A Journey to France

The Handbook

Bon voyage!

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Let the City of Lights mesmerise you while you earn academic credits towards your degree! In Paris, the city will be our classroom. Public gardens, sidewalk cafés, museum cafeterias, cathedral steps, metro cars, historical landmarks, old cemeteries, celebrated squares and the Seine riverbanks will serve as the stunning setting for informal lectures and engaged discussions. We will then move on to a different classroom – the stunning city of Nice. Learning will not be about memorising information such as names, dates and events. Instead, our focus will be on understanding and reflecting upon how over 2,000 years Paris evolved from a Roman outpost on the banks of the Seine into the cosmopolitan metropolis that achieved worldwide fame and popular appeal at the end of the nineteenth century. Together we will contemplate how layers of history integrated urban planning, art movements and cultural imports to shape the city as we know it today. Abroad students will be able to access a panorama of primary materials that in a regular classroom they can only encounter through slides and video clips. What better way, for example, to view Roman Paris than through a walking tour that enables students to examine with their own eyes the features that have survived to this day of Paris as a Roman town, such as the Cluny baths, the coliseum (Lutetian Arenas) or the aqueduct? Or to experience nineteenth-century Paris as travellers to the World Fairs did – by taking a walking tour of the sewage system that remains functional to this day, crossing the architecturally imposing Alexander III Bridge, and taking the elevator to the top of the engineering marvel and universally beloved symbol of the City of Lights that is the Eiffel Tower?

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AFTER BREAKFAST Our day will start at 9 am. From the hotel, we will walk to the most serene museum in Paris, the Musée national du Moyen Âge in the Latin Quarter, which was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman bathhouse and now houses one of the most impressive collections of medieval treasures in the world. One of the students will act as our tour guide. Around 11 am, we will meander north towards the river, stopping for a coffee break in one of the many student bars nestling in this area. There we will discuss Paris during the Middle Ages.

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS We will cross the Petit Pont on to the Île de la Cité to visit the Gothic masterpiece Notre Dame de Paris, which inspired Victor Hugo’s novel. After a brief introduction to the Gothic in the garden and a guided visit of the inside, we will see Paris as Quasimodo did – from the cathedral’s towers. It’s a long climb to the top, but if the weather is fine, it is worth every step. Afterwards, we will grab lunch in one of the bistros on the Île Saint-Louis. For desert, we will join the locals gathering outside Berthillon for a taste of the most heavenly icecream in Paris.

Marché aux fleurs (Flower Market) After lunch, we will return to the Île de la Cité, past the quaint flower market in the Place Louis-Lépine. We will walk by the Conciergerie, a fascinating museum full of gory tales from the days of the guillotine, and the Sainte Chapelle, whose stained glass windows are astonishing. Students will have free time to visit either the Sainte-Chapelle or the Conciergerie. They can also choose to explore on their own the Latin Quarter. They should take a break at a café to reflect in their journals.

The Square of the Vert-Galant At 4:30 pm, we will convene in this beautiful square on the tip of the Île de la Cité. We will go over the features of the landmarks and districts visited, while distilling the changes undergone by Paris during the Middle Ages. Students will have an opportunity to share their experiences. After 5 pm, students will be free to explore Paris on their own. A cruise along the Seine on the famous bateaux mouches (fly boats) is recommended.

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About the Instructor FREN 1801 is Dr. Christina Ionescu’s favourite course to teach. She has offered it in the traditional classroom at MtA since 2006 and is very excited to teach it now on location. Over the years, she has led enthusiastic or reluctant family members on numerous educational and less educational adventures in the French capital, passionately lecturing in museums as they politely nodded, explaining urban design and cultural significance as they took countless photos by all the tourist attractions, more or less accurately translating menus for them in restaurants, and staring disapprovingly as they shopped their way through the City of Lights. She is now hoping for a more captivated audience… She has near-native proficiency in French and enjoys strolling or flâner in Paris. She backpacked through Europe during her undergraduate years and now her passion in life remains travelling the world.

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Preparing for the trip… J Please read the following information carefully!

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DATES

FREN 1801 will be taught on location from May 1st to May 15, 2016.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

You are expected to be present on the afternoon of May 1st for an Orientation Session and should schedule your departure on May 15.

You may choose, however, to extend your stay by arriving early or departing late. In that case, you will need to book your own accommodations (additional information is provided below).

