6+-+FAQ

=FAQ=

Preparing to leave
Q: How will I be matched up with a French student?

A: All students are requested to complete a general interest survey. These questions allow us to match students of similiar interests, background, and personalities. Every effort is made to make a good match so students will develop a friendship that can be maintained for years to come.

Q: What is the student to chaperone ratio?

A: For international trips, the recommended student to chaperone ratio is 6 to 1.

Q: How much of the homestay portion of the trip is supervised?

A: The primary goal of our trip is to provide students with a full-immersion experience in the target culture. To accomplish this, students are matched with a French student and hosted by the family. Therefore, students will spend long periods of time in the family getting to know them and learning about the culture. While we cannot be with the students 100% of the time, host families will have the phone numbers of the chaperones' host families and will be able to contact any one of the chaperones at any time. During our stay in Orléans, we will meet as a group to visit the school, to go on a day trip to a château, or any other activities we plan.

Q: What is the weather going to be like in February?

A: The average low temperature in Orléans is 34F while the average high is about 48F. It can also become damp and rainy therefore it is advisable to bring several light layers that can easily be put on or taken off. We also recommend a good water-proof winter jacket.

Q: What should I pack? How many bags can I bring?

A: Please be mindful of how much you bring. Ten days may seem like a long time but it actually goes very quickly. Having too many personal items detract from the enjoyment of the trip because we will have to transfer from Orléans to Paris. Each student will be responsible for carrying his/her own bag(s).

We recommend bringing three to four complete outfits that you can mix and match. Also keep in mind that families are more than willing to help students do laundry during their stay.

Baggage allowance rules can vary slightly from airline to airline, but as a general rule you are entitled to 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on. Checked bags should be 20 kilos (44 lbs) or less. You can always check with your airline for more information. Be aware that on international flights you are entitled to only one suitcase (44 lb. or less) and one carry-on

Q: How should I charge/use electronic devices in France?

A: If you decide to bring a cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. The school is not help liable for its loss, damage, or theft while on the trip. Please know that in Europe, the voltage is 220 not 110 as in the United States so you will need to purchase a travel voltage converter. You can purchase these online or from an electronics retailer.

Q: How much money should I bring?

A: While on the trip, most expenses you will incur are discretionary. While in Orléans, the host family will be providing all meals and transportation. In Paris, most meals are included in the cost of the trip except for lunches which students will purchase at a local sandwich shop.

Q: Should I bring a debit card/credit card/traveller's' checks/ cash?

A: This depends mostly on what the parent feels most comfortable with. Debit cards are the easiest since they allow users to withdraw cash from any ATM. The exchanges rates tend to be best among the three options. However, you should check with your local bank to find out what fees are associated with international transactions. Traveller's checks require students to find an exchange office or open bank. This can prove problematic at times especially on weekends when they are closed. In addition to not have the best exchange rates, exchange offices and banks charge a percentage for each transaction. So if a student is changing money frequently, this can add up quickly. Finally, cash in large quantities is generally not a good idea. There is always a risk that the money could get stolen and the student is left with nothing. Therefore we recommend a small amount of American money for while we are at JFK airport for departure and return.

Arrival and Homestay
Q: How will passports be handled once we arrive?

A: Students will be expected to hold onto their passports during the trip. They should keep them in a secure place and never turn them over to another person, EVEN A MEMBER OF THE HOST FAMILY. If anyone would like a chaperone to hold a students' passport, please e-mail to let me know.


 * How will I be able to call home?
 * What's the best way to handle jet-lag?
 * Should I bring a gift(s) to the host family? What should I bring?
 * While staying with the family, what are some things I should be aware of?
 * If meals are not included in the trip price, how will I eat during the homestay portion?
 * Bathroom use
 * Make the bed, leave the room neat
 * Doors should be closed
 * Basic table manners
 * Hands on the table
 * Merci / Non merci
 * May I help clear the table?
 * What if I'm offered food or drink I don't like?
 * How can I get in contact with the chaperones?
 * If we are visiting Cours Saint Charles classes, how should we act?
 * If I go out to eat with the family, do I pay?
 * What happens if I get hurt or sick during the trip?

Paris

 * While in Paris, how many students will there be to a hotel room?
 * Will I be able to choose my roommate(s)?
 * What happens at night?
 * What time do we get up in the morning?
 * How will we get around the city?
 * Will we have any free time for shopping?
 * Do I need to tip the waiters or anybody else?
 * Help! I've run out of money. What do I do?
 * What if I'm approached by a stranger or begger in the street?
 * What if I get separated from the group?
 * What if I don't get off the metro stop with the group?