Study abroad in France

Study in France

France Statistics
Geography-Population
Capital: Paris
Area: 674,843 km ²
Climate: north and northwest have a temperate climate, while the south has a Mediterranean climate
Total Population: 65,821,885 (est. 2011)
Languages: French

Government-Economy
Government Type: Unitary semi-presidential republic
National Holiday: July 14
GDP: $2.146 trillion (2010)
GDP per capita (PPP): $34,092 (2010)

Information for Foreign Students in France
Getting There
The main international airport, Roissy - Charles de Gaulle (CDG), is likely to be your port of entry if you fly into France from outside Europe. CDG is the home of Air France (AF), the national company, for most intercontinental flights. AF and the companies forming the SkyTeam Alliance (Dutch KLM, AeroMexico, Alitalia, US Continental, NorthWest and Delta Airlines, Korean Air) use Terminal 2 while most other foreign airlines use Terminal 1. A third terminal is used for charter flights. If transferring through CDG (especially between the various terminals) it is important to leave substantial time between flights. Ensure you have no less than one hour between transfers. Add more if you have to change terminals as you will need to clear through security.

Obtaining a Visa
Please visit the following website (http://www.surinameembassy.org/visa_extension.shtml) for detailed information regarding the student visa.

Accomodation
Hundreds of agencies offer accommodation for short term rentals on behalf of the owner, and can guide you into finding the best property, at the best price in the most suitable location for you. An internet search for the location and type of property you're looking for will usually return the names of several listing sites, each of which may have hundreds or thousands of properties for you to choose from. There are plenty of sites in both English and French, and the rental properties may be owned by people of any nationality. In addition, your French university will undoubtedly have a housing option for you should you wish to do that; contact your school for details.

Money
Currency used in France is the Euro. Almost all stores will take credit cards; AMEX only in higher end places. ATMs are plentiful and everywhere.

Health
The health care in France is of a very high standard. Pharmacies in France are denoted by a green cross, usually in neon. They sell medicines, contraceptives, and often beauty and related products (though these can be very expensive). Medicines must be ordered from the counter, even non-prescription medicines. The pharmacist is able to help you about various medicines and propose you generic drugs.

Safety
France is a very low-crime area, and is one of the safest countries in the world, but large cities are plagued with the usual woes. Violent crime against tourists or strangers is very rare, but there is pickpocketing and purse-snatching.

Telephone
To enjoy cheap international calls from France travelers can get a local France Sim Card to put in an unlocked phone and pay as you go.

Transportation
Trains are a great way to get around in France. You can get pretty much from anywhere to anywhere else by train. For long distances, use the TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse - High-Speed Train). Reservations are obligatory. But, if you have time, take the slow train and enjoy the scenery. The landscape is part of what makes France one of the top tourist destinations in the world.