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TRANSPORTATION TO PARIS

The airfare to Paris is not included in the programme fee, but it is relatively inexpensive, as there are many carriers servicing the French capital. The sooner you book your ticket, the more options you will have. Airfare prices normally go up in April.

Students are responsible for booking their plane tickets from their departure point. To take advantage of student discounts, check out Travel Cuts (http://www.travelcuts.com/).

If taking the Seville course as well, students are advised to schedule a break in Barcelona on their way to Spain.

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Programme Fee (Provisional) What is included?

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• Tuition for a 3-credit course (FREN 1801)

• Study-abroad programme fee

• 14-nights accommodations in a double occupancy room

• Daily breakfast

• Lunches (some at gourmet/ landmark restaurants)

• Paris and Nice transportation

• Museum admission passes

• Academic field trips:

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1) Versailles (transportation to and from Versailles to Paris; entrance to the castle); 2) Daytrips in the south of France agreed upon by the students (Cannes, Monaco, etc.).

Canadian students

$3,352

International Students $4,149

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Do not forget the programme due dates…

Application deadline: February 15, 2017 Balance: $2352 by March 28, 2017

The programme fee DOES NOT include:

• travel to and from Paris (such as airfare if flying directly into Paris, or air/train fare if arriving from another point)

• medical insurance and cancellation protection

• dinner costs (students should budget around $25/day if they intend to have a full meal at an average restaurant = $350 for the two-week period); less expensive options are also available in the area surrounding the hotels

• travel to and from the airport (e.g. 9.50 euros x 2 by RER train = 19 euros)

• costs associated to changes in the student’s travel plans, or any pre-travel or post-travel accommodations

• passport and/or visa fees (if applicable)

• participation in any events or trips which are not part of course study

• spending money, telephone calls, and sundry expenses

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LOCATION The FIAP is located in the heart of Paris on the Left Bank, in the 14th arrondissement, between the Place Denfert-Rochereau and the Place d’Italie. It is served by the Glacières metro station and a number of bus lines; it is also close to the Place Denfert-Rochereau (which offers RER suburban rail link direct to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport). It is located in a neighbourhood with supermarkets, an open-air market, affordable restaurants and cafés, great cinemas, as well as beautiful parks.

CONTACT INFORMATION FIAP Jean Monnet

30 rue Cabanis 75014 PARIS

The programme fee covers accommodations from May 1st (arrival) to May 8 (departure). To extend their stay, students should contact the FIAP directly. Bookings: by phone (0 11 33 1 43 13 17 00) or through the online booking form (http://www.fiap.asso.fr/booking-request.html).

ROOMS The FIAP has a total capacity of 500 beds and 200 bedrooms. There are 15 individual bedrooms (one single bed with a washbasin, a shower and a toilet) and 134 twin bedrooms (two single beds with a washbasin, a shower and a toilet). There are also 11 bedrooms specially laid out to accommodate mobility-challenged persons. Please indicate need upon registration.

SERVICES • reception open around the clock • English-speaking staff • easily-bookable online for students who wish to extend

their stays • air-conditioned facilities and wifi access • a freely-accessible computer room • rooms to suit specific needs

Accommodations In Paris, students will be housed at the FIAP Jean Monnet, which is safe, comfortable

and, by Parisian standards, affordable. Website: http://www.fiap.asso.fr/index-en.html .

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LOCATION Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare is in the heart of Nice, walking distance from Theatre Athena and Basilique Notre Dame. This hotel is within close proximity of Nice Etoile Shopping Center and Photography and

CONTACT INFORMATION 3-5 Avenue Durante, Nice, FRANCE The programme fee covers accommodations from May 8 (arrival) to May 15 (departure). To extend their stay, students should contact the hotel directly. Bookings: http://www.ibisstylesnicecentregare.securebooking.online

ROOMS 135 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD television sets. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and complimentary bottled water.

SERVICES • reception open around the clock • English-speaking staff • easily-bookable online for students who wish to extend their stays • air-conditioned facilities and wifi access

Accommodations In Nice, students will be housed at the Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare. Website:

http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9907-ibis-styles-nice-centre-gare/index.shtml.

