What facilities are there for disabled students / students with special needs?
Although the main university building is famous for its 19th century neo-gothic architecture, it is accessible for those with special needs. However, we would ask that you advise us on your application of any such needs so that we can prepare your stay and provide you with the best possible service.
Do I need a visa?
Most students will not need any visa to take part in the European Summer Program, given that their stay will be shorter than 90 days. The government of France has a useful website regarding frequently asked questions about visas. Please check this link to see if you need a visa for your stay.
For more information, you are strongly advised to check with your university’s study abroad office, your study abroad coordinator, or even the French Embassy’s website in your home country or your home country’s consulate website.
If you need a visa, please contact the ESP office by email as soon as possible after having sent out your complete application package so that we edit a letter of invitation and mail it to you.
Do I need to carry my passport all the time?
You will need to bring your passport with you any time you leave France, which includes our various field trips into Belgium. It might be a good idea to carry your passport with you on other extended trips as well, in case you need to prove your identity. However, for most purposes you could use a photocopy of your passport; you should make copies both of the main page with your photo and of your visa if you have one, and keep these with you when you travel. Always keep your passport safe!
Anything else I need to know?
Please note that your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months when you enter France, and for an additional three months beyond your planned date of departure and your return home.
What is the weather like in Lille in June/July?
In France, June and July are summer months. Lille has a maritime climate and the weather is changeable. Sunny weather and rainy days can both be expected. Temperatures will usually be between 15°C and 30°C (59-86°F). We recommend that you bring clothes for different types of weather – cool, warm, dry, and wet.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Because the weather can be very changeable in June and July in Lille, we would recommend that you bring both mild weather and summer clothes. A rain coat or poncho and travel umbrella will likely be necessary. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are also useful. Of course, you can buy all of this in Lille (malls, famous brand shops, budget shops)!
It is very important that you bring a good pair of closed-toe walking shoes. France and Europe have a lot of tourist sites that you will visit (during the fieldtrips or on the weekends) where comfortable walking shoes are essential. Please see the “Travel Tips” section as well.
Packing tips for travel
• PACK LIGHTLY! You can buy anything in Lille. There are malls, a large shopping area, and some budget shops. So if there are things that you can’t put in your suitcase, you can buy them in Lille.
• Check your airline’s website to see what the regulations are about how much luggage you are allowed.
• Once you've packed, make a list of what you packed and write a description of your luggage. Put that information in your carry-on bag in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you.
• Carry-on bag for the plane: pack extra layers, a book, your travel journal, cards, music, snacks, any medication you'll be taking while overseas, tissues, set of underwear, a tee-shirt and a toothbrush (in case your luggage goes astray). Photocopy both sides of your credit and ATM cards, driver's license, and passport - leave a copy at home and pack another copy in your carry-on bag. Do NOT pack liquids over 3 oz. Make sure you have the ESP’s phone numbers, address, and instructions handy so that you find them easily on arrival.
• You may want to bring at least one dressy outfit for receptions in Lille.
• Bring comfortable shoes. Visiting France’s and Europe’s monuments, museums, and cities means a lot of walking, especially over cobblestones. A good pair of closed-toe, comfortable shoes is recommended.
• Bring rain gear or an umbrella.
• Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.
• You will also need an electric outlet converter plug suitable for France (and any countries that you may be visiting outside the program).
• Prescription medication. Bring enough for your entire stay in Europe. Keep medication in the original, labelled container. Know the generic name of your prescription medication, and bring a written prescription from your doctor. (You will not be able to get it dispensed in Europe, but – if necessary – you can use your prescription to inform a doctor as to what you need.)
• Pillows, bed linens and blankets will be provided by the dormitory. Towels, washcloths and other household items are available for good prices at the Sunday market in Lille. Otherwise bring 2 old towels that you can discard at the end of the trip.
• Books are heavy. All course materials will be given in class. Students have access to the university library. Books in English can be found in one of these book stores in Lille: “Le Furet du Nord” (http://www.furet.com) and “Books et alia” (http://www.booksetalia.fr). Also, tourist books are available in the ESP office.
How much money am I supposed to budget for my stay in France?
The table below aims to help you budget your costs for participating in the ESP.
Expenses |
Tuition Fees*:
Includes Class teaching and assessment, a Student Card, access to the University wifi network, all course materials, an official Summer Program Certificate, an Academic Transcript in ECTS format.
|
Hospitality Fee*:
Includes Accommodation in individual rooms (some in shared flats) in University residence halls on campus or city center and meal card with 50 euros credit for use at the university cafeteria from Monday to Friday, free Access to Local Public Transportation, Fieldtrips and entrance to Museums according to the program, a Cultural and Social Program, a full Program of Orientation.
|
Living Costs:
Dinners and food during week-ends, School supplies, Personal Expenses (150 euros for meals and food on weekends can be budgeted. Personal expenses will then obviously vary from one student to another)
|
Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage:
Health and Travel Insurance is mandatory for students taking part in the ESP, and is available through the Université Catholique de Lille.
(100€ for 25 years and less & 150€ for 26 years or older)
|
Passport (and Visa if required) |
Travel to and from the country of origin |
Transportation from the airport to the University |
* included in the cost of the program
How much cash should I bring with me?
That is up to you, although we do not advise that you carry large amounts of cash with you at any time (no more than 50 euros at one time is necessary). ATMs (and banks) are plentiful, and major credit cards are widely accepted (although cards without chips may not work for some automated transactions). Some students pick up their first euros from an ATM (called a distributeur in France) only after arrival at the airport.
Do not bring any bills larger than 50€ - it will be very difficult to change, and many stores will not accept bills of 100€ or larger. Nor are traveller's cheques recommended, since cashing these generally require a visit to a bank during school hours.
We do recommend bringing a valid credit card (preferably one with a chip) and - both for day-to-day transactions and for cash withdrawals - an ATM debit card, ideally one with Visa or MasterCard logo on it. (Also, bring an extra card with you, if possible).
You may choose to look into the option of an international card, such as those offered by Revolut and Wise. They are widely accepted in France, as well as other neighbouring European countries.
Is there any financial aid?
If you are from a partner university, you will receive a discount on our usual price, so check with your Study Abroad office. If you are not part of a partner university, you can contact your Study Abroad office or the French embassy in your country to ask for advice.