Louisville Montpellier Cultural Exchange

It's not quite as easy as getting off at a tram stop, taking 4 steps, and then slathering on the sunscreen.  But it's not difficult either if you know what you're doing. Take the tram line 3 direction Pérols Étang de l'Or . Get off at the last stop - Pérols Étang de l'Or .  It's a good 45-60 minute trip from Les Arceaux. In the same area, you'll see public transport buses.  Take the Navette des plages .  You can use your tram pass for this bus. Get off the bus at one of the stops for the beach .  Make sure to check the hours for the bus lines - they usually run later in the summer but make sure you have a ride back before you get stranded! OR - walk to the beach from the tram stop  Pérols Étang de l'Or .  It is a 30+ minute walk if you're up for it.  Just follow the other people with beach umbrellas and towels. Check  Hérault Transport  for updated information.   2019 Navette des plages Schedule

France South of France Montpellier Tram Map

Let's talk about how you're going to get around this amazing and beautiful city.  You can always walk, which is a great opportunity to appreciate the arcitecture and history.  If you are headed to work or are tired after a long day of working, dining, and sightseeing, take the tram! There are 4 main tram lines in Montpellier, conveniently color-coded. Ligne 1 Ligne 2 Ligne 3 Ligne 4 Each of the tram lines takes you to a different part of the city and its outskirts.  Watch for the direction of the line. For example, Ligne 3 will have direction Mosson, Juvinac, Pérols Étang de l'Or, and Lattes Centre.  What does this mean?   In short, you have 4 choices for the direction you want to go.  For the most part, the directions Mosson and Juvinac will have no bearing on the ligne your choose since your home stop is well before the split.  And the same goes for directions Pérols Étang de l'Or and Lattes Centre, unless you're going to the beach.

Do you have a passport already?  Will it expire anytime soon?  Do you need a new passport? If you already have a passport, make sure it won't expire before you leave or fly back.  Passports issued to someone 16 years old or over expires after 10 years.  If you need a new one, passport processing takes at least 6 to 8 weeks, and even longer before the summer travel season begins. Visit the  US Department of State  to renew or apply for your first passport.  There are forms to fill out and things to mail in.  The good news is you can do it all online and through the USPS.  Here is a link to more  passport info with USPS . Another good idea is to take a scan of your passport and send one to someone you trust in the US and have another with you.  If you lose your passport or it's stolen, it'll be quicker to replace it if you have this info.

What to expect the first day of work in a foreign country where you have to speak French all day?  Treat it like any other "first day on the job." Show up on time. Leave the dorms in plenty of time to get there on the first day so you know how long it'll take you to get to work for the rest of your stay. Dress professionally. Business casual Refresh yourself on how to introduce yourself and make small talk. Je m'appelle, enchanté, il fait très chaud, etc. Take whatever instruction and duty they may give you, without a fuss.   You are the guest here. Demonstrate a willingness to be helpful.   They are counting on you to provide an extra hand while other employees take their vacation. Don't complain if they don't give you the biggest project in the office. They are not going to waste too much time training you when you'll only be there for 4 weeks. Your new employer may have you sign a contract.  Feel free to read it ove

France has an infamously long list of emergency numbers for different services but there is a pan-European emergency number that can also be called for any type of emergency.  When you call the pan-European number, the operator will direct you to the appropriate French department.  They have interpreters as well. Pan-European emergency number:  112 Ambulance and emergency services (SAMU):  15 Fire Department ( les sapeurs pompiers ):  18 Police ( Police Nationale, Gendarmerie Nationale ):  17 The French government has launched an app to alert users about natural disasters and terrorist attacks in France.  You can download the app to your smartphone.  The app is called  SAIP  for S ystème d'alerte et d'information des populations. This information was gathered from  Expatica

You have several options for using your smartphone in France. Download WhatsApp and/or Facebook Messenger Buy a SIM card Use Facetime Audio and/or Video Check your plan with your cell carrier to see if you have unlimited texting, data, and to see what your call rates per minute are. WhatsApp  allows you to text, place voice calls, video chat, and send images using the internet rather than SMS.  This is useful to create a group chat with the other UofL students in Montpellier.  It is great because it can be used on both iPhone or Android devices.  It is a free app with no charges for any of the services mentioned above, although data charges may apply depending on your cell plan. This guide  has some good information to get you started on how and where to buy a SIM card in France if that's the way you choose to go.