Campus France Guide for Indian Students

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Bravo! Like 8,000 other Indian students and over 3,25,000 international students, you have chosen France for your higher education.

Bon choix! France is known as a romantic destination but, as you’ll soon find Message from out, France is also the best H. E. Ale xandre Ziegler, destination for studies. Here’s why! Ambassador of France to India

France is a world leader in education. The French government invests heavily in higher education, funds which international students also benefit from. The highest quality of education and research at the most affordable tuition fees, that's France for you!

France benefits from a long, proud tradition of scientific and technological research and innovation that underpins the nation’s achievements in fields such as aeronautics and space, transportation, electronics, telecommunication, chemistry, biotechnology, health and mathematics.

France also offers a new and exciting way of life – one that you’re about to experience – in which a rich culture (music, film, theatre, festivals), a vibrant history (time-defying monuments and architecture), a delectable cuisine (wine, bread, cheese, from farm to table), and a diverse geography will contribute to the memories you will cherish throughout your life.

Bienvenue! Mon choix, le bon choix Welcome to France, welcome to a bright future! Well done!

4 5 Bravo! Like 8,000 other Indian students and over 3,25,000 international students, you have chosen France for your higher education.

Bienvenue! Mon choix, le bon choix Welcome to France, welcome to a bright future! Well done!

4 5 AN ENRICHING MUTUAL EXPERIENCE AGREEMENT

The agreement between France and India for the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications, signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s The irreplaceable maiden State visit to India in 2018, France has come into force.

As per the signed agreement, the T he f o l l o w i ng e d uca ti o na l following educational qualifications qualifications recognised by the France is a country with a dynamic economy from India (from Government- French Ministry of Higher Education and an unparalleled vibrant culture. France, approved institutions) are now are now recognised by the Indian with its myriad opportunities and recognised by the French government: government: experiences, will contribute significantly in shaping you and your career. SSCE Baccalauréat Located in the heart of Europe and bordered (CBSE, state boards, PU or equivalent) by nine different countries, France is the ideal location to discover the European continent. Bachelor’s Degree Licence

Master’s and Master’s Level Capital : Paris Master’s Degree Qualifications Motto : Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

Currency : Euro Ph.D Doctorat Official Language : French Climate : Temperate Professional degrees such as Law, Medicine or other professions regulated by a Population (2019) : 66.9 million professional council are excluded. Government : Republic The mutual recognition of AISSCE and Baccalauréat degrees will enable students to President : Mr Emmanuel Macron advance their studies in both French and Indian educational systems. It promotes mobility of students between the two countries. Prime Minister : Mr Edouard Philippe Religion : France is a secular country where freedom of religion is a constitutional right. FOR MORE INFO https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/mutual-recognition-of-academic-qualifications-0 6 7 AN ENRICHING MUTUAL EXPERIENCE AGREEMENT

As per the signed agreement, the T he f o l l o w i ng e d uc a t i o na l following educational qualifications qualifications recognised by the France is a country with a dynamic economy from India (from Government- French Ministry of Higher Education and an unparalleled vibrant culture. France, approved institutions) are now are now recognised by the Indian with its myriad opportunities and recognised by the French government: government: experiences, will contribute significantly in shaping you and your career. SSCE Baccalauréat Located in the heart of Europe and bordered (CBSE, state boards, PU or equivalent) by nine different countries, France is the ideal location to discover the European continent. Bachelor’s Degree Licence

Master’s and Master’s Level Capital : Paris Master’s Degree Qualifications Motto : Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

Chandigarh

Dehradun

Delhi Gurgaon

Jaipur Lucknow

Ahmedabad Bhopal TIPS Kolkata Baroda Indore The key to your success

Nashik in France? Learn French!

Bombay Pune Secunderabad A basic level of French is a key success factor. An A1/A2 level in French is Hyderabad Panjim/Goa advisable for students enrolled in Bangalore programmes taught in English. For Manipal Madras/Chennai programmes taught in French, a level Mysore Pondicherry Coimbatore B2 or higher, certified by a DELF/ Trichy Kochi Madurai DALF certificate, is mandatory. Trivandrum

Alliance Campus France French To enrol in French classes contact your Française Counselling Consulate nearest Alliance Française centre in India. Network Offices

FOR MORE INFO ALLONS-Y! https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/campus-france-office-near-you Let’s go! 8 9 The French Institute in India / Campus ROLE OF France offers personal guidance to CAMPUS FRANCE international students from choosing a programme to settling down in France. http://www.inde.campusfrance.org Leh There are 13 Campus France offices all over India.

Chandigarh

Dehradun

Delhi Gurgaon

Jaipur Lucknow

Ahmedabad Bhopal TIPS Kolkata Baroda Indore The key to your success

Nashik in France? Learn French!

Alliance Campus France French To enrol in French classes contact your Française Counselling Consulate nearest Alliance Française centre in India. Network Offices

