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France-bound students should NOT MAKE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PLANS the 100 days before study abroad.
Packing
Packing
Temperatures in Strasbourg will be in the 70s and 80s when you first arrive, and drop to the 30s and 40s by the end of the semester! It’s important to pack plenty of layers and a warm coat! You’ll need clothing for Summer, Fall, and Winter. It is a good idea to pack layers and bring rain gear and comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
Our main tip: Pack light, Strasbourg is full of shops! Make sure to bring your Laptop and any Medications you may need. Beyond that, you can find just about anything you need in town!
Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel we always recommend a backpack! Note that if you cannot carry your own bags, you will not be able to get to your destination.
Don’t forget adapters for electrical outlets– “Type C & C” Adapters for France are available on Amazon and at Walmart. If you do forget adaptors- choose your own adventure! You can find them locally or in the airport!
Travel Day
Travel Day
On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on* bag:
Passport
Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 moths after your planned return from France
Holy Cross Affadavit Letter
This is a document provided by the office of study abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross, and are on an official Holy Cross program!
*Note that Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel I always recommend a backpack!
Sim Cards & Phone Plans
Sim Cards & Phone Plans
You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in France. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.
Once in France, you can obtain a SIM card to call/text/use data locally. The primary carriers are Orange, SFR, and Free Mobile. If you have any questions about plans, payments, etc, you must contact your phone carrier directly. The Holy Cross Study Abroad Office does not work for Orange or any other provider and can’t help troubleshoot- this is an example of a time for you to practice being independent and figure it out! Your host family is a great resource here. Another option, which can be more expensive, is to work with your American carrier to pay for an international plan for the duration of your stay in France. No matter what your plan is, you need to make sure your American phone is unlocked before you leave.
Required Apps
Required Apps
Whatsapp
Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in France even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet- all you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!
ISOS
You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in France, you most open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Tours or Strasbourg.
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