OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

WHY?

• To subscribe to an internet or a mobile phone subscription
• To receive the payment of the CAF, or the health insurance
• To be able to get refund by the French social security system if you have subscribed for the French student health medical cover
• To avoid paying fees every time you withdraw money, make a transfer…

HOW?

We partnered with different banks Société Générale & BNPParibas to benefit from offers and free services, but many other banks exist. You can choose any of them. It is a personal choice. You can compare and also negotiate the different services offered by banks (depending on your needs: credit card, international transfer…)

If you cannot open you bank account on the welcome session, you have to call the agency of the bank you have chosen to arrange an appointment12 to open a bank account. Do not forget to mention on the phone that you are a student at EDHEC.
The appointment to open a bank account should last maximum 30 minutes. Please ask a French speaking classmate to go along with you. Bank officers don’t have necessarily a speak English well!

To open a bank account, you need:

• A copy of your passport,
• A proof of address in France
• A school certificate in French
• Some money

WHERE?

3 options:

• Directly at the agency
• During the welcome session
• Online (depending on the bank you choose)

COMMUNICATION

INTERNET AND PHONE PROVIDERS

There are different types of providers and the best is to compare their offers, depending on your needs.

In France, there are 4 main mobile phone and internet service operators:

FREE, ORANGE, SFR, BOUYGUES TELECOM

If you don't want to spend time comparing different offers, you can also go to a MVNO (Mobile Virtuel Network Operator) agency such as NRJ Mobile. They provide offers from the different main operators. Some banks also offer mobile phone services.

Most operators offer packages: internet + mobile phone services (+TV).

IMPORTANT:

• Most of these operators don't have an English spoken service.
• Don't forget to specify that you are a student so that you might benefit from special rates and discounts.
• EDHEC campus has computer rooms and wireless internet access.

POST OFFICE

You have to got to the post office called "La Poste" to send a parcel or specific mails such as registered letters. For regular mails, you can use the yellow boxes located all around the city as long as they are already stamped. Stamps can be bought online here or in a tobacco shop, or directly at the post office.

BRING YOUR FAMILY

IMMIGRATION FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN

The student’s family (spouse and children) can live in France.

All members of the family have to apply for a visa.

Usually, the visa delivered for the spouse is a “visitor” visa which does not allow to work.

In addition, the whole family must have a health insurance as the French student health insurance is only valid for the student.

THE FRENCH EDUCATION SYSTEM

Crèche – Baby nursery

Nursery where babies and young children below the age of three are cared for during the working day.

Maternelle - Infant school

For the children aged between three and six.

Ecole élémentaire and Collège - Elementary and Secondary school

School education is compulsory for children aged between six and sixteen; this obligation covers both elementary education (école élémentaire) and the first four years (collège) of secondary education.

Private schools are fee paying and state schools are free of charge (excluding lunch)

ENROLL CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

STATE SCHOOLS

Enrolment takes place during the first half of the calendar year at the City hall near the place of residence.

A special rule applies in day nurseries: children who reach the age of three between September and 31 December of that year may attend nursery school from September on. Children who turn three between 1 January and 1 March may go to nursery school, subject to availability of places, from 1 January until the end of the February holidays at the latest. Children who turn three after 1 March may go to day nursery until the start of the new school year.

To get a certificate of enrollment from the local city hall,you have to submit the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of vaccinations : certificate to show that the child is immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio
• Proof of residence – usually a copy of a utility bill or rental agreement showing your home address

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Several English/French schools exist in Lille and Nice. Even if most pupils attend local and state schools, which are free. However, foreign families may consider an international school to ease their child's transition.

VISITING FAMILY

If you have relatives coming to visit you in France, they can ask for a Tourist visa.

Emergency guide

The caller must:

1. State the location where assistance is needed
2. State their name and telephone number
3. State what happened, and if it is still happening
4. State how many people need help
5. State if there are weapons involved

All emergency numbers can be reached from pay phones, without the use of a phone card or money. It is also possible to call emergency numbers from a locked mobile phone (112 might work even when the message "no network available" is displayed).

European SOS 112

The number 112 can be dialed to reach emergency services - medical, fire and police - from anywhere in Europe. This emergency number 112 can be called from any telephone (landline, pay phone or mobile cellular phone). Calls are free. It can be used for any life-threatening situation.

Pharmacies/Chemist/Drug Store

Pharmacies are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 19:30. Many pharmacies are closed between 12:00 and 14:00.

At least one local pharmacy will be open on Sundays. Details of and schedule for this "duty pharmacy" (pharmacie de garde) can be found in every pharmacy window or through this Website.

Medical emergencies and accidents (SAMU)

SAMU: The Emergency Medical Assistance Service (Service d'Aide Médicale d'Urgence) reached by dialing 15 or 112.

A qualified doctor will answer the call and determine the most suitable way to deal with the situation. He will give information or advice to the caller, or send the appropriate emergency vehicle.

USEFUL GLOSSARY

SCHOLARSHIPS

Information about scholarships is available on the following website :

http://campus.edhec.com/international/scholarship/scholarship-225061.kjsp

More information in French about Prame grant:

http://www.regionpaca.fr/se-former/vie-etudiante/aides-a-la-mobilite-internationale-des-jeunes.html

FINDING ACCOMMODATION

EDHEC offers several solutions to help you find accommodation. Please visit the dedicated page by clicking here >>