Here is a (slightly delayed) follow- up from Lauren, who is now in Versailles!
After accepting the Versailles Fellowship, I was faced with three main obstacles: obtaining my visa, conquering a basic level of the French language, and reserving a Parisian flat before my arrival.
Mon Visa:
The visa process was relatively painless, mainly because I had little control over it. The administrative department at the Universite de Versailles was responsible for coordinating paperwork with the French Government’s Labor Department (OFII), and then the OFII sent all necessary documentation to one of the Consulate General of France offices within the United States. My permanent location is in Illinois, so I reported to the Chicago office. After a few frustrating and confusing conversations with their personnel, I was finally able to make an appointment. For security purposes, I was required to hand deliver all of my paperwork to the Consulate General of France in Chicago. Within a week after my appointment, j’ai recu mon visa! J
*Suggestion:
Always confirm that the Consulate received your paperwork. Do not wait to hear from them. In my case, the OFII forwarded me a document stating that my visa information had been sent to Chicago. However, Chicago did not receive it. Most of France was on de vacances in August, and it was difficult for me to contact employees at the universite. Eventually, the universite contacted the OFII to resend all of my documents to the Consulate General of France in Chicago. If I had not personally confirmed my paperwork’s arrival, I would still be waiting for my visa.
La Langue:
The College of Charleston’s French Department loaned me several livres de langue while I was living in Charleston. However, since I had no prior experience, it was necessary for me to learn through an interactive program or tutor. Unfortunately, the langue labs in the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library are closed during the summer and few livres contain an audio/visual disc. The French Department offers intensive summer classes. I suggest utilizing these if they fit your schedule. For me, my best resource was a computer program, Mango Languages Passport version. It was substantially less expensive than Rosetta Stone and I had the ability to download it to several different computers. It did not restrain me from working during the day, and I could access it anytime. In addition, I bought several livres de langue, so that the readings could supplement my electronic lessons. Lonely Planet has several French phrase books and pocket dictionaries. I recommend these and the Paris Lonely Planet Travel Guide.
My summer preparation provided me with a basic level of French. When I arrive in France I can enroll in French courses through the Universite de Versailles free of charge since I am an employee. I received another electronic langue program, and I plan to use this and engage in classes at the college throughout my year abroad. By September 2012, I hope to be fluent.
Mon Appartement:
My flat is located on the 7th floor in the 17th arrondissement. I was introduced to a French family via a thesis contact. They own my flat, located above their apartment on the 6th floor. To supplement my monthly rent expenses, I will interact with the family’s children regularly so that they can practice their English.
I could not be more blessed. The cost of living in Paris is extremely high and my stipend would not have supported much more than my monthly rent. Also, I can maintain my separate space since this is an independent flat, yet I already feel like a part of their family. Their support will be essential to my transition.
*Suggestions:
1. Contact everyone you know to see if they have connections in Paris. In my 25 years, I’ve learned that it’s more about WHO you know, and not WHAT you know. These connections can help you find available apartments and they will make other recommendations.
2. Be very careful with apartment sites. I encountered two scams on Craigslist, and several of my friends had the same issues while using other search sites.
3. Think outside of the box! Contact, contact, contact and do not give up hope. You never know who knows who, and what information they can provide. The universite helps students find off campus housing, and was willing to assist me. The American Church in Paris is a useful resource after arrival. They post available apartments at the church, and may be helpful if you need a second job. FUSAC (French USA Contacts) has online classified ads that are worth reviewing.
4. France provides housing reimbursements (CAF) for students and young professionals. It is definitely worth researching and applying after you have arrived. Every euro counts!
Au Revoir des Etas-Unis!
I depart for Paris on the 12th of September. Between now and then I will continue practicing my French, packing, and spending time with friends and loved ones. College of Charleston has provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime, and I plan to take advantage of every minute. Carpe diem!
