Part 7: Campus and

Culture

Part 7: Discover Paris

In this lesson, you will learn about:

• Basic Information about France

• Safety Information

• SJU’s Paris Campus

• Local Transportation

• Language & Culture

Bienvenue à Paris!

France: Some Basic Info

• Capital: Paris

• Government Type: Republic

• President: François Hollande

• Prime Minister: Manuel Valls

• Major Political Parties: Parti Socialiste (PS) and Union pour un

mouvement populaire (UMP)

• Population: 66M (20st largest in the world).

• Most populous cities: Paris (12.16 million), Marseille-Aix-en-Provence

(3.17 million), Lyon (2.18 million)

• Area: 551,500 km² (slightly smaller than Texas)

• Climate: generally cool winters and mild summers

• Time difference to the east coast: 6 hours

• Major religions: Catholicism (83-88%), Islam (8-10%), unaffiliated (4%),

Protestant (2%), Judaism (1%)

Safety Abroad: Paris

• Some emergency phone

numbers:

– Medical (SAMU): 15

– Police: 17

– Fire / Accident: 18

– General Emergency: 112

Living Abroad: France - Classrooms and Housing

• Campus Facility: St. John’s University Paris Campus! (la Maison Mère)

• Location: Central, on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement (in the middle of the Saint Germain and Montparnasse neighborhoods), across the street from the Vaneau metro stop and the Bon Marché department store.

• Room Description: Students are housed in cozy double rooms with bunk beds; each room has its own air conditioner and sink.

• Bathrooms: Single-sex shared bathrooms are available on each floor.

• Common Space: The campus has a TV lounge and a large dining hall on the first floor.

Living Abroad: France - Classrooms and Housing

• Computers/Internet: There is a small

computer lab as well as wireless internet

access throughout the building. In-room

wired connections are also available.

• Laundry: Token-operated machines are

available on campus. Expect to pay €5-6

per load.

• Linens: Bed linens, a blanket, and one

towel are provided; students are

responsible for cleaning and maintaining

these during their stay.

• Meals: Breakfast and dinner are taken on

campus, in our dining hall Monday –

Thursday. You will also received a “pre-

charged” meal card for the local cafeteria

where other Paris University students eat.

• Classrooms: Located within the campus

building.

Living Abroad: Local Transportation

• Métro / Bus – possible to buy single ride tickets or books of tickets.

Important Note: The Paris métro does NOT run all night!

• Vélib - Bike share program

• Taxi - Important Note: You can almost never hail a taxi as you can in

New York. Taxis can either be found at designated hubs or can be

arranged over the phone or online

• Walking – the BEST way to discover Paris!

Language Briefing

Knowing the basics of the local language is crucial for getting around,

meeting new people and making a great first impression. Practice the

words and phrases below to get a head start:

• Salut (sah-loo) – Hello

• Bonjour (bone-zhoor) – Good Morning

• Bon soir (bon-swar) – Good Evening

• Au revoir (oh ruh-vwar) – Goodbye

• S’il vous plait (seel voo play) – Please

• Merci (mare-see) – Thank you

• De rien (duh ree-ehn) – You’re welcome

A few notes on culture…

In case we haven’t stressed it enough, you’ll be dealing with a LOT of cultural

differences. We’ve also tried to stress that differences don’t have to be a bad thing –

in fact, they should be the reason you’re going abroad! It helps to prepare yourself,

though, so we’ve pulled together a few basic notes on French culture:

1. Dress to Impress – One sure fire way to be labeled as a tourist is to dress in

sweatpants and flip flops. It’s OK to be comfortable on campus but Parisians are known

for their style and you’ll elicit some stares if you decide to go to the store in your

pajamas.

2. Tipping – You should tip a taxi driver (about 10%) but don’t feel like you have to leave

a tip at a restaurant.

3. Be Polite – Although we’ve all heard the stereotype that the French are rude, just be

polite and you should have no problems. Don’t forget to say “S’il vous plait” (please)

and “Merci” (thank you)!

4. Ask for your bill – French waiters let you eat your meal at your own pace and will only

bring the check if you ask for it.

Culture, cont’d.

5. Sundays – Many shops and grocery stores in Paris close early on Sundays

or don’t open at all.

6. Cheese – There are more than 400 cheese varieties in France and it’s

usually eaten as its own course. Don’t be afraid to try something a little

stinky. And don’t worry, the Paris campus has a cheese only refrigerator!

7. Shopping – Generally, sales attendants will leave you alone so that you can

shop in peace. However, if you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask.

8. Smoking – In recent years, France has made dramatic changes to smoking

laws and smoking bans are in effect in most public places. However, don’t

be surprised to find the outdoor portion of a restaurant completely full and no

customers inside. Smoking is allowed at outdoor eateries and many have

heat lamps and awnings so that they can be used year round.

Further Research

We could go on forever telling you about the language & culture

of these places, but the best way to prepare is to do some

research on your own and focus on the things that interest you.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• The Student Guide – made for SJU students by SJU

students, it has tons of info on each of our locations.

• LonelyPlanet.com – a website devoted to travel, with

general info on all of our locations and many more

• Wikipedia – for all its faults, Wikipedia can be great for

getting quick facts on things like geography, politics, people and

climate.