolat. Forsomething even more indulgent,try an assortment of macaronsfrom Ladurée.

Dos and Don'ts of Living withHost Families

Do make yourself at home from the start. Tiptoeing around the apartment for days won’t

make either of you more comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Many household appliances in Europe operate differently than what

you may be used to. Before you break something, ask how it works!

Do clean your room. If your parents disapprove, chances are your host family will, too.

Don’t think that the French are arrogant. They have pride in their country and heritage and

only want to help assimilate you into their culture.

Do ask your host parents for advice on things to see and do in France. They might have

insider information on sports clubs, gallery openings, and part-time work opportunities.

Don’t be nosy. While your host family is welcoming you into their home, make sure to give

them the same type of privacy you would expect.

“Host Parents are really good people to practice your French on. They are easier to talk tothan the people at the grocery store. But don't walk into your living room when your hostdad is halfway putting on his pants. It's awkward.”

– Josh Berry, University of San Francisco 2011

The thought of moving in with strangers for a semester is enoughto send any student’s mind racing in different directions! Fortu-nately, host families play a large role in acclimating students to theirnew surroundings. Always keep in mind that they chose to host you!

Bring a baguette, block ofcheese, and bottle of wineto the Sacré-Cœur Basilicain Montmartre. Sit on thesteps and watch streetperformers, tourists, andsunsets while overlookingall of Paris.

There’s more to France than the Eiffel Tower!

Spend a Day:

Normandy- while it might not top your to-do list, Normandy is sure to leave any American

profoundly moved. Tour the shores where the Battle of Normandy was fought and pay your

respects in the American Cemetery. The town also hosts a wide array of museums dedicated

to one of the most monumental invasions in American and French history.

Spend a Weekend:

Loire Valley- just south of Paris, the Loire Valley is one of the most picturesque regions of

France. Make a point to visit several of the hundreds of chateaux, but don’t miss out on

touring the breathtaking, world-renowned vineyards.

Spend a Week:

South of France- the southernmost region of France has a culture that differs from anywhere

else in the country. From the relaxing lavender fields of Provence, to the star-studded prom-

enades of Saint Tropez, the Mediterranean is the perfect getaway after a grueling week of

mid-terms!

Living in a European country makes it easy to see the rest of thecontinent, and you should! But don’t forget about the rest of France.It has just as much culture, history, and excitement as Paris.

“Definitely go to Normandy. For $150, I bought a round-trip train ticket, and a private,guided tour around all of the important spots. It was a fantastic trip and you experience aton of history.”

-Josh Berry, University of San Francisco 2011

Educate yourself by read-ing travel guides beforeleaving the United States.This way, you’ll have a clueas to what your looking atprior to visiting all of thebeautiful sights. LonelyPlanet and Rough Guidesare reliable sources.

Travel Tips

Book in advance. The earlier you purchase a ticket, the better deals you will find, espe-

cially when it comes to airfare.

Fly cheap. Budget airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet usually have the best prices. But

don’t expect the royal treatment, they are called “no-frills” airlines for a reason!

Check the weather. Before leaving for your destination, refer to Weather.com or BBC.com

for an accurate forecast. It could be really uncomfortable to spend a weekend in London

without a raincoat!

Make friends. Most hostels host daily events and activities that provide an opportunity to

meet interesting people from all over the world. They might have a different perspective

about the area you’re visiting. Plus, it’s always beneficial to have future connections in foreign

countries! Hostelworld.com is a useful website for hostel recommendations and reviews.

Keep a list. Jot down necessary items including your passport, ID, camera, and itinerary

and post it near your door. This way, you can make sure not to forget anything before leaving

home.

“If you're checking luggage, make sure you have an outfit or two packed in your carry onbag just in case you're luggage gets lost. I always make sure I have things that I need likea toothbrush, contact lenses, and clothes so i can survive without my luggage for a few daysif I have to.”

-Courtney McClean, Drexel University 2010

Studying in Europe makes it easy and inxpensive to explore otherworld destinations. Take this opportunity to see and do as much aspossible. With proper planning, you can make the most of your timeand money.

A backpack will be yourbest friend. The perfectbag is big enough tohold a week’s necessitiesbut small enough to passfor carry-on luggage.The North Face’s Terra 55is tried and true.

Budgeting your Euros

Eat bread. Baguettes will be your best friend. For seventy-five cents, this loaf of bread can

really go a long way! Carry one under your arm and you might even get mistaken for a

Parisian!

Buy local. Every weekend, French merchants sell freshly prepared food in various markets

throughout the city. They are usually less expensive than grocery stores such as Monoprix

and Carrefour and the food is more authentic.

Shop vintage. In a city where fashion is a way of life, it is hard not to feel tempted to shop.

Window-shop at Chanel and Dior, but visit one of the many vintage stores in Le Marais for

your purchase. Not only do they carry trendy clothing, but they also have bins filled with

one of a kind scarves, bags, and jewelry.

