NEOMA Business School

The banking account was free. If you travel, book at least 2 weeks in advance - you can get amazing deals. Especially if you use discount airlines, such as easyjet, ryanair and aerlingus. Eurolines buses are pretty cheap too. And if you'll most use the SNCF (for train travel within France), definitely get the Carte 12-25. You'll save 50% on almost all journeys. You can ust the school's computers for the internet. You can also get a WiFi card from the international office for free (but with a deposit). But WiFi only works in 1 building. If you want internet in your room, it gets expensive (I think 25EUR/mth with limited up/downloads). For the phone: you don't really need one - you can call payphone-to-payphone and use calling cards. If you decide you need one, get a cellphone - they're actually cheaper than a landline. You can get a cheap one at Carrefour and pay as you go. Oh, and North American cell phones don't work in Europe, unless yours is tri-band.

Bring as much as you can from home, but remember to leave some room - you'll be bringing more back. See tips on phone and travel above. It rains literally every day. Bring an umbrella. On the other hand, it doesn't get cold in the winter, usually +5, +10 degrees C. If you get homesick, know that you're not alone and it WILL pass. And don't sit alone in your room. Get out and talk to people, especially the French and other exchange students. Above all, be open-minded and prepared that things work differently than at home! Then everything will work out and you'll have a great exchange experience!

Even though I was only in France for 3 months, my French has definitely improved, especially comprehension. I would recommend watching French TV and listening to the radio (get a cheap one). When you hear it constantly, you'll learn quickly. Most people in Rouen speak only a few words of English. But even if you could get by with English, try to speak French whenever you can. People are usually pretty patient and understanding with you. My only complaint is that you don't learn French living on campus, and studying the International Track, since everyone speaks English, the students and the teachers.

There are several housing options. You can live in one of the residences on campus. There are 3 and they are different in terms of facilities and value. You can live in one of the residences downtown (there are 2). Or you can find housing yourself. I chose to live on campus because it's close to the school and you meet more other students that way. On the other hand, in Ango anyway, you don't get to practice your French at all. I'm not disappointed, but I would choose an apartment or rez downtown next time, because you get to learn more French and more of the French way of life, and it's only 15 min from campus.

There's always a party. People go out every single night, so you'll always have somebody to go with. The school organizes a lot of events, especially parties. Most clubs play Euro dance and that's something I didn't really like. Otherwise, Velvet is a good one, Emporium, Bayou... The Underground is popular for karaoke. As for bars, O'Kallaghans is good, and there are several English / Scottish pubs along the river.