Where is the CAPA Paris Center?

The CAPA Paris Center is housed within the Fondation Eugène Napoléon. It was founded by the Empress Eugenie in 1858 as a school for children whose parents had died or could not care for them. The foundation continues to promote this social mission and is committed to maintaining the building’s architectural heritage. The foundation in recent years has set out to provide more access to the local residents and organizes and hosts musical, artistic, and cultural activities which are open to the public. It is also the home of many schools.

The center is located on Rue Faubourg Saint-Antoine, between Place de la Nation and Place de la Bastille. The 11ème arrondissement is a bustling area of Paris within walking distance of Le Marais and Gare de Lyon train station. The nearest métro is Nation.

Who is the local staff?

CAPA’s International Program Services Team staffs the CAPA center in Paris. They are true experts in their field, and you’ll find them to be a great resource on many Parisian subjects -- from the best place for a baguette, to directions to the closest metro station.

Get to know Holly Haahr.

How will I get to class?

Like many Parisians, you will walk, take the metro (Paris subway system) or ride a local bus. The International Program Services Team will give you more specific information regarding the closest public transportation route to your classes at the in-country orientation.
Many programs include metro passes. These passes will be distributed at the orientation once in country.

If your program does not include a metro pass, you may want to consider purchasing one yourself. This can be done at most metro stations.

Where will I live?

CAPA students reside in either a homestay with a French family, in a student residence, or in typical Parisian apartments scattered throughout the city. Please speak to your study abroad advisor at your institution or your CAPA Program Manager for specific details regarding your program’s housing option.

Homestays
Parisian homestays are located in the city, but usually not in the downtown area. Families generally prefer to live in more residential areas on the outskirts of the city. Your homestay will often include breakfast and dinner. Keep in mind that homes in France are generally much smaller than what you find in the United States and you will be expected to share the bathroom facilities.

Student Residence/Aparthotel
Student residences/aparthotels are hotel-like buildings in which all students on the program are housed as a group. Students reside in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. In each unit, two students will sleep in the main living area on the sofa which converts into two comfortable beds. There will also be two students per bedroom. Each unit has a private bathroom a small kitchenette in which you can cook.

Student Apartments
Parisian apartments are scattered throughout the city, within 40 minutes of the CAPA center by public transportation. Paris is a large metropolitan area, and you probably will not be right in the heart of the city nor necessarily very near to the apartments of other students on your program. However, this will enable you to get to know more of the city and areas you might not normally visit as a tourist. Your apartment will have 1 – 3 bedrooms, which will be shared by other students on the program. All apartments will have a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Keep in mind that apartments in Paris are much smaller than what you are accustomed to in the US.

You will receive specific details about your housing approximately two weeks prior to departure.

Do student accommodations have telephones?

Student apartments in Paris do not have landlines. Aparthotels may have landlines requiring payment for use on site just like in a hotel (including the high costs for outgoing call!) Internet cafes often have good deals on international calling, and students have also begun using resources such as Skype on the Internet to place international calls for a small fee or no charge at all.

If you are living with a host family, it may not be appropriate for you to use their telephone, as even local calls are not free. Please review the household telephone rules with your host family upon your arrival.

You will receive information about cell phone rental in your pre-departure pack or you may choose to rent or buy one once you arrive overseas. It is free to receive incoming calls on most mobile phones while in France, but be aware of roaming charges as well as the rates on outgoing international calls as these costs can build up quickly!

How will I do my laundry?

Washing machines and dryers are not standard inclusions in most Parisian apartments or student residences. You will find that there are many local Laundromats, and the on-site staff will be more than happy to help you find the facility closest to your apartment.

If a homestay includes laundry services, you may find that the home only has a washer and your clothing will be line-dried outside. Plan appropriately for the extra time your laundry may take when packing.

Where can I receive mail?