Frequent McDonalds. Not for a Big Mac, but for coffee. It is one of the only places that

serves drinks to-go and is about €3($5)cheaper than a local café.

Hang outside. Unlike students in the United States, many French students opt to spend

weekend nights socializing along the Seine.This saves money that would otherwise be spent

in bars or nightclubs.

“Living on a budget is do-able but it is just important not to let it dictate your experience.Limiting yourself to a certain budget can lead you to miss out on new experiences. Sacrificesare going to happen but usually they are for something worth it.”

- Alison Hanrahan University of Wisconsin 2010

It is no secret that Paris can be expensive—especially on a student’sbudget. Live by the following advice and you might be able to avoidmaking that “uh, mom, I need money” call!

Forget your Metro pass and re-member your walking shoes.Get lost wandering the streetsof Paris to familiarize yourselfwith the city. Just don’t forgetto have your Paris Practique

map in your back pocket.Even the locals refer to it!

The French can’t live without cheese.

True! French people adore their cheese! After meals, they often choose from an array of

cheeses to spread on bread. Don’t be afraid to taste them all, the stinkiest ones are usually

the best!

The French are snooty.

False! Many people assume that the French are unfriendly. Luckily, they are some of the

warmest people in Europe! Respect their culture and they will surely do the same in return.

The French smoke a lot.

True! Cigarette smoking is more tolerable in Europe than in the United States. But in 2007,

France banned puffing in public places and therefore if you’re sensitive to smoke you won’t

be bothered too much.

The French refuse to speak English.

False! While you should speak French at all times for practice, sometimes English is a last

resort. If the French see that you’ve made an effort with their language, they will be more

than happy to switch to English to ease the conversation.

The French dislike Americans.

False! Paris is a very cosmpolitan city and hosts various types of people from different parts

of the world. They are open and respectful towards different cultures and simply appreciate

the same in return.

French Stereotypes: True or False?Many Americans have common misconceptions about the Frenchculture. This section debunks stereotypes and reveals the truth.

“The French could often tell I was American before I even began speaking. Because of this,they would immediately speak English to me.”

-Amanda Ward, Drexel University 2014

Paris is home to over 100musuems and admittance forstudents is free! Take advantageof this perk by splitting up yourtime within them to avoid artoverload. Also, some musuemssuch as the Louvre are open lateon certain nights—perfect foravoiding crowds!

Keeping up at Home

Act responsibly. Remember important duties such as registering for classes and keeping

tabs on your bank account.

Stay in contact. Drexel’s study abroad office appreciates updates about your experiences.

Postcards are more than welcome!

Keep in touch.While you have a new life in Paris, you eventually must return home! Skype

and G-chat are easy and inexpensive ways to connect with friends and family face-to-face.

Read the news.When you are overseas, it is especially important to make sure you know

what is going on in the world. Scanning headlines daily can ensure that you are updated on

important political and social issues.

Pay as you go. Basic cellphones without plans can be purchased for around $30. While you

shouldn’t spend the duration of your time in Paris talking on the phone, it can be useful for

friends and family who need to contact you.

“Calling home can get really expensive, really quickly so I usually just waited for my parentsto call me. If I really needed to talk to them, I would call, let it phone ring once, and thenhang up. This way, they knew it was me calling and that I needed them to call back.”

-Michael Thomas, Drexel University 2008

Studying abroad in Paris will be exhilarating, chaotic, and amusant,but don’t forget your life at home! Take a few minutes out of eachday to update yourself about life in the United States.

Batteries can be costly over-seas. Pack extras orrechargeable versions beforeyou leave for Europe. Flashdrives can also be useful fortrading photos with friendsand transporting homeworkto and from class.

Health and Safety

Skip the doctor. Pharmacies in Europe are a quicker, easier version of doctor’s offices.

They are knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to curing ailments. Prescriptions usually

are not needed.

Be prepared. Have your prescriptions filled for the duration of your stay prior to leaving

for Europe. French customs can make it really difficult to receive packages through the mail.

Know your limits. While Europe is more tolerant than the United States when it comes

to alcohol usage, heavy intoxication can still lead to consequences.

Carry identification. Always have a form of ID on you at all times, but keep your passport

tucked in a safe place at your apartment.

Beware of pickpockets. In crammed spaces, especially the Metro, be sure to keep your

wallet in a hidden, inside pocket to avoid unnecessary theft. Also, hold any bags or purses

close to your body.

“When I was injured, I was nervous to approach the police but they were really helpful andjust wanted to make sure that I still loved Paris!”

-Morgan McStravick, Drexel University 2011

Living in Paris can sometimes feel like a fantasy world, but the realityis that you can still become ill or injured. Always be aware of yoursurroundings, trust your instincts, and know what to do in case ofan emergency before it occurs.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as ayoung man, then wherever you go for the rest of yourlife it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

-Ernest Hemingway

For more information contact:

Drexel Study Abroad Office3141 Chestnut Street3019 MacAlister Hall

Philadelphia, PA 19104215-895-1704

Christine Detrischristinedetris@gmail.com