Practical Information

Guide Book
Download the final version of the Aerospace Summer Program Participant Guide. Along with details of the Aerospace Summer Program, this guidebook includes information on discount cards, European electrical equipment, car rentals in France, as well as a suggested packing list.

Locations
Each year, students study in Toulouse and Poitiers, and spend a few nights in the Basque Country where industrial site visits are organized. During odd years, students have the opportunity to visit Paris and attend the Paris Airshow. During even years, the program takes students to Marseille for more industrial site visits and a taste of the Mediterranean.

Toulouse
Toulouse is France’s 4th largest city. This "Pink City", as Toulouse is nicknamed, is located in the southwest and is the capital of the Midi-Pyrénées region. Situated on the banks of the Garonne River and close to the Pyrenees Mountains, it is halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a fascinating dual personality. On the one hand, it is home to the French aerospace industry and the country’s growing information-technology sector. On the other hand, it is the alternative artistic and intellectual center of France (alternative to Paris, that is).

Poitiers
Poitiers, the capital of the Poitou-Charentes region, is located in western France between Bordeaux and Paris. It is sometimes referred to as the "plus petite des grandes villes" : the smallest of the big cities. Smaller than Toulouse, it offers a quieter atmosphere, different architecture, and a milder climate. During the week-long stay in Poitiers, students have the opportunity to experience a completely different French city.

Biarritz & the Basque Country
Biarritz is located on the Atlantic coast, less than 20 miles from the Spanish border. There, you can enjoy the sun, the beach, and delicious paella and seafood. Biarritz is considered one of Europe’s major surfing destinations; on your free day, rent a board and try your luck!

The Basque Country, of which Biarritz is a part, is a region in the western Pyrenees that covers areas in both France and Spain. The Basque language is unrelated to French and Spanish, and road signs in this region are often written in both French and Basque. It is not uncommon to see older people, particularly men, wearing a red beret, a tradition in Basque Country.

Paris (visited on in odd-numbered years)
Paris is the capital of France and is located in the heart of the country. It has a population of about 12 million residents and is often referred to as the City of Love. Paris is full of beautiful churches, interesting museums, and historical monuments—well worth a weekend visit!

Marseille (visited only in even-numbered years)
Marseille is the second largest city in France. An ancient port city, it was founded by the Greeks of Phocaea in 600BC. Even today, it serves as France’s premier Mediterranean port, and the city has a diverse population with a vibrant atmosphere. In addition to seeing the sights of Marseille, you may want to take advantage of a side trip to Cassis, where you’ll see beautiful white cliffs sloping down into the clear blue sea.

Helpful Information
Passports
Everyone must have a valid passport to travel to France. If you already have one, please check the expiration date to ensure that it will still be valid during the time you travel to France. If you do not have a passport, see the following site for directions on how to obtain one: http://travel.state.gov/passport/.

Luggage
With so many changes in airline industry regulations, it is a good idea to check with your airline company to know what your luggage allowance is. Remember to leave room in your luggage to take home souvenirs!

Safety Tips
We recommend that all students traveling abroad consult the US Department of State’s website for information regarding safety notices: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html.

Budgeting
Depending on the exchange rate (check out www.xe.com for current rates), daily life in France can be a little pricey for an American. The following examples can help you in preparing a budget for your time abroad :

• Dinner out: 12€ - 15€
• Sandwiches and kebabs: 3€ - 5€
• Ice cream, one scoop: 2€
• Coffee: 2€
• Movie: 6€ with student ID
• Large bottle of water: 1€
• French pastries: 1€ - 3€

Useful Websites
Check out the links page for some sites that will help prepare you for your journey to France!