FOR MORE INFO ALLONS-Y! https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/campus-france-office-near-you Let’s go! 8 9 MON MON PORTE-MONNAIE TIPS LOGEMENT Financing your stay Finding You will have to submit proofs of accommodation sufficient financial resources to apply for a In order to ensure a hassle-free stay long-stay visa. in France and be able to Before looking for housing in France, concentrate on your studies, you Taking into account the many discounts for students must decide, keeping in mind must have adequate financial which students are eligible, the average their finances and the length of their resources to cover the cost of living. monthly student budget is €900-1,200 programme, the kind of housing which in Paris and €600-800 elsewhere. suits them the best. Housing is relatively EXPENSES WHEN expensive in France, but international MONTHLY BUDGET students, just like French students, can YOU ARRIVE avail benefits under housing assistance Sample budget (this financial estimate will provided by the French government. Additional fees should also be vary according to your choices, most anticipated upon arrival. The first significantly your type of accommodation): Note that it is much more convenient and month you will have to pay for: Housing : €500 to 750 reassuring to have confirmed (water and electricity included) Your tuition fees: check the amount accommodation before your arrival. Insurance : €20 to 45 and the terms of payment on the (home, public liability) website of your university/school; Health insurance : €30 Food : 150 to 200 Student welfare and extra-curricular € Transport : €30 activities (sports, healthcare, Telephone and internet : €20 TIPS library): €90; Books and stationery : €40 The OFII tax (French Office for Hobbies and outings : €40 Most universities/schools Immigration and Integration): have a dedicated department approx. €50; An idea of other basics for international student 1 baguette : €0.80 accommodation. O n c e y o u ' v e f o u n d a n 1 coffee : €1 - 2 accommodation, you will need to 1 camembert cheese : €2 You can also check services pay, in addition to the first month’s 1 croissant : €1 provided by the local authorities rent, a security deposit equal to 1 kg of rice : €1.90 in the city where you will live. one month’s rent (excluding taxes); 1 litre of milk : €1.20 6 eggs : €1.50 M i s c e l l a n e o u s e x p e n s e s 1 meal at a university cafeteria: €3.15 (electricity, telephone, gym, etc.). 1 fast-food meal : €7 1 meal in a regular restaurant : €10 - 20 1 sandwich : 3 - 5 FOR MORE INFO € FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/preparing-budget-student-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-lodging-in-France 10 11 MON MON PORTE-MONNAIE TIPS LOGEMENT Financing your stay Finding You will have to submit proofs of accommodation sufficient financial resources to apply for a In order to ensure a hassle-free stay long-stay visa. in France and be able to Before looking for housing in France, concentrate on your studies, you Taking into account the many discounts for students must decide, keeping in mind must have adequate financial which students are eligible, the average their finances and the length of their resources to cover the cost of living. monthly student budget is €900-1,200 programme, the kind of housing which in Paris and €600-800 elsewhere. suits them the best. Housing is relatively EXPENSES WHEN expensive in France, but international MONTHLY BUDGET students, just like French students, can YOU ARRIVE avail benefits under housing assistance Sample budget (this financial estimate will provided by the French government. Additional fees should also be vary according to your choices, most anticipated upon arrival. The first significantly your type of accommodation): Note that it is much more convenient and month you will have to pay for: Housing : €500 to 750 reassuring to have confirmed (water and electricity included) Your tuition fees: check the amount accommodation before your arrival. Insurance : €20 to 45 and the terms of payment on the (home, public liability) website of your university/school; Health insurance : €30 Food : 150 to 200 Student welfare and extra-curricular € Transport : €30 activities (sports, healthcare, Telephone and internet : €20 TIPS library): €90; Books and stationery : €40 The OFII tax (French Office for Hobbies and outings : €40 Most universities/schools Immigration and Integration): have a dedicated department approx. €50; An idea of other basics for international student 1 baguette : €0.80 accommodation. O n c e y o u ' v e f o u n d a n 1 coffee : €1 - 2 accommodation, you will need to 1 camembert cheese : €2 You can also check services pay, in addition to the first month’s 1 croissant : €1 provided by the local authorities rent, a security deposit equal to 1 kg of rice : €1.90 in the city where you will live. one month’s rent (excluding taxes); 1 litre of milk : €1.20 6 eggs : €1.50 M i s c e l l a n e o u s e x p e n s e s 1 meal at a university cafeteria: €3.15 (electricity, telephone, gym, etc.). 1 fast-food meal : €7 1 meal in a regular restaurant : €10 - 20 1 sandwich : 3 - 5 FOR MORE INFO € FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/preparing-budget-student-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-lodging-in-France 10 11 UNIVERSITY approx. €200 a week in Paris with SHARED RENTALS, RESIDENCE HALLS breakfast, or €300 with breakfast KNOWN IN FRENCH and dinner. These costs are AS “COLOCATION” Located on campus or in town, university comparatively lower in other cities. residences are run by France’s regional House rentals to groups: Several student service centres (CROUS, Centres PRIVATE RENTALS individuals may enter into a lease régionaux des oeuvres universitaires et with a house owner, with each scolaires). The residences feature furnished having equal rights to the and well-equipped rooms and studios. Tenants are generally required to accommodation. No special Some residences have shared bathrooms / pay a security deposit before kitchens. The monthly rent is between taking the accommodation. Rents regulations apply to such rentals. All tenants have the same rights and €250 and €600. We advise you to are high, especially in large cities, look for accommodation early to get the and more so in Paris. Tenants are obligations, as does a single tenant best deals! likely to be asked to show proof who takes out a lease. To apply for www.cnous.fr (Centre National des that their monthly income is at least housing assistance, your name must Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) three times the rental amount. appear on the lease agreement. FINANCIAL HOUSING Accommodation in university residences Many ads are posted on specialised is mainly reserved for recipients of house rental websites: ASSISTANCE French government scholarships and BEWARE Free websites: students who have come through OF SCAMS! International students, like French students, www.koloc.org exchange programmes and organized may be eligible for housing assistance. There Never pay the rent in advance mobility programmes. www.colocationfrance.fr are two types of subsidies: before leaving your country. Websites that charge a fee: www.appartager.com ALS: allocation de logement à caractère PRIVATELY OPERATED social PACKAGE DEAL www.colocation.fr STUDENT HOUSING APL: aide personnalisée au logement www.portail-colocation.com There are many associations which Private accommodations catering to students leboncoin.fr offer package deals for long stays Students may apply for either of these, can be found in most big cities. Rents range covering housing, banking, insurance, depending on the type of accommodation from €650 to €900 per month in Paris telephone, etc. and other chosen. The amount of assistance varies and from €400 to €600 elsewhere. conveniences (discounts at some according to the rent and other specific www.adele.org restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, criteria. If you are sharing an apartment, you TIPS and your flatmate/roommate may both avail www.fac-habitat.com etc.). These are private, paid services. In order to facilitate access to benefits, provided that both your names www.erashome.com appear on the lease agreement. ROOMS IN (Paris area) housing, the French government proposes a State insurance for Information and eligibility criteria for the same www.cooptalis.com/students can be obtained from the assigned CAF PRIVATE HOUSES students without guarantor. Haut-de-france region (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) family Suitable for short stays, renting a Toulbox.univ-toulouse.fr For more information, visit the assistance fund. furnished room in a private home costs (Toulouse area) website visale.fr For more information, log on to: www.caf.fr

12 13 UNIVERSITY approx. €200 a week in Paris with SHARED RENTALS, RESIDENCE HALLS breakfast, or €300 with breakfast KNOWN IN FRENCH and dinner. These costs are AS “COLOCATION” Located on campus or in town, university comparatively lower in other cities. residences are run by France’s regional House rentals to groups: Several student service centres (CROUS, Centres PRIVATE RENTALS individuals may enter into a lease régionaux des oeuvres universitaires et with a house owner, with each scolaires). The residences feature furnished having equal rights to the and well-equipped rooms and studios. Tenants are generally required to accommodation. No special Some residences have shared bathrooms / pay a security deposit before kitchens. The monthly rent is between taking the accommodation. Rents regulations apply to such rentals. All tenants have the same rights and €250 and €600. We advise you to are high, especially in large cities, look for accommodation early to get the and more so in Paris. Tenants are obligations, as does a single tenant best deals! likely to be asked to show proof who takes out a lease. To apply for www.cnous.fr (Centre National des that their monthly income is at least housing assistance, your name must Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) three times the rental amount. appear on the lease agreement. FINANCIAL HOUSING Accommodation in university residences Many ads are posted on specialised is mainly reserved for recipients of house rental websites: ASSISTANCE French government scholarships and BEWARE Free websites: students who have come through OF SCAMS! International students, like French students, www.koloc.org exchange programmes and organized may be eligible for housing assistance. There Never pay the rent in advance mobility programmes. www.colocationfrance.fr are two types of subsidies: before leaving your country. Websites that charge a fee: www.appartager.com ALS: allocation de logement à caractère PRIVATELY OPERATED social PACKAGE DEAL www.colocation.fr STUDENT HOUSING APL: aide personnalisée au logement www.portail-colocation.com There are many associations which Private accommodations catering to students leboncoin.fr offer package deals for long stays Students may apply for either of these, can be found in most big cities. Rents range covering housing, banking, insurance, depending on the type of accommodation from €650 to €900 per month in Paris telephone, etc. and other chosen. The amount of assistance varies and from €400 to €600 elsewhere. conveniences (discounts at some according to the rent and other specific www.adele.org restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, criteria. If you are sharing an apartment, you TIPS and your flatmate/roommate may both avail www.fac-habitat.com etc.). These are private, paid services. In order to facilitate access to benefits, provided that both your names www.erashome.com appear on the lease agreement. ROOMS IN (Paris area) housing, the French government proposes a State insurance for Information and eligibility criteria for the same www.cooptalis.com/students can be obtained from the assigned CAF PRIVATE HOUSES students without guarantor. Haut-de-france region (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) family Suitable for short stays, renting a Toulbox.univ-toulouse.fr For more information, visit the assistance fund. furnished room in a private home costs (Toulouse area) website visale.fr For more information, log on to: www.caf.fr

