1. What is "EDUCO" and what does it stand for?
EDUCO is the name by which our program is known in Paris. The program is jointly owned by three U.S. universities - Duke, Emory and Cornell Universities -- thus, E is for Emory, DU is for Duke, and CO is for Cornell. Students from all three universities participate in the program each semester, sharing housing, classroom, and activities.

2. What are the different housing options in Paris and what are the advantages of each?
There are three housing options available for EDUCO students: French households, student apartments, and foyers. The majority of students live in French households, carefully chosen by the EDUCO staff in Paris. Living with native French speakers offers the highest level of cultural and language immersion among the program's housing options. There are a limited number of apartments available for sharing (two students per apartment). Apartments offer the greatest independence, but they also translate into greater responsibilities for residents. Due to this option's lack of exposure to French culture and language, priority for placement in apartments is usually given to academic year students or students with a demonstrated high level of proficiency in French. The foyer (student residence) option is available on a limited basis to men and women. In the foyer, students enjoy the company of peers in in a group living situation. The clientele of the foyers tends to be very international, with a common shared language of French.

3. How do I get a French visa?
The Duke Office of Study Abroad will provide you with basic instructions on how to obtain a student visa, but you will need to check with the French consulate assigned to your home jurisdiction for specific information. Information will be sent in your acceptance packet.

4. Should I take my laptop to Paris?
We strongly encourage students to take a laptop to Paris as the computer facilities at the EDUCO center are limited. Students will most likely not have Internet access in the French households, but off-line composition of e-mails and academic papers on a laptop can save time and money as you can more efficiently make use of the EDUCO computers or Internet cafés for printing and Internet connection.

5. Can my friend and I room together with a family?
You are able to request a preferred roommate on your housing form at the time of application. Roommate requests must be mutual, so please coordinate requests. Requests will be considered and honored when at all possible.

6. If I arrive early in Paris to travel in Europe will the EDUCO office store my luggage?
The EDUCO office does not have sufficient space to store luggage while you are traveling. You may consider putting your luggage into rented lockers at bus or train stations, or at the airport, if available.

7. When will my grades be posted to ACES when I return?
Unfortunately, grade reporting is often a delayed process in the French university system, especially compared to the speedy readiness of grades on the Duke campus. The bulk of fall semester grades will arrive to the Duke campus and be posted to ACES as quickly as possible in March and April. The bulk of spring grades (with some fall grades sprinkled in) will arrive in July and August. Very occasionally, some grades (fall and spring) are delayed into the following fall semester. One of the quickest ways to ensure that your grades are posted as soon as possible after we receive them is to provide EDUCO with your course information and description as early in the semester as possible so that courses can be approved. Without a course approval at Duke, grades cannot be posted on the Duke transcript.

8. How do I change my course listings if they are cross-listed?
If you wish to change your course listing while still studying with the program in Paris, please consult with Academic Services Coordinator Valérie Herbunot. If you wish to change your course listing after your term abroad has ended, you will need to contact the Office of Study Abroad at abroad@aas.duke.edu.

9. Can I work in Paris while I’m there?
French labor laws prohibit you from working for pay while in France on a student visa. Any paid employment, without benefit of a change in visa status, would be outside the official realm.

10. What’s the best way to access money abroad?
By far the easiest method is to use your debit card to draw funds from your home accounts through local ATM's abroad. Money is disbursed in the local currency and you can get small or large amounts, according to your needs at the moment. Access to a credit card for large or more specialized purchases (train or plane tickets, for instance), will also prove very convenient.

11. How do I register for my next semester classes while abroad?
Duke students will receive an e-mail with PIN and registration instructions from the registrar prior to the registration period. ACES is available through internet access abroad. Registration may also be done via fax or e-mail if the internet proves unreliable.

12. Will there be an interview in the application process?
Yes, an interview with the on-campus director of Duke in France is required. All application materials must be received before an interview can take place.

13. Should I invest in a cell phone when I arrive?
Cell phones are highly encouraged, although not required, and most students on the program will obtain one during their time in France. You will receive information on cell phones during the EDUCO orientation in Paris. Sometimes, former students will offer to sell their cell phones to incoming students at a reduced price. Because the cell phone system in Paris does not operate on the basis of service contracts, there is much more flexibility and mobility in phone ownership.

14. Do I have to take all of my classes in French?
Because program students are at the advanced level in French and immersion is a primary goal of the program, all coursework must be done in French. One exception is that declared English majors will be allowed to take one English literature course in English per semester, provide s/he has cleared it with the EDUCO directors.

15. How many courses will count towards the French major or minor?
All courses may be counted towards the French major, as long as the courses are approved for and meet the criteria set forth for the French major by the Department of Romance Studies at Duke. A maximum of three courses with French course numbers above the 100-level per semester may be counted toward the core-course requirement for the French major. Other courses may be counted towards the French major, as long as the courses are approved by the French DUS for the Dept of Romance Studies, and meet the criteria set forth for the French major by the Department of Romance Studies at Duke. Related courses may cover a variety of topics related to French or European studies, but cannot simply be a physics course taught in French. Related courses must meet the same criteria expected on the Duke campus. A maximum of two courses with French course numbers above the 100-level per semester may be counted toward the French minor. Information about requirements for the French major and minor can be found in the Duke Undergraduate Bulletin (http://www.registrar.duke.edu/bulletins/Undergraduate/).

Last revised: 29 August 2007