A Handbook for Study Abroad at Université du Maine

BEFORE YOU GO: A Checklist

Make a $500 deposit at the Merrill Center by October 25. The money will be used to purchase air tickets. The remainder of the tuition and program fees is due according to the usual schedule of payment published by UMF.

Purchase the International Student Identification Card (ISIC) as part of your study abroad application by submitting the ISIC application, an ID-sized photo and payment of $22 (payable to UMF).

Obtain 6-8 passport size photographs. You will need them for various purposes before departure and while in France.

If you do not already have one, apply for your passport. Applications are available at the Office of Enrollment Services and Exchange Programs, the local Post Office, the Probate Court on Main Street or on line at http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/forms_ds11.html. Please allow six to eight weeks for your application to be processed. For rush service (< 2 weeks) there is an additional charge of $60.00 Passport fees are NOT included in the program fee.

In consultation with the Office of Enrollment Services and Exchange Programs, apply for a Student visa for France. The visa fee varies according to how many times you plan to enter, depart, and re-enter France during your study abroad experience. You will be required to make a trip to Boston on your own to apply for a student visa from the French Consular office. Click to download an application in .pdf format. The fee is currently around $120.00.

Make a photocopy of the first page of your passport for yourself and be sure that you have submitted a copy to the Office of Enrollment Services and Exchange Programs.

You will be registered for INS 393 Semester in France automatically.

Discuss with your advisor how you will sign up for the following semester’s classes (you will be in France during pre-registration.)

Talk with your financial aid advisor if you receive aid. (Do not assume that your aid will be automatically increased to cover any additional expenses).

Complete and return the Medical Information form to the Office of Enrollment Services and Exchange Programs.

Obtain the necessary/recommended inoculations. See the website of Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

MONEY
The cost of the program fee you pay to UMF includes airfare, room, refundable room deposit, ground transportation upon arrival in France, a week in paris, and instructional fees. In addition to the program fee, you will be billed for 16 credits of tuition and fees. A deposit for air transportation between Boston and Paris is due upon acceptance and will be deducted from the total program fee described above. Most regular financial aid may be applied to the cost of the program, however, international student waivers do not apply. See your financial aid advisor if you qualify for aid.

In recent years students reported they spent the following (in addition to program fees):

Little travel = around $1500
Some travel = around $2000
A lot of travel = $2500

EXCHANGING MONEY
France no longer uses francs but has adopted use of the Euro. The current exchange rate of 1 US dollar = .76 Euros should make it easy to know how much you are paying for things while in France. You do not have to open a checking account there. It takes a couple of weeks for dollar checks to clear. Thus you are better off with VISA and travelers checks. You can exchange American currency at banks in Europe for a service fee.

WHAT TO PACK
Remember that you will have to walk long distances with your luggage. Only take what you can carry comfortably. Soft bags are much easier to carry than hard suitcases. Backpacks are great. See the flight information section for detailed information about airline rules pertaining to luggage.

Clothes: Clothes are generally expensive in France. Take what you need, but no more.
One suggestion is to put everything out on the floor that you would like to take; then leave
half of it at home. Students always say they took too many clothes.
o 1 windbreaker and coat (the average temperature will be in the 50's)
o 1 pair of walking shoes (you will be doing a great deal of walking)
o 1 semi-formal outfit is enough (or something that would double as dressy/casual)
o 1 outfit for jogging and sports
o 1 bathing suit
o 6 shirts or t-shirts
o 4 sweaters or sweatshirts (the houses are not heated as much as in the U.S
o skirts and/or pants
o 2 night shirts, one light bathrobe
o 7 undergarments (socks, etc.)
Other:
o Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, shampoo, etc. These are easy to buy in France if you forget anything
o Prescription medications NOTE: If you carry medication with you across borders, have the prescription with you and original container for medication
o 2 or 3 wash cloths and towels. (Bedding is provided, but not washcloths and towels).
o *No electric appliances of any kind. (Unless you have an adaptor, they won’t work. Plan on obtaining irons, hair dryers, clocks, etc. in France. Rechargeable laptops may be o.k. Check with the computer center.
o 1 sleeping bag with zipper (optional) to use as a blanket on bed and to travel with if you wish.
o Camera and film (usually cheaper here in the U.S.)
o dictionary
o small notebook to write journal and take notes
o one or two pocket books (optional)
o 2 month Eurailpass (optional) -- Very useful for travel.
o Money belt (strongly recommended for carrying money and passport)
o Passport
o Airline Tickets
o Money* - A credt card like MasterCard or VISA can be very useful in case of emergency to obtain local currency. If you bring a debit card, check with the issuer to be certain it’s possible to use it abroad.