12 13 GETTING All information and forms are interview or appearing for an entrance PROCEDURE available for download on the website test at an institution of higher YOUR VISA of the Embassy of France in India: education. If successful, students in STEP 1 Mandatory Campus France https://in.ambafrance.org/ this category may apply for a 1-year procedure Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-India PREPARING FOR renewable residence permit in France Click on login on the Campus MY DEPARTURE and will not be required to return to France website. their home country to do so. Create your account on redirected Visit the website of your host institution PREPARING MY page PROCEDURE to identify the contact person(s) with VISA APPLICATION https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/ whom you can correspond for all Complete your application on our etudesenfrance/dyn/public/login. matters related to your arrival Visa procedures for Indian students online portal: html (enrolment procedures and services, have been greatly simplified. https://france-visas.gouv.fr/. Click on the “I am admitted” tab international students affairs and Depending on the duration of your to start your Visa Process. student welfare). Start by confirming studies in France, select the type of Take an appointment with VFS Fill in the required information, your admission. You must also inform visa you should apply for. through the France Visa portal. upload the necessary documents them if you plan to arrive later than Visit the VFS centre in person to and submit your file. required by the course calendar. SHORT-STAY VISAS register your biometric data. Your Campus France office will (LESS THAN 90 DAYS) Voilà, collect your visa from VFS! contact you for an appointment For a stay of less than 90 days in for the academic interview. France, students are exempted from LONG-STAY VISAS the Campus France procedure. STEP 2 Academic interview Short-stay visas are governed by If you are an Indian citizen or a legal Pay your Campus France European regulations. resident over the age of 18, desirous application fees of 15500/- online of pursuing your studies at a French on http://ifindia.in/payment/ A non-renewable short-stay visa institution for a period longer than 3 allows a stay of up to 3 months in the You will have to appear in months (90 days), you must 26-country Schengen area. Holders person for the academic complete the Campus France of this visa do not require a French interview with a Campus France application process prior to applying BEWARE residence permit. advisor. You will be asked to for a visa. The Long-stay student visa explain your reasons for Your passport should be less than Short-term visa for students (known as VLS-TS) also serves as a choosing France and the 10 years old and be valid for at attending interviews or appearing for residence permit for the duration of its institution where you have been least 3 months after the validity of validity, provided by the OFII (Office admitted.You must carry all the requested visa. It must have at entrance tests: Français de l’Immigration et de mandatory documents (originals least two blank pages. This visa entitles the holder to enter l’Intégration). + one set of photocopies) and France for the purpose of attending an the Campus France fee payment FOR MORE INFO receipt. https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/node/46 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-different-types-of-visas

14 15 GETTING All information and forms are interview or appearing for an entrance PROCEDURE available for download on the website test at an institution of higher YOUR VISA of the Embassy of France in India: education. If successful, students in STEP 1 Mandatory Campus France https://in.ambafrance.org/ this category may apply for a 1-year procedure Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-India PREPARING FOR renewable residence permit in France Click on login on the Campus MY DEPARTURE and will not be required to return to France website. their home country to do so. Create your account on redirected Visit the website of your host institution PREPARING MY page PROCEDURE to identify the contact person(s) with VISA APPLICATION https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/ whom you can correspond for all Complete your application on our etudesenfrance/dyn/public/login. matters related to your arrival Visa procedures for Indian students online portal: html (enrolment procedures and services, have been greatly simplified. https://france-visas.gouv.fr/. Click on the “I am admitted” tab international students affairs and Depending on the duration of your to start your Visa Process. student welfare). Start by confirming studies in France, select the type of Take an appointment with VFS Fill in the required information, your admission. You must also inform visa you should apply for. through the France Visa portal. upload the necessary documents them if you plan to arrive later than Visit the VFS centre in person to and submit your file. required by the course calendar. SHORT-STAY VISAS register your biometric data. Your Campus France office will (LESS THAN 90 DAYS) Voilà, collect your visa from VFS! contact you for an appointment For a stay of less than 90 days in for the academic interview. France, students are exempted from LONG-STAY VISAS the Campus France procedure. STEP 2 Academic interview Short-stay visas are governed by If you are an Indian citizen or a legal Pay your Campus France European regulations. resident over the age of 18, desirous application fees of 15500/- online of pursuing your studies at a French on http://ifindia.in/payment/ A non-renewable short-stay visa institution for a period longer than 3 allows a stay of up to 3 months in the You will have to appear in months (90 days), you must 26-country Schengen area. Holders person for the academic complete the Campus France of this visa do not require a French interview with a Campus France application process prior to applying BEWARE residence permit. advisor. You will be asked to for a visa. The Long-stay student visa explain your reasons for Your passport should be less than Short-term visa for students (known as VLS-TS) also serves as a choosing France and the 10 years old and be valid for at attending interviews or appearing for residence permit for the duration of its institution where you have been least 3 months after the validity of validity, provided by the OFII (Office admitted.You must carry all the requested visa. It must have at entrance tests: Français de l’Immigration et de mandatory documents (originals least two blank pages. This visa entitles the holder to enter l’Intégration). + one set of photocopies) and France for the purpose of attending an the Campus France fee payment FOR MORE INFO receipt. https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/node/46 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-different-types-of-visas

14 15 After the academic interview, you INFORMATION FOR will receive the NOC (certificate STUDENTS GOING ON AN which states you have completed INTERNSHIP the CF process). Students going to France for STEP 3 Online visa application and internships must provide an additional scheduling of appointment with VFS document while applying for a visa, France called: Complete your application on CONVENTION DE STAGE the online portal: This document is mandatory. The https://france-visas.gouv.fr/ Convention de stage is an agreement Take an appointment with VFS between the employer (it can be a through the France Visa portal. company or a host institution), the Visit the VFS centre in person to intern’s home institution in India, and register your biometric data. the intern. Voilà, collect your visa from VFS! The Convention de stage stipulates the dates of the internship, the tasks and responsibilities of the intern and mentions that the internship is relevant IMPORTANT to the course of study.

You have 3 months from the date of Note: If you are going for an internship your arrival on French territory to for more than 3 months, you must get validate your visa online. the convention de stage stamped by We recommend that you finish the La Direccte, the labour authority in process at the earliest, in order to France. avoid last-minute hassles. See p. 28 for more information on the procedure. A SPECIAL VISA FOR ALUMNI

France has adopted very attractive visa policies for alumni. Check p. 44 to find out more about this.

BON VOYAGE! Before leaving

17 After the academic interview, you INFORMATION FOR will receive the NOC (certificate STUDENTS GOING ON AN which states you have completed INTERNSHIP the CF process). Students going to France for STEP 3 Online visa application and internships must provide an additional scheduling of appointment with VFS document while applying for a visa, France called: Complete your application on CONVENTION DE STAGE the online portal: This document is mandatory. The https://france-visas.gouv.fr/ Convention de stage is an agreement Take an appointment with VFS between the employer (it can be a through the France Visa portal. company or a host institution), the Visit the VFS centre in person to intern’s home institution in India, and register your biometric data. the intern. Voilà, collect your visa from VFS! The Convention de stage stipulates the dates of the internship, the tasks and responsibilities of the intern and mentions that the internship is relevant IMPORTANT to the course of study.

France has adopted very attractive visa policies for alumni. Check p. 44 to find out more about this.

