France is home to 64 million citizens and possesses the fifth largest economy worldwide. It is the most visited country in the world, receiving 82 million foreign tourists each year. Visitors flock to this dynamic country for a number of reasons including it's rich cultural history, culinary delights, and fascinating natural beauty.

France is the largest state in the European Union and the third overall largest in Europe just behind Russia and the Ukraine. France is one of the founding members of the European Union. Popular tourist sites include: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Mont Saint Michel, Carcassonne, Pont du Gard, Aix en Provence, As well as the French Alps and the French Riviera.

PARIS

Paris is the capital of France and the country's most populous city. Situated in the north of France on the river Seine, it is the heart of the Ile de France region (also known as the "Paris Region - Région parisienne"). Paris has an estimated population of 2,203,817, but the greater Paris has a population of nearly 11,769,433 (January 2006) making it one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe.

Today, Paris is one of the world's leading business and cultural centers. It's influence in politics, education, entertainment- media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major cities. Paris is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with 45 million tourists every year in the Paris Region, 60% of whom are foreign visitors. There are numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world-famous institutions and popular parks.

MONTPELLIER

Montpellier is a university city in the south of France, and also capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. With 500,000 inhabitants, Montpellier, "The city where the sun never sets" is a unique destination: Young, lively, vibrant, deeply Mediterranean, the city welcomes 70,000 students each year, among them a great number of international students.

It would be difficult to find a more desirable location, Montpellier is situated just a few miles inland from the Mediterranean coast and is central to a number of other small but great cities. From Montpellier you can easily travel 271 kilometers (168 mi) west to Nice, 283 kilometers (176 mi) southwest to Barcelona and 750 kilometers (466 mi) north to Paris. It is easily accessible by train (3h20 with TGV from/to Paris) or by plane (1h20).

WEATHER IN PARIS AND MONTPELLIER

Winter is generally cold in Paris with some chance of snow each year (between 45F/7C up to 55F/13C) while the South of France is rather mild (between 50F/10C to 65F/18C).

Springtime is the rainy season in Paris with warmer temperature (between 55F/13C and 75F/24C) while in Montpellier more sun and high temperatures start to rise quickly (between 64F/20C to 77F/25C).

Summer can be hot in Paris especially in August but generally stays mild while the South is much hotter with summer thunderstorms (average temperature more than 90F/32C).

Fall is very nice in both part of France. The average temperature in Paris is between 50F/10C and 60F/16C) while in Montpellier it is the French Indian Summer until the end of October (between 64F/18C and 77F/25C).

VISA PROCEDURES

Please be sure to double-check the French consular website (http://www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org) for any updates to all of the following information, as visa laws and regulations are changed without notice.

To participate, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from France.

If your internship lasts for more than 3 months, you must apply for a trainee visa at the French Embassy in your home country way in advance of your planned arrival in France. Countries participating in the "Visa Waiver Program" (VWP) with France are able to travel to France for tourism and business purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Currently (March 2010), these countries are: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Ecuador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Rumania, Saint-Marin, Singapore, Uruguay and Venezuela.

For US students to participate the "Work in France" program, there is no need for any specific visa for a stay of less than 90 days (tourist visa) during your summer vacation. For more than 90 days, a student visa will be required.

TRAVELING TO FRANCE

Participants will fly to France independently. Personalized service and preferential rates for the organization of travel throughout France and Europe may be obtained through CICD partners in Paris and Montpellier, or other reliable online travel service providers.

NB: If you would like to spend some extra days in Paris before going down to the South, you have the option to book your accommodation (youth hostel or hotel) and train ticket before departure through our partners.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Full medical insurance coverage is required from your country of origin. You may choose to purchase international insurance through CICD for an additional $35-40 per month, depending upon the coverage you choose.

The insurance coverage must include at least the listed items: medical/accident/emergency dental coverage; transportation expenses due to medical evacuation, repatriation and hospitalization; baggage and personal effects loss or damage; third party liability coverage and legal expenses. A copy of your independent policy coverage will be required to confirm that you are fully covered for the duration of your program. Please note that most insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If you do have a "pre-existing condition" that may be excluded by an insurance carrier, you will need to arrange to have your current insurance continue to cover you while you are on the program for any instances of that condition. Also, participants are fully responsible for any "co pay" and/or "deductible" amounts described in either their private insurance or the insurance provided by CICD.