COMMUNICATION

Check with your long-distance carrier for information on how to call collect, person-to-person, etc. International phone cards provide handy and inexpensive long distance calling as well.

COMPUTING / EMAIL: You can establish an e-mail account upon arrival -- e-mail is free, but not always easy to access. Access to the internet is also available in your dorm room for a couple of euros per semester. You will need to establish an account when you arrive, so it may take a couple of days or a week at the most for the system to work.

MAILING ADDRESS
Your temporary mailing address and telephone number in France will be:
c/o Catherine PAINEAU
Université du Maine
Relations Internationales
Maison de l'Université
Avenue Olivier Messiaen
72085 LE MANS Cedex 9
TEL: 011-33-243-8330-05
FAX: 011-33-243-8335-30
E-Mail: ri@univ-lemans.fr

FRENCH TELEPHONES
French public telephones are generally phonecard operated (pre-paid). A phonecard looks like a credit card which is inserted into the phone. They can be purchased at post offices and “tabacs” having various “units” -- the greater the number of units, the more expensive the cards are. When inserted in the phone, a screen shows the number of units remaining and the number decreases as you talk. It will be cheaper for your parents to call you, or to use e-mail.

CALLING LE MANS
To call Le Mans from the USA:
011(international line) 33(France) 2 (region) 43-8330-05(Le Mans)

CALLING THE UNITED STATES
Check with your long-distance carrier for information on how to call collect, person-to-person, etc. Have your family call you -- it will be cheaper!


Important numbers (give these out as EMERGENCY numbers to your family/friends)

Catherine PAINEAU
Service des Relations Internationales, Universite du Maine
TEL: 011-33-243-8330-05

Lynne Eustis
Assistant Director, Enrollment Services and Exchange Programs, University of Maine at Farmington
TEL: (207) 778-7122

Weblink to American Embassy in Paris, France

THE RESIDENCE HALL

All rooms are singles and include a bed, desk, chair, drawers, wardrobe, small fridge, tiny shower and toilet. Sheets and blankets are also provided. Access to the internet is also available in the room for a couple of euros per semester. You will need to establish an account when you arrive, so it may take a couple of days or a week at the most for the system to work. Although very small, ample storage space is included in the room. Because rooms are so small, there is virtually no room for visitors. If your family or friends would like to visit you in LeMans, inexpensive rooms are available at Mister Bed, a hotel within walking distance of the student dormitories.

MISTER BED

If your family is looking inexpensive rooms near campus, you may want to check out Mister Bed, a budget hotel chain with a hotel which is practically ON CAMPUS. Prices are very modest - about US $32 per night. Rooms are small but can sleep 1-3 people.

For reservations and more info send email:	misterbed@lsfhotels.com

CAFETERIA

You may purchase meals at one of the cafeterias on campus or buy groceries and make meals in the dorms. Cafeterias operate on an a la carte basis.

CLASSES / GRADING

You will take four classes with fellow UMF students, including French language oral communication, culture and current events, literature and a field trip class. You will also choose two classes to attend with other French students at the university. A week in Paris is included in the program. Students may be granted up to 16 academic credits for successful completion of all individual courses.

WEATHER

Snow is very unlikely, but early-on it will be damp and cold. Bring warm sweaters. Expect a lot of rain, but there will be flowers in February.

HEALTH QUESTIONS

All students participating in UMF exchange programs are required to purchase the International Student Identification Card (ISIC) which provides medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, accident and sickness insurance as well as some limited travel insurance. A physical exam prior to going is also advised. The French system of socialized medicine makes health care inexpensive, and excellent facilities are available near the university.

TRAVEL

You will do some traveling as a group, including a 4-day trip to Paris, during February break and a visit to the Loire Valley and a trip to Ste. Michel-Ste. Malo. The expenses for these trips are included in the program fee. You are also free to travel Europe on your own. Do your traveling during vacation periods, or after the term is over. Youth Hostel information can be found in the travel books.  Let’s Go Europe or something comparable is recommended. Talk with your local travel agent about BritRail or Eurail passes (they can save you money if you plan to travel, but they must be purchased in the USA). EuroBus passes are also now available (800-777-0112).