We suggest that you have mail and packages sent directly to the CAPA center in Paris, with your name and the school that you attend clearly marked on the outside of the package or letter. You can find this address in your pre-departure packet that you will receive before departing for Paris. Please be advised that when receiving packages from overseas, the sender must elect to assume all associated charges in shipping, including any customs fees. Failure to do so could prevent you from receiving the package.

Can I have overnight guests?

No guests are allowed in CAPA housing after 11:00pm. If you are living in a homestay, please be advised that most host families prefer that you not have guests at any hour of the day. Please be courteous of this, and arrange for visits with friends in outside locations.

When arranging for visits from friends and family members, we suggest that you utilize the services of STA. STA travel can assist you in finding lodging close to the CAPA center within your specific budget. For more information call STA at (800) 224-0371.

Is the electricity the same as in North America?

No, the voltage in France is 230 (US voltage is 120). It is advisable to bring both plug adapters and voltage converters with you, as it is more expensive to purchase them in France.

What is the weather like?

Paris has a variable continental climate meaning it can be cold in winter and hot in the summer, but can turn cool and rainy at any time of the year. The average temperature in January is 54 degrees Fahrenheit and 66 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Summer months experience the most sunlight on average, but precipitation levels remain pretty steady year-round. Don’t let that 66-degree average fool you, Parisian summers can still be quite steamy. Check out weather.com for the latest updates.

What clothes should I bring?

A good pair of walking shoes is essential. Remember that you will most likely be doing a lot more walking than at home. A warm waterproof jacket is important outside of summer, but a lighter jacket is useful on some summer evenings. Remember that you may want to buy clothes in France so don't over-pack!

Please see the CAPA student handbook for Paris for more details on recommended packing lists.

How much money should I bring?

Spending habits vary greatly from student to student – for example students living in apartments and student residences will need to budget appropriately for food and toiletries. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution. CAPA generally recommends that students bring at least $140 per week. The frequency with which you travel, eat in restaurants, and go out in the evenings will determine your weekly expenditures.

In the CAPA student handbook, you will find a “Do – It – Yourself” budget for Paris. Fill it in prior to departing the United States and bring it with you. After the first week and a half, check your actual spending against this budget to figure out if your habits will leave you with enough money to get through the program, and adjust accordingly.

What form of currency should I bring?

Diversify, diversify, diversify. In today’s day and age, you’ll find that an ATM card with a credit option will get you just about anywhere you need to go. Remember, however, that in the event your wallet gets lost or stolen, you are high and dry until you can replace that card. We recommend that you bring a modest amount with you in traveler’s checks (approximately $150). Set them aside as an emergency only fund when you arrive in country. Be aware that you’ll need a photo ID to cash traveler’s checks at most locations, and they aren’t accepted everywhere.

If you bring your ATM card overseas, be certain to talk to a representative at your bank to make sure that your card has international capabilities. Also find out about any other steps you might need to take before using your card overseas. If your PIN is longer than 4 digits, ask your bank representative what PIN you’ll use overseas. European ATMs operate off of a 4 – digit PIN system. Almost all ATMs will add a fee for international transactions.

You may want to get a credit card with a low credit line before going abroad as well. To keep better track of your spending, we’d recommend you use it in case of an emergency ONLY.

As many airports don’t offer the best exchange rates, you might want to get some euro (50 – 100 euro) from your local bank before leaving the US. This might come in handy in case you need to take a taxi to the CAPA center or your housing.

Should I open a bank account?

No, most students have no need to open a bank account in Paris. Please note that you do not have to have an account to receive a wire transfer from home at French banks.

Are there Internet facilities? Should I bring my laptop?

There are computer facilities with wireless Internet access at the CAPA center. There are many Internet cafes throughout the city. Either of these options should suffice to keep you in touch with friends and family at home. Wireless Internet access is rarely available within students’ housing. Please be advised that the computers at the CAPA center, as well as those at many Internet cafes, are set up for basic web surfing and may be a bit slower than what you’re used to at home.

