Louisville Montpellier Cultural Exchange

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.

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.  

Do I need a credit card?  Will they charge me a fee?  How much cash should I have on hand?  Where do I get Euros before I leave? Euros We recommend you have some Euros with you during your trip to France (at least ~ €300, if you're planning on using a credit card for most purchases).  Although you can use a credit card in most places, not everyone will take one (at the marchés , for example).  Plus it will be great practice to count money in French! Currency Calculator Getting Euros before you go is fairly easy.  Start with your bank .  Oftentimes for their customers, they will not charge a large fee (or maybe none at all) to order foreign currency. Another option is AAA .  If you have an account with them, you can order Euros online or at a branch for a direct conversion USD to Euro without any fees or commission.  You just pay shipping charges. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM while in France if...

Each student will be assigned a Host Family or person.  The host families are in charge of planning activities to enhance your stay in Montpellier and the region.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to accept any invitation made by your Host Family; feel free to contact them on your own as well.  You will want to make sure to bring some gifts from Louisville to offer.  (For some gift ideas, see  this post ) Shortly before your trip, you will receive an email from your Host Family ( famille d'accueil or famille hôte ).  They may or may not offer to pick you up from the train station or airport in Montpellier.  One main purpose of this trip is to improve your French, so try and speak as much French as possible with your host family.  They make the best tour guides and can show you what it is like to live in the south of France! If you do not purchase a French SIM card for your phone, you may need to use  WhatsApp  to text a...

You may have some questions about what your dorm room will be like while in Montpellier.  This list of Things To Buy  when you get to Montpellier has more information.  This checklist of  Things To Bring  has some great information too. The rooms are private, single-occupant rooms with a private bathroom.  Scroll to the end for some pictures of a dorm room from previous years.  You will be provided some things, but you will probably want to purchase or bring a few things as well. You will be provided 2 handtowels (we suggest using them as your bathmat).  You will want to bring or buy a bath towel or two as well as washcloths or poufs. You'll have fitted and flat sheets on your bed as well as a bolster pillow with pillowcase.  The pillow is small and flat, so you may want to buy a pillow and pillowcase when you arrive. There is no air conditioning in the dorm rooms so most students buy or borrow a fan or two for their stay...

It is important to know that most stores and some restaurants are closed on Sundays.  You will be able to find some things open in the tourist areas, such as at la Place de la comédie, but they may have shorter hours.  Most, if not all, places around Les Arceaux are closed on Sunday.  You'll need to plan ahead if you are going to stay in your dorm for the day because you'll need to have food for Sunday meals. Some tourist attractions are open on Sundays.  But all in all, Sunday is a perfect time to stroll through the streets, go to a park, or head to public monuments such as the Promenade de Peyrou.

When you are ready to get your dorm room, you will need to first stop at the front desk to check-in and get your key.  They may also give you a checklist to go through to note any pre-existing issues in your room so you won't be held responsible for them after your stay.  You'll need to turn this in within a couple of days of your arrival. When you check-in, ask when you need to pay for your room.  You pay per day so if you arrange to arrive early and/or stay late, you will have additional days on your bill.  You can pay for your room with a credit card for ease. During the last week of your stay, head to the front desk to make an appointment for someone to do a once-over of your room on the day you leave.  Before your appointment, clean your room by wiping down the sink and removing any spots from the floor.  Don't forget the fridge!  They can be picky about it so make sure your room is propre so that you don't get charged for additional cl...