ABOUT FLIGHTS

Hand luggage

The Transportation Security Administration reminds air travelers to be prepared and pack smart . If you plan to travel with liquids, gels or aerosols in your carry-on bag remember 3-1-1. 

• All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in a three ounce or smaller containers. 
• Containers must be placed in a one quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag and must be removed from your carry-on and placed in the security bin.
• Onlyone zip-top bag is permitted per traveler.
•  Remember 3-1-1 to speed your screening process. Larger liquids can be placed in checked baggage

For detailed information, including a listing of permitted and prohibited items, please visit www.tsa.gov.

You are allowed to carry 1 piece of hand luggage onto the plane. This must fit under the seat in front of you, which means it must not be larger than (9in x 14in X 22in) overall and should also not weigh more than 13 lbs.

Checked baggage allowance for transatlantic flights
As well as hand luggage you are allowed to check in the following: Two pieces of luggage per passenger each weighing up to 70 lbs. each. 
When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage (L + W + H) must not exceed 62 inches.


*CHANGES TO YOUR TICKET                                  

    ALL DATE CHANGES ARE BASED ON SEAT/CLASS AVAILABILITY   

    FOR YOUR AIRLINE.                                        

 *CHANGES TO THE ROUTING/AIRPORTS AND/OR NAME ON          

    YOUR TICKET ARE NOT ALLOWED.                             

 *PRIOR TO DEPARTURE YOU CAN MAKE DATE CHANGES TO THE     

    OUTBOUND OR RETURN PORTION OF YOUR FLIGHT FOR A 175.00  

    FEE PLUS ANY FARE DIFFERENCE.                         

    PLEASE CONTACT STUDENTUNIVERSE TO MAKE THESE CHANGES    

 *AFTER DEPARTURE RETURN DATE CHANGES CAN BE MADE         

    DIRECTLY THROUGH AIR FRANCE FOR A 175.00 FEE            

    PLUS ANY FARE DIFFERENCE.                               

 *CANCELLATION/REFUNDS                                    

    REFUNDS ARE ALLOWED PRIOR TO SCHEDULED DEPARTURE FOR    

    A FEE OF 175.00 BY CONTACTING STUDENTUNIVERSE AT        

    800 272 9676 OR OUTSIDE THE US AT 617 321 3100          

 *AFTER DEPARTURE TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE               

..................................................................................................     

 *AIRLINE CHECK-IN                                        

    PLEASE CALL YOUR AIRLINE 48-72 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF      

    YOUR FLIGHT TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION, FLIGHT, AND    

    CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS                                   

    AIRLINES RECOMMEND YOU CHECK-IN 2 HOURS PRIOR TO        

    DEPARTURE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, AND 3 HOURS FOR             

    INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS.

* AIRLINE / TRAVEL AGENT CONTACT INFORMATION                                     

    CONTACT STUDENTUNIVERSE AT 800-272-9676 OR OUTSIDE      

    THE US AT 001-617-321-3100                              

    CONTACT AIR FRANCE AT 800-237-2747 OR BY THE            

PERSONAL SAFETY
As anywhere, use common sense -- avoid awkward or dangerous situations, do not be an “ugly American” (loud, boisterous, pushy, confrontational) -- such an animal probably does not exist (certainly not in our group!), but some Europeans still favor the stereotype of us packing six-guns on our hips. Everywhere you go, beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas. Always carry identification with you. *For further important safety information, visit the US Department of State's website: http://travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html

STUDENT VISAS FOR FRANCE (LONG STAY)

There are two kinds of long-stay student visas available, depending upon the length of studies in France. Because your stay will be longer than 90 days, you will be applying for the Temporary Long Stay Visa.

All applicants must submit the following original documents :
*2 application forms signed and legibly filled out. Please print in black
*2 recent passport size photographs affixed on the applications.
*Passport and one copy (of first page) (passport must be valid for a period of 3 months beyond the applicant's last day of stay).
*Copy of the American Visa or green card (only for non US citizens).
*A letter of admission (pre-enrollment) from the school which the applicant plans to attend to in France (+ 1 copy)
*Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France. (an official letter from the insurance company only + 1 copy).
*Notarized financial statement* cerifying that the applicant will be provided with a monthly allowance of $ 600.00 for the duration of your stay in France, (+ 1 copy). Form will be provided by Office of Special Services
*Visa fee (fluctuates according to the dollar~ franc exchange rate, currently approximately $120.00)