BON VOYAGE! Before leaving

17 Metropolitan France has been divided into Many institutions offer several services KNOW YOUR 13 different regions, which are in turn to assist incoming international REGION subdivided into departments. ORGANISE students. These services vary but often Remember that different departments have YOUR ARRIVAL include an airport pickup, reserved different administrative offices! Before arriving housing, personalised mentoring and TIPS in France, find out the department your host special language classes. city belongs to. This will be useful for when France has many regions you begin your paper work. to explore. Each region has its own character and FIND OUT ABOUT charm with plenty of FRESHMEN ORIENTATION outstanding towns and Inform the owner of your accommodation PROGRAMMES villages. Lille or the residence about your arrival. Hauts-de- Inquire from your host university about France SURVIVING THE new students orientation events that Rouen may be planned: welcome day, Grand Est FIRST FEW DAYS Normandy integration week, etc. and attend them. Paris Strasbourg Brittany You will not only receive valuable Pays de Rennes Make sure you have a phone that works information, but also make new friends! la Loire when you arrive in France. Save your Nantes Orléans Bourgogne - Franche contact numbers: accommodation, Centre - - Comté university and emergency numbers. Val de Loire Dijon Also make sure that you have an international credit / debit / Forex card to Nouvelle - allow you to withdraw money from Aquitaine Lyon Auvergne - ATMs in France. It is advisable to carry Bordeaux Rhône - Alpes cash to pay for transportation from the airport to your accommodation. You will find foreign exchange offices “bureaux de Provence - Alpes-Côte d’Azur change” at airports, railway stations, and Toulouse Marseille close to bus stations. Occitanie If you have chosen a university residence, you will receive your room key from the reception. Check the opening hours (N.B: most reception desks close at 4.00 pm and are not open on weekends).

FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/villes FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/tourism-visit-regions-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/organise-arrival-France 18 19 Metropolitan France has been divided into Many institutions offer several services KNOW YOUR 13 different regions, which are in turn to assist incoming international REGION subdivided into departments. ORGANISE students. These services vary but often Remember that different departments have YOUR ARRIVAL include an airport pickup, reserved different administrative offices! Before arriving housing, personalised mentoring and TIPS in France, find out the department your host special language classes. city belongs to. This will be useful for when France has many regions you begin your paper work. to explore. Each region has its own character and FIND OUT ABOUT charm with plenty of FRESHMEN ORIENTATION outstanding towns and Inform the owner of your accommodation PROGRAMMES villages. Lille or the residence about your arrival. Hauts-de- Inquire from your host university about France SURVIVING THE new students orientation events that Rouen may be planned: welcome day, Grand Est FIRST FEW DAYS Normandy integration week, etc. and attend them. Paris Strasbourg Brittany You will not only receive valuable Pays de Rennes Make sure you have a phone that works information, but also make new friends! la Loire when you arrive in France. Save your Nantes Orléans Bourgogne - Franche contact numbers: accommodation, Centre - - Comté university and emergency numbers. Val de Loire Dijon Also make sure that you have an international credit / debit / Forex card to Nouvelle - allow you to withdraw money from Aquitaine Lyon Auvergne - ATMs in France. It is advisable to carry Bordeaux Rhône - Alpes cash to pay for transportation from the airport to your accommodation. You will find foreign exchange offices “bureaux de Provence - Alpes-Côte d’Azur change” at airports, railway stations, and Toulouse Marseille close to bus stations. Occitanie If you have chosen a university residence, you will receive your room key from the reception. Check the opening hours (N.B: most reception desks close at 4.00 pm and are not open on weekends).

FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/villes FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/tourism-visit-regions-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/organise-arrival-France 18 19 WHAT SHOULD I PACK? IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Proof of medical insurance. TO CARRY ALONG Proof of previous studies undertaken: most recent academic Wishing to fit too much into our suitcase, we degrees and diplomas and often forget the basics. Remember to carry: You will need certain documents to corresponding transcripts and complete administrative formalities on your One or two adapters for your electrical language test (English or French, arrival in France. devices: phones, tablets, laptop, etc. depending on the language of Voltage in France is 220V. Here's an indicative list for your reference: your chosen study programme). Get ready to walk much more than one Passport with a valid visa. Proof of accommodation. normally does in India. It is imperative to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Your travel insurance must cover medical expenses, financial default of travel If you are undergoing a specific medical service providers, and other losses TIPS treatment, take enough prescription drugs incurred while traveling, whether within Scan and send copies of important for the length of your stay. Make sure you one’s own country, or internationally. documents to your mailbox. are allowed to bring them into the country French consular authorities require the and carry with you either the prescription insurance policy to cover your travel and or a note from the doctor. have a repatriation clause. Make sure you carry weather-appropriate Apostille* on original birth certificate. clothing. Refer to www.meteofrance.com to know the weather in your host city. Birth certificate translated in French (contact the Alliance Française network in India for obtaining an authorised FOR MORE INFO official translation). https://www.campusfrance.org/en/France-weather-climate

*Apostille is a legal verification to prove the authenticity of a document and is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Guwahati. Be aware that airports have strict security requirements for safety reasons. Procedure: If you are departing from India with expensive items (such as computers, cameras and Get your birth certificate verified at the municipal office, as it should first be video cameras) and you intend to bring them back to India, you are expected to authenticated by the designated authorities of the State/Union Territory from where the declare these items to the Customs. document has been issued. If you do not have a birth certificate, contact the concerned Once registered, you do not need to declare these articles to Customs on your return to municipal office. No other document such as an affidavit or any other notarised document India but you should keep the registration form handy in case Customs authorities have any is valid. Try to get two originals if possible (leave one behind at home, in case of loss). questions. The original document is to be submitted directly to the five outsourced agencies of the Never carry items for strangers and make sure that you have packed your own suitcases MEA (www.mea.gov.in/legalization-ofdocuments.htm) along with a photocopy of the and know what they contain. Make sure you are not carrying any sharp objects or document and a photocopy of the applicant’s passport. The apostille seal will only be items which may be considered as weapons (nail files, nail scissors, pen knife, etc.) stamped on the original birth certificate, not on photocopies. WHAT SHOULD I PACK? IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Proof of medical insurance. TO CARRY ALONG Proof of previous studies undertaken: most recent academic Wishing to fit too much into our suitcase, we degrees and diplomas and often forget the basics. Remember to carry: You will need certain documents to corresponding transcripts and complete administrative formalities on your One or two adapters for your electrical language test (English or French, arrival in France. devices: phones, tablets, laptop, etc. depending on the language of Voltage in France is 220V. Here's an indicative list for your reference: your chosen study programme). Get ready to walk much more than one Passport with a valid visa. Proof of accommodation. normally does in India. It is imperative to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Your travel insurance must cover medical expenses, financial default of travel If you are undergoing a specific medical service providers, and other losses TIPS treatment, take enough prescription drugs incurred while traveling, whether within Scan and send copies of important for the length of your stay. Make sure you one’s own country, or internationally. documents to your mailbox. are allowed to bring them into the country French consular authorities require the and carry with you either the prescription insurance policy to cover your travel and or a note from the doctor. have a repatriation clause. Make sure you carry weather-appropriate Apostille* on original birth certificate. clothing. Refer to www.meteofrance.com to know the weather in your host city. Birth certificate translated in French (contact the Alliance Française network in India for obtaining an authorised FOR MORE INFO official translation). https://www.campusfrance.org/en/France-weather-climate

22 23 MON ARRIVEE The First Days

22 23 MON ARRIVEE TIPS Prepaid offers Prepaid offers, or pay as you go, do The First Days Buddy system is a free service that can help not require a subscription. After you with your official procedures, discovering buying the SIM card and prepaid REGISTRATION AT YOUR the city, networking and socialising! credit, calls can be made immediately. HOSTING FRENCH INSTITUTION https://buddysystem.eu/choose