Before you leave… I. Orientation session We will hold an orientation session at the beginning of April to go over practical arrangements. It is hoped that at that time students will have determined when and how they are arriving in Paris. Instructors will be able to provide each student with customized advice. II. Exploring other opportunities Students may choose to combine this study abroad programme with language learning, cooking classes or volunteer opportunities. One website worth checking out is http://www.transitionsabroad.com. If interested in obtaining transfer credits for courses in French as a second language that they will complete in Paris, students should consult the Programme Advisor in French, Dr. Kirsty Bell, prior to departure. III. Self-fundraising To raise funds in order to cover the cost of the programme or to set aside some spending money, students can opt to forego birthday and Christmas presents in favour of a donation to a personal fund. Other creative ideas can be entertained as well, depending of course on individual talent and abilities. A bake sale? Coupons for cleaning the house? Dog walking in Sackville? Selling artwork? Be shameless! It is an investment in your education after all, even if it will take place in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower… IV. Language Students do not need to speak French to get around, but they will be at an advantage if they can communicate even at a basic level. Nonetheless, Paris and Nice are major tourist destinations, and most Parisians, especially those working in the hospitality industry, do speak at least some English.

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When addressing Parisians, students should use introductory courtesies such as “Bonjour Madame/Monsieur” followed by “Parlez-vous anglais?” before asking questions. It has the potential of helping… Although students may not get any clear answers or be able to understand the answers. Students should not worry, however, if they do not speak French at all. The programme is designed as a cultural adventure not a language test. V. What to pack Students should bring really comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunblock, earplugs, a hat, an easy-to-carry-around bag, their guidebook, and a camera. It will likely be quite warm, but it would be good to have a sweater. Bringing a tablet or iPad will enable students to complete their assignments onsite and more quickly. Students should pack light… They are advised to bring clothes that they can wear at least twice and do not need ironing. Furthermore, they should consider the severity of their addiction to shopping prior to packing anything for this trip… VI. Health There are no required vaccinations for travel to France, but students should consult their physician on the best protection for them. Students should bring sensible and protective clothing. We will spend most of our days outside. They should make an effort to stay hydrated (and remember to pack a water bottle). They should be attentive to signs of queasiness, faintness, or exhaustion, which can signal heat prostration. If they feel unwell, they should tell someone. VII. Safety Paris and Nice are relatively safe cities. Students should be vigilant, however, as petty theft is quite rampant in public areas. They should moreover exercise common sense when they are on their own. At night, travelling in a group is always better. VIII. Important notice Students must review the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Travel Report for France. It is found at the following address: http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france IX. Inspiring readings and films Students will find a large selection of films dealing with Paris at the MtA library; they are in DVD format and free to borrow. They are especially enjoyable to watch while procrastinating during the academic year. For more options, it is worth checking out the Wikipedia list of Hollywood or foreign romantic comedies, period dramas, action flicks and animated movies set in Paris – be they oldies or new releases, blockbusters or cinematic flops – at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_set_in_Paris.

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The Lonely Planet and Let’s Go guidebooks (inexpensive and available for purchase on Amazon) are useful tools if students plan to travel in France, Spain and other countries in Europe. They are for the budget-conscious, offering a myriad of travel options for students. Students should not rely exclusively on the web to make their travel plans. The MtA library also has an impressive selection of books on Parisian art, architecture, culture, history, gastronomy, urban design, haute couture and many other aspects of the city. Students can use “Paris” as a subject keyword to search the catalogue or browse the shelves in the section DC 707. They will be amazed! X. Passport and international student cards Students must have a valid passport to travel to France. If they do not have one, they should fill out an application immediately since the process of obtaining it can take time. They are advised to leave the number of their passport with the person they have named as an emergency contact. We will also keep a list of passport numbers. They must always be careful not to lose or misplace their passport since obtaining a replacement will be quite costly and inconvenient (watch French Kiss!). It is normal to be asked for a passport at hotel check-in and banks, as well as when making a large purchase by credit card. Students should obtain an International Student Identity Card (http://www.isiccanada.ca/) to take advantage of discounts and other benefits throughout Europe, if they plan to travel before or after the course. Their MtA student card will not be recognized. XI. Keeping in touch Questions before leaving? Up to the end of April, students and parents should be able to contact me by phone (506.364.2487 / 506.232.0830 ; leave a message if I do not pick up and I will call you right back) or by email (cionescu@mta.ca; I check my messages a few times per day). If it is an emergency, they should try the above means or contact the MLL secretary at 506.364.2477. She will know how to reach me immediately or offer the appropriate support. Calling home from France will certainly be expensive. In France, students will be able to purchase a card to use at a phone booth. If they are counting on being able to use their cell phone in Europe, they should make sure to call their service provider before their trip to discuss the availability of service as well as usage and rates. Sending texts is often the least expensive option. If they are bringing their tablet or iPad, using Skype or FaceTime is an excellent means of staying in touch with family and friends. Emailing from Paris should not be a problem. Internet is freely available at many locations that we will be visiting.

