Packing

The Basics

Passport and Student Visa

You must have a valid passport and visa for your academic term in France. If you are not traveling on a U.S. passport, please contact the nearest French consulate as soon as possible to determine visa requirements. Please be sure to submit a photocopy of your passport and visa to the EUSA Paris office. We need to have this information on file for housing and internship placements.

Passport-size Photos

The French need to know what you look like on almost every type of document whether it is a Passe Navigo, or a student I.D. Color photocopies of photographs are an inexpensive option to bring with you from the States, but we will need at least one original photo; consider bringing at least 4-6 passport-sized photos.

Clothing

The main component of French students’ casual wardrobes is jeans, but you should be prepared with some semi-dressy clothes for an occasional invitation out. For your internship, those of you in  the business sector should bring business casual clothes. Any questions on what you might be expected to wear during your internship? Just ask us! Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are needed for city life as well as travel. You may need to bring a towel and bathrobe since bathrooms in homestays are shared.

Clothing and Climate

The most important thing to remember when packing clothes is that whatever you pack will probably be more than you will need. Paris can be cold during the winter months, so bring along plenty of warm clothes. Fall, winter, and even spring can be cool and wet, with average temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit from November to May. Summer temperatures can vary (you might need a jacket!), so come prepared. Layers of various weights are the best way to have a warm and flexible wardrobe both indoors and out. No matter what season you’ll be in Paris, make sure you bring rain gear and an umbrella. A coat with a removable lining is probably your best bet to cope with the changing seasons.

On the Job

There is no specific dress code for internships, but keep in mind that you will be placed in a professional assignment and that the French put great value on personal appearance and presentation. Women should include several skirt/dress ensembles, and men should bring several dress shirts and ties and one sport coat or blazer. Men should wear a tie at least on the first day of the assignment. Both men and women should bring a suit for interviews, especially for industries that tend to dress business casual (e.g. marketing, business, hospitality). Those working in NGO’s or other non-profits might find the dress code more casual.  If you are unsure what to pack, just ask us!

Linens

Bed linens are provided in your homestays, but you should bring at least one towel.

Appliances

Leave electrical appliances, including hair dryers, at home. Even with an adapter, these types of appliances are more vulnerable to the higher voltage in France - there's a good chance it won't survive.  Fairly inexpensive models can be purchased at many Parisian department stores such as Monoprix.

When bringing smart phones or MP3 players, be sure to bring both a plug adapter and voltage converter if you are not planning to bring a laptop to charge them.

Alarm Clock

A must so you can be on time for classes and for your internship. Bring a battery-operated alarm clock; an electric clock will take up outlet space, is vulnerable to power outages, and will need its own adaptor and converter.

Computers

If you are bringing your own computer, keep in mind the following:

• Make a complete backup of all the information/ software on the computer. If the computer has one, bring along the computer system maintenance or operation system disk.
• Computers should be insured under your family’s general household policy or a specialized student insurance policy to the full value of the computer including any peripherals .
• A security kit is essential, because of the possibility of theft.
• Check whether your computer has a built-in transformer which can handle voltages of 110 (U.S.) to 220 (Europe) — most computers are equipped with this. If so, all you will need to get is a plug adapter. If your computer can handle only 110 volts, then you will need to get a transformer, which can be quite bulky and expensive. Consider buying a transformer/adaptor before leaving.
• If in doubt, consult your computer’s manufacturer or the instruction manual for information on using your computer abroad.
• You must ensure that your computer is loaded with up-to-date anti-virus software.
• Don’t have your parents send you a portable computer, as it can get caught up in Customs.

Prescriptions and Drug Store Items

You should be sure to bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you may need and for glasses or contact lenses. Since it sometimes can be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever medications you may use while abroad. Any medications you do bring should be in the original, properly labeled bottles. You should also bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Try to keep as healthy as possible. If you do become sick and need medical assistance, remember that you will need to pay the doctor up front and then be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Odds and Ends

• Guidebooks to France and Europe along with a backpack.
• A gift for your host family. You can bring a book with photos from your hometown, a calendar, or anything that represents the place where you are from.
• UPS/FedEx/DHL shipments should be limited to documents. Avoid having personal belongings, gifts or medication sent to you. The cost of shipping and potential customs tax may well exceed the value of the item.
• Personal items such as slippers, bathrobe, etc –anything to make you feel at home.

A few no-nos

• Two full suitcases (try packing two half-filled suitcases or one suitcase with an empty duffel bag packed inside)
• 1,000 Toiletries (unless you MUST use a very specific brand, you will find an extensive selection of toiletries in Paris)
• 1,000 shoes
• Anything you would be upset to lose
• American electrical appliances such as hair dryers or straighteners. Higher voltage will ruin them

Keep in mind:

Every airline has weight restrictions - be sure to double-check how much luggage you are allowed to bring on the plane. If you’re flying more than one airline, make your luggage meets the requirements for all carriers.

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