Once you arrive in France, you must For related information, visit your host STAY CONNECTED register at your new university or institution. institution’s website prior to departure. Public Universities Mobile Plans Academic registration (known in All students enrolling at public Contract mobile phone universities are required to register in F r e n c h a s “ i n s c r i p t i o n “Forfaits avec engagement” are mobile plans person at the beginning of each pédagogique”): taken out for a minimum duration, usually academic year. In the second phase of the process, 12 or 24 months, depending on the plan. Before enrolling, you are required to you need to: The subscription is limited to a certain make a payment of 90 Euros at the - Choose/Register for courses. number of hours each month, this limit can government student service office - Get information on class/exam be removed, if required. You may also Internet (called CROUS): schedules. choose from a number of unlimited plans. There are many internet providers in www.meservices.etudiants.gouv.fr. Some plans offer a new mobile phone at a France which offer packages with - Familiarise yourself with assessment You need to print the payment slip and reduced price. Bills are paid monthly by ADSL, VDSL or optical fibre (plus methods. keep it safely. debiting your associated bank account. TV and telephone) for roughly the same price. Comprehensive The registration process consists of two steps: Other French Higher The main mobile telephone providers are: Education Institutions Bouygues Telecom, Orange, SFR, and Free. information on ADSL availability in Administrative registration (known in France, price and service comparisons Private French institutions have their French as “inscription administrative”): can be found on the Ariase website own registration procedures, which Without a contract Ariase.com (in French). - Carry the printed CROUS are normally communicated to “Forfait sans engagement” are mobile attestation with you. students well before the beginning of plans without a minimum duration. The A few internet access providers: - Pay the applicable fees, if any. the academic year. mobile subscription is managed entirely Bouygues: www.bouyguestelecom.fr Darty: www.dartybox.com - Subscribe to a national student Make a note of any documents that online, and a new mobile phone at a Free: www.free.fr healthcare plan. you may be asked to provide at the reduced price is generally not included in Numericable: www.numericable.fr - After completing the above, you time of registration. You may be the subscription. The major service Orange: www.orange.fr will receive your student ID card. required to present original documents. providers offer low-cost plans including basic plans as well as advanced packages SFR: www.sfr.fr which offer unlimited phone calls, FOR MORE INFO unlimited text messages, international calls Check if your accommodation is equipped and Internet: SFR - Série Red, Orange - with internet before you subscribe to one https://www.campusfrance.org/en/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the- new-student-and-campus-life-contribution-cvec-0 Sosh, Free, Virgin Mobile, etc. of these service providers.

24 25 MON ARRIVEE TIPS Prepaid offers Prepaid offers, or pay as you go, do The First Days Buddy system is a free service that can help not require a subscription. After you with your official procedures, discovering buying the SIM card and prepaid REGISTRATION AT YOUR the city, networking and socialising! credit, calls can be made immediately. HOSTING FRENCH INSTITUTION https://buddysystem.eu/choose

24 25 JE M'ORGANISE The First Month

26 27 JE M'ORGANISE The First Month

26 27 JE M'ORGANISE Opening a Bank Account The bank will also ask you for a copy of The First Month International students may open a non- your signature to enable them to resident bank account (in Euros or confirm the authenticity of any cheques another currency) or, a Resident to be processed. account if they are going to be staying Check if your bank at home has ties Validate your for more than 3 months (in Euros or with a French banking network, as this Long-stay Visa / residence another currency). may make it easier for you to open an permit (VLS-TS) If you stay in France for more than 3 account (perhaps even before you Within the first three months following months, you must open an account in a arrive in France) and transfer funds. your arrival, you must register and bank. The following documents will be Your bank will provide you with copies validate your visa at the following required to open an account: of your account information (relevés address: https://administration- d’identité bancaire, RIBs) which are etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr passport; useful when it comes to having your visa de long séjour ('long-stay visa') This quick and simple process will salary transferred to your account or ensure that you are registered as a legal which serves as a titre de séjour switching any standing direct debits resident in France. ('residence permit') (VLS/TS); you may have authorised (rent, phone proof of address (gas, electricity or bill, etc.). You can then start using telephone bill or even a rent your current account and request a You will need to provide: If you fail to validate your visa within receipt). bank card and a chequebook. the first three months following your a valid email address; The major bank cards (Visa and arrival, you will no longer be your visa information; considered a legal resident in France Mastercard) are accepted by most the date on which you and will be unable to stay in the French businesses for transactions in entered France; Schengen Area. excess of €15. Cash transactions must be made in Euros. your residential address in France; your credit card details in Exchange Rates order to pay a fee online for We advise you to go through a trusted the issuance of your residence agency, such as our sponsor - Thomas permit. (For other means of Cook. For more information on their payment, please visit the link exchange rates, visit their website: above) www.thomascook.in/Best-Live-Rates FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-long-stay-visa FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/renew-residency-permit https://www.campusfrance.org/en/getting-a-bank-account 28 29 JE M'ORGANISE Opening a Bank Account The bank will also ask you for a copy of The First Month International students may open a non- your signature to enable them to resident bank account (in Euros or confirm the authenticity of any cheques another currency) or, a Resident to be processed. account if they are going to be staying Check if your bank at home has ties Validate your for more than 3 months (in Euros or with a French banking network, as this Long-stay Visa / residence another currency). may make it easier for you to open an permit (VLS-TS) If you stay in France for more than 3 account (perhaps even before you Within the first three months following months, you must open an account in a arrive in France) and transfer funds. your arrival, you must register and bank. The following documents will be Your bank will provide you with copies validate your visa at the following required to open an account: of your account information (relevés address: https://administration- d’identité bancaire, RIBs) which are etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr passport; useful when it comes to having your visa de long séjour ('long-stay visa') This quick and simple process will salary transferred to your account or ensure that you are registered as a legal which serves as a titre de séjour switching any standing direct debits resident in France. ('residence permit') (VLS/TS); you may have authorised (rent, phone proof of address (gas, electricity or bill, etc.). You can then start using telephone bill or even a rent your current account and request a You will need to provide: If you fail to validate your visa within receipt). bank card and a chequebook. the first three months following your a valid email address; The major bank cards (Visa and arrival, you will no longer be your visa information; considered a legal resident in France Mastercard) are accepted by most the date on which you and will be unable to stay in the French businesses for transactions in entered France; Schengen Area. excess of €15. Cash transactions must be made in Euros. your residential address in France; your credit card details in Exchange Rates order to pay a fee online for We advise you to go through a trusted the issuance of your residence agency, such as our sponsor - Thomas permit. (For other means of Cook. For more information on their payment, please visit the link exchange rates, visit their website: above) www.thomascook.in/Best-Live-Rates FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-long-stay-visa FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/renew-residency-permit https://www.campusfrance.org/en/getting-a-bank-account 28 29 You can always exchange money at Medical assistance the airport from which you are departing. Airport exchange rates Medical insurance are normally on the higher side, but if All students enrolled in a French you are exchanging a small amount of institution for a programme of at least 3 money, the difference is minimal. months’ duration must subscribe to the social security system known as “caisses primaires d’assurance maladie” (or Cash CPAMs). Register on: We suggest you carry approximately http://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr 1000 Euros with you. This will save On average, social security covers you time and trouble when you arrive. about 70% of the expenses related to FOR MORE INFO This money will be useful for your initial healthcare. Students may obtain https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ expenses. additional health insurance coverage. healthcare-student-social-security The three largest student group health plans are: ATMs Multi-risk tenant insurance They are often open 24 hours and the La Mutuelle des Étudiants: All housing must be insured against transaction charges are minimal. Ensure www.lmde.fr , active throughout France; risks such as theft, fire, and water that your card is accepted in France damage. Such insurances can be (Visa, Mastercard, etc. ) Emevia, an association of regional purchased from private companies. student health plans: Debit cards associated to a savings Multi-risk home insurance includes www.emevia.com; account will NOT work in ATMs liability coverage and ensures that the abroad. Talk to your bank about the Smerep: www.smerep.fr. policy holder is insured against claims from third parties who may be injured options available to you abroad. Keep in an accident on the premises. the customer service phone numbers on hand to call for assistance if your card gets blocked. (It is advisable to obtain FOR MORE INFO the contact details of an individual from https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ i-am-not-european the bank in your home country.)

30 2631 You can always exchange money at Medical assistance the airport from which you are departing. Airport exchange rates Medical insurance are normally on the higher side, but if All students enrolled in a French you are exchanging a small amount of institution for a programme of at least 3 money, the difference is minimal. months’ duration must subscribe to the social security system known as “caisses primaires d’assurance maladie” (or Cash CPAMs). Register on: We suggest you carry approximately http://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr 1000 Euros with you. This will save On average, social security covers you time and trouble when you arrive. about 70% of the expenses related to FOR MORE INFO This money will be useful for your initial healthcare. Students may obtain https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ expenses. additional health insurance coverage. healthcare-student-social-security The three largest student group health plans are: ATMs Multi-risk tenant insurance They are often open 24 hours and the La Mutuelle des Étudiants: All housing must be insured against transaction charges are minimal. Ensure www.lmde.fr , active throughout France; risks such as theft, fire, and water that your card is accepted in France damage. Such insurances can be (Visa, Mastercard, etc. ) Emevia, an association of regional purchased from private companies. student health plans: Debit cards associated to a savings Multi-risk home insurance includes www.emevia.com; account will NOT work in ATMs liability coverage and ensures that the abroad. Talk to your bank about the Smerep: www.smerep.fr. policy holder is insured against claims from third parties who may be injured options available to you abroad. Keep in an accident on the premises. the customer service phone numbers on hand to call for assistance if your card gets blocked. (It is advisable to obtain FOR MORE INFO the contact details of an individual from https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ i-am-not-european the bank in your home country.)

30 2631 Social security vocabulary Below is a useful guide explaining specific terminologies used in the French social security health insurance system: Carte Vitale - National health insurance card: The Carte Vitale (green health card) is the national insurance card issued to individuals who are 16 years of age and above, giving them individual access to subscription and benefits of the French health insurance system - an affiliation to CPAM. Médecin traitant - Primary care physician: The primary care physician’s role is to coordinate the different consultations and tests necessary for the health of the patient (parcours de soins). The primary care physician is in most cases a General Practitioner. For any medical issue, a patient should first visit their primary care physician who will refer the patient to the concerned medical professional. Mutuelle - Mutual insurance company: A mutuelle is an organisation that provides top-up or complementary health insurance to its members for a monthly payment. A top-up insurance allows for greater reimbursement of healthcare expenses by complementing the percentage reimbursed by Social Security. Ticket modérateur - Top-up: The top-up is the part of the charges not covered by health insurance and is paid either by the patient or covered under the additional medical insurance. Tiers-payant - Third-party payment: This is when the top-up insurance automatically pays part of or the entire sum spent on health care. It applies generally to payment for prescription medicines prescribed by a doctor. The pharmacist is reimbursed directly by the top-up insurance and the social security. Third-party payments can include other services, particularly hospitalisation costs, once agreed to by the insurance company. VIVRE A LA FRANCAISE Your life in France

32 33 Social security vocabulary Below is a useful guide explaining specific terminologies used in the French social security health insurance system: Carte Vitale - National health insurance card: The Carte Vitale (green health card) is the national insurance card issued to individuals who are 16 years of age and above, giving them individual access to subscription and benefits of the French health insurance system - an affiliation to CPAM. Médecin traitant - Primary care physician: The primary care physician’s role is to coordinate the different consultations and tests necessary for the health of the patient (parcours de soins). The primary care physician is in most cases a General Practitioner. For any medical issue, a patient should first visit their primary care physician who will refer the patient to the concerned medical professional. Mutuelle - Mutual insurance company: A mutuelle is an organisation that provides top-up or complementary health insurance to its members for a monthly payment. A top-up insurance allows for greater reimbursement of healthcare expenses by complementing the percentage reimbursed by Social Security. Ticket modérateur - Top-up: The top-up is the part of the charges not covered by health insurance and is paid either by the patient or covered under the additional medical insurance. Tiers-payant - Third-party payment: This is when the top-up insurance automatically pays part of or the entire sum spent on health care. It applies generally to payment for prescription medicines prescribed by a doctor. The pharmacist is reimbursed directly by the top-up insurance and the social security. Third-party payments can include other services, particularly hospitalisation costs, once agreed to by the insurance company. VIVRE A LA FRANCAISE Your life in France

32 33 VIVRE A LA STUDENT BENEFITS TAKE FRENCH CLASSES FRANCAISE FRENCH IS SPOKEN BY Your life in France Culture, travel, health and 220 MILLION PEOPLE ON accommodation: in France, 5 CONTINENTS students enjoy many benefits and Studying in France is not limited to significant discounts. Take French as a foreign language classes academics. So go ahead and advantage of them! (FLE, for “Français langue étrangère”) discover the unique French way of are offered by most institutions, either at 1 Just present your student card and life! your school or a partner institution. We you will receive discounts when you highly recommend that you sign up for Students enjoy special advantages go to museums, the theatre and the classes, which will help you to immerse in France which make life more cinema. yourself in French culture and enable enjoyable. A wide range of 2 Social assistance, preventive you to better appreciate the French art discounts, assistance, and special medicine and family planning. de vivre. You can get a headstart by facilities allows students to stretch a Three types of assistance are enrolling in a beginner's French course at relatively modest budget to cover available from the CAF (Caisse des your nearest Alliance française or start their basic needs and enjoy life in Allocations Familiales - the Family online with "Vivre en France A1" on: France. Students can avail benefits Allowances Fund) that can reduce https://www.fun-mooc.fr/courses/ from a wide network of student the rent you pay: the Allocation de restaurants, university housing, rent Logement Sociale (ALS - the TIPS subsidies, health insurance, student social housing assistance), the clubs and associations, and 4 Good deals reserved for student. Reading French newspapers (national Aide Personnalisée au Logement discounts on public transport, Some chains have year-long student or specialised) and magazines is also ( A P L - t h e p e r s o n a l movies, museums, libraries, and specials, sometimes even including a good way to discover the country accommodation assistance) and the sports events. a free extra sandwich. and improve your language skills. Allocation de Logement Familial (ALF - the family accommodation assistance). To find out if you FOR MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO qualify for any of this assistance, https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ check the CAF website. student-benefits-France subtleties-French-language https://mes-aides.gouv.fr/ 3 Students, practise sport at a low cost! You could have access to over http://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/ http://www.jeunes.gouv.fr/ sixty sports for a single payment at www.tarif-etudiant.com the start of the year. Student status www.bons-plans-etudiant.fr also grants you discounts when going to a municipal swimming pool, ice rink or other sport centres.

34 35 VIVRE A LA STUDENT BENEFITS TAKE FRENCH CLASSES FRANCAISE FRENCH IS SPOKEN BY Your life in France Culture, travel, health and 220 MILLION PEOPLE ON accommodation: in France, 5 CONTINENTS students enjoy many benefits and Studying in France is not limited to significant discounts. Take French as a foreign language classes academics. So go ahead and advantage of them! (FLE, for “Français langue étrangère”) discover the unique French way of are offered by most institutions, either at 1 Just present your student card and life! your school or a partner institution. We you will receive discounts when you highly recommend that you sign up for Students enjoy special advantages go to museums, the theatre and the classes, which will help you to immerse in France which make life more cinema. yourself in French culture and enable enjoyable. A wide range of 2 Social assistance, preventive you to better appreciate the French art discounts, assistance, and special medicine and family planning. de vivre. You can get a headstart by facilities allows students to stretch a Three types of assistance are enrolling in a beginner's French course at relatively modest budget to cover available from the CAF (Caisse des your nearest Alliance française or start their basic needs and enjoy life in Allocations Familiales - the Family online with "Vivre en France A1" on: France. Students can avail benefits Allowances Fund) that can reduce https://www.fun-mooc.fr/courses/ from a wide network of student the rent you pay: the Allocation de restaurants, university housing, rent Logement Sociale (ALS - the TIPS subsidies, health insurance, student social housing assistance), the clubs and associations, and 4 Good deals reserved for student. Reading French newspapers (national Aide Personnalisée au Logement discounts on public transport, Some chains have year-long student or specialised) and magazines is also ( A P L - t h e p e r s o n a l movies, museums, libraries, and specials, sometimes even including a good way to discover the country accommodation assistance) and the sports events. a free extra sandwich. and improve your language skills. Allocation de Logement Familial (ALF - the family accommodation assistance). To find out if you FOR MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO qualify for any of this assistance, https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ check the CAF website. student-benefits-France subtleties-French-language https://mes-aides.gouv.fr/ 3 Students, practise sport at a low cost! You could have access to over http://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/ http://www.jeunes.gouv.fr/ sixty sports for a single payment at www.tarif-etudiant.com the start of the year. Student status www.bons-plans-etudiant.fr also grants you discounts when going to a municipal swimming pool, ice rink or other sport centres.

34 35 TRAVELLING IN attractive fares. Unlike the train, the EATING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FRANCE price remains low even at the last minute. Reclining seats, Wi-fi, electric Lunch, brunch or dinner, at home or More than 2,000 cinemas, sockets: buses are getting more Public transit, bicycle or car: you can out, French or international. Depending 1,200 museums, 33,000 comfortable with each passing year. choose how to get around every day. on your mood, you can dine out, cook theatrical performances, festivals of As a student, you can often TRAVELLING BY PLANE at home or have it delivered. music, song and dance, athletic events, books, food and science subscribe for a reduced rate. There are about 45 airports You will find a lot of Indian connecting the different cities in fairs are bound to keep you busy in Public Transit restaurants in France. In Paris, the France. There are many low-cost your free time! Students enjoy In most French cities, public transit Rue du Faubourg Saint Denis street airlines in France. Air France also discounts and special subscription generally involves metro, buses and boasts more than 30 Indians has a low-cost subsidiary, prices at all cultural events. tramways. The networks are usually restaurants. ATOUT FRANCE Transavia, and has created Hop!, a dense in the town centre, and easy to provides an exhaustive list of Indian Many universities and schools are subsidiary specialised in domestic take. Don't hesitate to ask other restaurants in France. centrally located, offering easy flights. It offers a youth card for students about timetables and stops. http://atout-france.fr/notre- access to the rich social and cultural those aged 12-24 and a weekend Transit companies often have an reseau/inde life of France’s lively cities. card starting at 69 euros. office on campus where you can sign Museums, bookstores, theatres, up for the monthly or yearly pass DRIVING IN FRANCE FOR MORE INFO and cafés are never very far away. when the school year starts. You can drive in France if you have a https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ For more information, log on to: European driver's licence or an how-to-eat-in-France-practical-guide Students and/or those under 26 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ www.culture.gouv.fr qualify for special fares when international driver's licence (if you are how-to-stay-fit-in-france www.tv5.org/ subscribing for public transit. To get not European). Good to know: the www.france24.com/en/ these fares, you usually have to show French drive on the right with the www.radiofrance.fr/ your student card or identity card steering wheel on the left, and seatbelts when subscribing. must be worn in front and in back. TAKING THE TRAIN France has one of the most effective rail networks in the world. It is managed by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français – French National Railway Company). Its mobile application lets you reserve tickets without having to print them out.

GOING BY BUS FOR MORE INFO FOR MORE INFO The bus goes to lots of destinations in https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ https://www.campusfrance.org/en/cultural-excursions-France France and Europe with very how-to-get-around-every-day-in-france https://www.campusfrance.org/en/culinary-specialties-French-gastronomy

36 37 TRAVELLING IN attractive fares. Unlike the train, the EATING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FRANCE price remains low even at the last minute. Reclining seats, Wi-fi, electric Lunch, brunch or dinner, at home or More than 2,000 cinemas, sockets: buses are getting more Public transit, bicycle or car: you can out, French or international. Depending 1,200 museums, 33,000 comfortable with each passing year. choose how to get around every day. on your mood, you can dine out, cook theatrical performances, festivals of As a student, you can often TRAVELLING BY PLANE at home or have it delivered. music, song and dance, athletic events, books, food and science subscribe for a reduced rate. There are about 45 airports You will find a lot of Indian connecting the different cities in fairs are bound to keep you busy in Public Transit restaurants in France. In Paris, the France. There are many low-cost your free time! Students enjoy In most French cities, public transit Rue du Faubourg Saint Denis street airlines in France. Air France also discounts and special subscription generally involves metro, buses and boasts more than 30 Indians has a low-cost subsidiary, prices at all cultural events. tramways. The networks are usually restaurants. ATOUT FRANCE Transavia, and has created Hop!, a dense in the town centre, and easy to provides an exhaustive list of Indian Many universities and schools are subsidiary specialised in domestic take. Don't hesitate to ask other restaurants in France. centrally located, offering easy flights. It offers a youth card for students about timetables and stops. http://atout-france.fr/notre- access to the rich social and cultural those aged 12-24 and a weekend Transit companies often have an reseau/inde life of France’s lively cities. card starting at 69 euros. office on campus where you can sign Museums, bookstores, theatres, up for the monthly or yearly pass DRIVING IN FRANCE FOR MORE INFO and cafés are never very far away. when the school year starts. You can drive in France if you have a https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ For more information, log on to: European driver's licence or an how-to-eat-in-France-practical-guide Students and/or those under 26 https://www.campusfrance.org/en/ www.culture.gouv.fr qualify for special fares when international driver's licence (if you are how-to-stay-fit-in-france www.tv5.org/ subscribing for public transit. To get not European). Good to know: the www.france24.com/en/ these fares, you usually have to show French drive on the right with the www.radiofrance.fr/ your student card or identity card steering wheel on the left, and seatbelts when subscribing. must be worn in front and in back. TAKING THE TRAIN France has one of the most effective rail networks in the world. It is managed by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français – French National Railway Company). Its mobile application lets you reserve tickets without having to print them out.

36 37 MUSEUMS AND WORKING IN FRANCE MONUMENTS While in school Internships are not considered to be There are more than 7000 museums all French law allows international part-time jobs. over France. Although the Eiffel Tower students to work provided they have a remains the country’s most visited residence permit (VLS-TS, validated The minimum gross hourly wage, set attraction, there are more than 40,000 by OFII, or a residence permit in by law, is €9.76. After deductions other cultural sites and monuments which addition to a visa). A student can of about 20%, the worker’s net have been designated as historic accept paid employment for up to hourly wage stands at €7.58) landmarks, including the castles of the 60% of the legally defined work year Loire region, Mont St. Michel, the (or 964 hours per year), without prior Château d’If, the Roman arenas in administrative authorisation. Nîmes, and the port of La Rochelle. At a public institution of higher Comprehensive list of national museums education available at: www.rmn.fr International students are eligible for student jobs at universities and other FOR MORE INFO public institutions of higher education. https://www.campusfrance.org/en/art-of-living-a-la-francaise Students are regularly employed to provide the following services: LIBRARIES assisting incoming students; helping students with disabilities; providing tutoring; providing IT support and France has more than 3,000 libraries. assistance; coordinating cultural, Students can obtain a free library card at athletic, and social events; working at their local library which can be used at the career centre; and supporting their any public library in the town or city. institution’s promotional efforts. University libraries: Every institution of higher education houses at least one library. Working hours may vary but most Students must remember not to libraries remain open until late and on compromise their academics in an Sundays. France’s 127 university and effort to obtain additional financial institutional libraries possess more than assistance through part-time jobs. 40 million books. The online catalogue of the university documentation system is available at www.sudoc.abes.fr FOR MORE INFO https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/node/48 FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-find-work-France https://ressources.campusfrance.org/guides_etab/quotidien/en/abecedaire_accueil_en.pdf https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-start-company-France 38 39 MUSEUMS AND WORKING IN FRANCE MONUMENTS While in school Internships are not considered to be There are more than 7000 museums all French law allows international part-time jobs. over France. Although the Eiffel Tower students to work provided they have a remains the country’s most visited residence permit (VLS-TS, validated The minimum gross hourly wage, set attraction, there are more than 40,000 by OFII, or a residence permit in by law, is €9.76. After deductions other cultural sites and monuments which addition to a visa). A student can of about 20%, the worker’s net have been designated as historic accept paid employment for up to hourly wage stands at €7.58) landmarks, including the castles of the 60% of the legally defined work year Loire region, Mont St. Michel, the (or 964 hours per year), without prior Château d’If, the Roman arenas in administrative authorisation. Nîmes, and the port of La Rochelle. At a public institution of higher Comprehensive list of national museums education available at: www.rmn.fr International students are eligible for student jobs at universities and other FOR MORE INFO public institutions of higher education. https://www.campusfrance.org/en/art-of-living-a-la-francaise Students are regularly employed to provide the following services: LIBRARIES assisting incoming students; helping students with disabilities; providing tutoring; providing IT support and France has more than 3,000 libraries. assistance; coordinating cultural, Students can obtain a free library card at athletic, and social events; working at their local library which can be used at the career centre; and supporting their any public library in the town or city. institution’s promotional efforts. University libraries: Every institution of higher education houses at least one library. Working hours may vary but most Students must remember not to libraries remain open until late and on compromise their academics in an Sundays. France’s 127 university and effort to obtain additional financial institutional libraries possess more than assistance through part-time jobs. 40 million books. The online catalogue of the university documentation system is available at www.sudoc.abes.fr FOR MORE INFO https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/node/48 FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-find-work-France https://ressources.campusfrance.org/guides_etab/quotidien/en/abecedaire_accueil_en.pdf https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-start-company-France 38 39 TIPS

Keep in touch with India while in France: Living abroad is a rewarding experience but there could be times when you may feel homesick and start missing things back home. Thankfully, most cities in France have Indian associations and India-focussed activities, like music, dance, yoga, arts and painting, etc. The Indian embassy lists many of them on its website: http://www.ambinde.fr/media-and-culture-2015/cultural-directory You can also watch Indian movies at the following link: http://www.ambinde.fr/cultural-directory Consular offices are useful points of contact in a foreign country. There are five Indian consular offices in France in Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Marseille.

USEFUL MOBILE APPS iTranslate: a simple word-to-word Troc des trains: second-hand train translator (free). tickets (free). Myairport: provided by the Paris XE currency exchange: it's always airport, it offers information on flight useful to have a currency conversion schedules, directions, services offered, app handy (free). instant translation, etc. (free). France 24: access world news Air France: your trip at your fingertips: anywhere, 24/7 and in real time purchase tickets, check-in, modify (free). your reservation, view your flight Le Fooding: find restaurants all over status, etc. (free). France (free). Oui-SNCF: book your train and plan your trips in France and its neighbouring countries (free).

FOR MORE INFO JE PARS https://www.campusfrance.org/en/security https://www.campusfrance.org/en/practical-information-daily-life-migrant-students Leaving France

40 41 TIPS

FOR MORE INFO JE PARS https://www.campusfrance.org/en/security https://www.campusfrance.org/en/practical-information-daily-life-migrant-students Leaving France

40 41 JE PARS procedure. Send your bank a registered letter with acknowledgement Preparing due to inform them of your intention to Your Departure close the account. Important: if your account is overdrawn, you will be required to settle all dues before GET YOUR closing your account. CERTIFICATES / DEGREES If you have a monthly travel pass Remember to ask your university / Go to the local transport agency to school for a proof of studies cancel your “forfait" package. If you undertaken / provisional certificates, have subscribed to a telephone/ academic transcripts, and if available, Internet plan, check with the service your degree certificate. provider for notice periods. All correspondence must be sent through HANDING OVER YOUR registered post with acknowledgement ACCOMMODATION due. You also need to terminate your A registered letter with acknowledgment insurance policies (housing, civil due must be sent to the owner informing liability). him/her of your date of leaving the Send your insurance agency a premises. registered letter with acknowledgement If your apartment is furnished, the due to inform them of your intention to notice period is one month. terminate the policy. Check with your service provider for notice periods as it If your apartment is unfurnished, the tends to vary from one agency to notice period is three months. another.

TERMINATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS

Before leaving, make sure you have completed the following formalities: Close your bank account There is neither a notice period nor any JE RESTE EN CONTACT documents to be submitted for this Stay in Touch: France Alumni

42 43 JE PARS procedure. Send your bank a registered letter with acknowledgement Preparing due to inform them of your intention to Your Departure close the account. Important: if your account is overdrawn, you will be required to settle all dues before GET YOUR closing your account. CERTIFICATES / DEGREES If you have a monthly travel pass Remember to ask your university / Go to the local transport agency to school for a proof of studies cancel your “forfait" package. If you undertaken / provisional certificates, have subscribed to a telephone/ academic transcripts, and if available, Internet plan, check with the service your degree certificate. provider for notice periods. All correspondence must be sent through HANDING OVER YOUR registered post with acknowledgement ACCOMMODATION due. You also need to terminate your A registered letter with acknowledgment insurance policies (housing, civil due must be sent to the owner informing liability). him/her of your date of leaving the Send your insurance agency a premises. registered letter with acknowledgement If your apartment is furnished, the due to inform them of your intention to notice period is one month. terminate the policy. Check with your service provider for notice periods as it If your apartment is unfurnished, the tends to vary from one agency to notice period is three months. another.

TERMINATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS

42 43 JE RESTE NOTES EN CONTACT Stay in Touch: France Alumni https://www.francealumni.fr/en/position/india/

France Alumni was launched in India in 2016 by the Embassy of France. It is an initiative to reunite and reconnect former students from France through a digital platform. The 6300+ alumni registered have direct access to the representatives of more than 550 French companies operating in India, which seek young talent.

SPECIAL VISA DESIGNED FOR ALUMNI

2-Year Extension Visa 5-Year visa Indian students in France can extend In July 2013, the Ambassador of France to their stay in the country after the India decided to facilitate travel to France for completion of their studies. Indian citizens residing in India who hold A bilateral agreement was signed post-graduate degrees from France during the visit of Prime Minister irrespective of the year of graduation. Narendra Modi in 2015. The visa The 5-year visa allows its holders to stay in allows Indian students in France to the Schengen area for up to 90 days, with a extend their stay for an additional 90-day gap between stays. Indian alumni of 24 months after the completion of Indo-French dual degree programmes (PG) their studies: a 12-month visa are eligible to apply as well. Alumni from all renewable once for a period of 12 generations are eligible. Spouses and months. children of the alumni are also eligible for a visa under this initiative. Talent Passport In February 2016, France established the “Talent Passport,” a new type of multi-year residence permit (4 years) for skilled foreigners who wish to live in France. It has been conceived principally for researchers, artists, employees on assignments abroad as well as internationally renowned public figures. Foreign students who hold such a permit will find it easier to work in France after finishing their studies. The benefits of the Talent Passport also extend to their spouses , who are allowed to work in France as well.

FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-start-company-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-find-work-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/France-Alumni-network 44

JE RESTE NOTES EN CONTACT Stay in Touch: France Alumni https://www.francealumni.fr/en/position/india/

SPECIAL VISA DESIGNED FOR ALUMNI

FOR MORE INFO https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-start-company-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-find-work-France https://www.campusfrance.org/en/France-Alumni-network 44