Bringing a laptop is a personal decision. CAPA does not require the use of a laptop. Be advised that if you do bring a laptop, you may want to purchase additional insurance in the event that it breaks or is stolen. The CAPA included world student insurance only covers lost or stolen items up to a maximum of $250.

What happens if I get sick?

Paris has excellent doctors and medical facilities. You are automatically covered by CAPA's World Student Insurance policy up to $10,000 per medical claim. Be sure to keep your brochure with you for information on the full coverage.

Your healthcare coverage will operate differently overseas than in the United States. When visiting the doctor or hospital, you are required to pay up front for services. You will then be reimbursed up to $10,000 for this by the World Student Insurance policy, provided that you hold onto all receipts associated with your medical services and submit your claim within 30 days of returning to the US.

For minor symptoms, you’ll find that it may be wiser to solicit healthcare advise from a local pharmacist first. This is commonly done in Paris, and you’ll find it to be a quicker and more efficient way to receive care.

Should I bring any medication?

If you are taking prescription medication, you should bring enough for your stay in France. Remember to keep any medication in its original packaging and bring this in your carry-on luggage.

We recommend that you get a note from your doctor explaining the medication that you’re taking, as well as the generic name of the medication. Hold onto this in the event that you have any issues with your prescription or need to obtain more medication for any reason. It can be difficult to have medications shipped overseas.

If you are currently in counseling, you may want to set up weekly phone calls with your counselor. CAPA can provide you with a list of local counselors and psychologists, or your own psychologist may have some connections overseas.

What will I eat?

Paris is an international center, and although Parisian cuisine is world-renowned, you’ll find foods and flavors from all over the globe. If you are living in an apartment or a residence, you will be responsible for your own meals. In addition to the many supermarkets, try shopping around outdoor markets (of which there are many) for local delicacies and the best that France has to offer. You’ll feel like a true Parisian.

Traditionally, breakfast was the smallest meal of the day, and consisted of a coffee and croissant. Lunch was a 2 – 3 hour affair around the middle of the afternoon. As Paris becomes more metropolitan, the long lunches too are becoming a thing of the past, but you can still find true Parisians enjoying their lengthy afternoon repast. Dinner continues to fall between 8 or 9 PM, and is lighter than lunch.

Please be forthcoming about any dietary restrictions you might have on your CAPA application, especially if you are living with a host family. CAPA will always do its best to accommodate these needs, but be advised that you may need to purchase some grocery items yourself if they will not be used by the host family.

When can I travel and what are the holidays for my program?

Please speak with your study abroad advisor at your institution or your CAPA Program Manager for the specific dates of holidays during your program, such as semester breaks or long weekends. As these vacation dates can be subject to change, we suggest that you not make any lengthy travel arrangements until you arrive in country.

Your weekends can also be used to travel. European train systems are extensive, with the French TGV train providing extremely fast travel to all parts of France. Discount flight carriers have also grown in popularity. Although these flights aren’t always reliable and have rigid luggage weight limitations, they are a very convenient and economical way to travel on the weekends. Check out ryanair.com, easyjet.com, and skyscanner.net to name a few.

How will I get to know the locals?

The CAPA center is not affiliated with a university in Paris, and you will not be taking classes with local students. You will, however, find that CAPA’s My Education program will provide you with many opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. Additionally, the CAPA International Program Services Team can recommend a number of individual opportunities, such as volunteering, cooking classes, or language exchanges that you may want to get involved in overseas. Ultimately, the study abroad experience is as rich as you want it to be. The more you put into it, the more you will take away.

How can I find out more on how to prepare?

The US government has created a very useful website for students preparing to study abroad. It contains information on obtaining travel documents, staying healthy and knowing what to do in an emergency, safety tips, how to find the nearest embassy, how to vote while overseas, and more. Visit their website at: http://studentsabroad.state.gov.