You must provide a copy of your finalized travel itinerary to Dr. Christina Ionescu as soon as you have made your arrangements.

This should be sent by e-mail.

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Arriving in Paris… J For information not covered here, students should consult the relevant section in their guidebook or the materials supplied by the instructor before their departure. I. Getting there Paris has two main airports – Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Numerous carriers operate direct flights from Montréal and Toronto, including Air France and Air Canada. Do not take a cab from the airport to the hotel. It will be outrageously expensive. Take public transportation. If you arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle, follow the signs to RER B, purchase a ticket from the automatic machines (choose Paris Centre or Châtelet) and then pay attention to get off at your destination. The journey will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. You should watch your belongings at all times. You will then need to transfer to a different line. Make sure to keep your ticket with you, as it may be required when you transfer and exit. Maps will be provided by the instructor during the Orientation Session. Paris has six train stations (that is correct, six) in its core area. Each handles traffic to different parts of France and Europe. They are linked to the metro system. Please ensure that you figure out in advance which line you need to take upon arrival to Paris. Maps will be provided during the Orientation Session. Remember to pack them J. II. Currency and foreign exchange France uses the euro as its currency. You should bring some bills with you (in small denominations). The current exchange rate is 1 euro equals 1.40 Canadian dollars. Depending on your home town, you may need to order euros in advance at your branch, but the exchange rate is better there than at the airport. You may choose to withdraw additional cash as needed from an ATM, perhaps every four to five days. Be aware of the fees that are charged for such transactions. For most bankcards you will be charged $5 per transaction for a withdrawal from a bank machine in Europe, plus a 2.5% supplement on the exchange rate. Even with the fees, withdrawing money with your card from your bank account is still the simplest way to get money in France. Before you leave, however, you should check with your bank to determine which options you have in France. Cash advances on credit cards, an option in emergencies, will start charging the cardholder interest from the day of the advance. III. Free time During each day, students will be given at least once a choice in activities, which could be visiting a museum or landmark, exploring a specific district, or reflecting in their journals in a public garden or sidewalk café.

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Students will have all evenings off (after 5 pm) and will be strongly encouraged to explore the city in smaller groups. IV. Drinking and nightlife In France, wine is often cheaper than water, and not all the cheap wine will give you the headache of a lifetime the morning after you indulged. Along with beer, it is openly sold pretty much everywhere. It will be tempting as an H2O replacement, so students should be mentally prepared to opt for the liquid that is vital for all known forms of life. There are many lively and safe nightclubs where students can enjoy dancing, listening to music and practicing their French. The same caution one would exercise while on vacation in North America, however, should be used in Paris. Binge drinking is not a common phenomenon in Europe because teenagers learn quite early on how to pace their drinking. Tourists stand out when intoxicated and expose themselves to danger. These are my five rules for drinking at a French nightclub:

• Go out to dinner first. Do not drink on an empty stomach. • Drink to enjoy your evening, not to get drunk. • Drink plenty of water after a drink (I know I am sounding like your mother, but you

forget this…). • Say no to drugs at clubs. This is not Amsterdam – drugs are illegal. • Buddy up! It is good to interact with French natives and international visitors, but try not

to stray away from your classmates and make sure someone knows where you are at all times. Arrive and leave together!

And remember that you will not be allowed to sleep in, even if you swear that you are experiencing the worst hangover of your life. And I will know where to find you, with a bucket of ice in my hands, if you are not there at 9 am sharp. And you will be forced to stare at artwork, put your thoughts into coherent sentences and share them with us all, while the sun shines bright, sirens play music into your years, and there are smells of food everywhere. So now please go back and re-read my five rules for drinking at a French nightclub while taking a course in France. And remember to apply them!

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for

Paris is a moveable feast. ― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast