At the crossroads of the Continent, France offers unique insights into Europe's history, remarkably "illustrated" by mysterious prehistoric caves and Celtic monoliths, sober Roman ruins and medieval fortresses, and elegant Renaissance and Art Deco monuments. Truly a beautiful country with many different regions and cities, come and learn French in France! There are 1000's of reasons to visit France today. Whether a first-time traveler or a confirmed francophile, we invite you to come see France our way, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks and tradition of art de vivre.

Is France Safe?
The people throughout France are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The Euro.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Citizens of the United States and Canada in possession of a valid US or Canadian passport, are not required to obtain a visa for France for a period of up to three months if traveling as a tourist.

In case that a stay of more than three but less than six months is intended, a visa is required. If you are a resident of the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship, a visa may be required.

Visitors from the U.S./Canada do not need inoculations.

What is the weather like?
A temperate climate in the north; northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate. Lorraine,sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate.

Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snow in winter. The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers can be very hot and sunny. Inland areas are also mild and the French slopes of the Pyrénées are reputed for their sunshine record. Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera, and in Provence and Roussillon. Weather in the French Alps is variable. Continental weather is present in Auvergne, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Very strong winds (such as the Mistral) can occur throughout the entire region.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Most of France has switched to 220-230 volts AC, although a few parts may still run on 110-115 volts. Current alternates at 50 cycles, not the 60 in use in U.S.A. If you are bringing shavers, travel irons, hair dryers or whatever, take along a voltage transformer. Remember the outlet prongs are shaped differently also.

What is the best way to phone home?
There are numerous public phones around Paris, which use mainly phone cards and/or coins. All these phones can be used for both local and long distance phone calls. Phone cards can be purchased in tobacco shops, post offices, and France Telecom stores, the telecarte is now necessary for nearly all public telephones. Each card has either 50 or 120 ``units'', and cost roughly 40F and 96F respectively. It is also possible to find cards of 25 units (20F) but these are very rare. You'll notice that on the front/left side, they have a microchip; a ``puce''. This chip keeps track of the number of units left after each telephone call. To call abroad from France: first dial 00, then the country's code and then your number.

It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from France or any other European countries at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the hotel charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

Language
French is the official language, but there are many regional dialects. Basque is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton by some in Brittany. Many people, particularly those connected with tourism in the major areas, will speak at least some English.

Religion
Approximately 81 per cent Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority.

Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

What major holidays are there in France?
Nov 1 2002 All Saints' Day. Nov 11 Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year's Day. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 1945 Victory Day. May 29 Ascension. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Jul 14 Bastille Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Nov 1 All Saints' Day. Nov 11 Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year's Day. Apr 12 EasterMonday. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 1945 Victory Day. May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Jul 14 Bastille Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Nov 1 All Saints' Day. Nov 11 Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.