The visa is an official authorization affixed to your passport, which gives proof that you have the permission of the German government to enter Germany and study for the allotted time. Since your program is under 90 days, U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa. If you plan to extend your stay in Europe beyond 90 days, contact your IES Abroad Customized Program Coordinator immediately. IES Abroad will not sponsor a residence permit for students to stay beyond the program dates, so you are not legally able to stay beyond 90 days. Non-U.S./Non-EU citizens Please refer to this website to...

Food & Drink Groceries per week, if you cook every meal at home €40-70 Breakfast pastry €1 Lunch at a cafe or sandwich shop €5-15 Dinner at a restaurant €20-40 Soft drink €3 Coffee €1 Housing Linens (if not included in housing option) €15-35 Personal Necessity Toiletries per week €7 Social Activity & Entertainment Movie €8.50 Theater performance €20-40 Museum entry fee €7-20 Fitness club membership per week €20 Dance club cover charge €15 Communication Internet use at a cyber café per hour €5 Pre-paid International calling card €10 Transportation Monthly public transportation pass €35

Public Transportation Rome’s public transportation system, called the ATAC (Agenzia per la Mobilità del Comune di Roma), consists of three metro lines and an extensive bus network. Due to the limited underground transportation options, you will find that traveling by bus may be the easiest option. Please remember that, like any big city, Rome has problems with traffic and smog. Commuting is a part of daily life in Rome, and by commuting to and from your housing placement, you will experience life as a Roman. The ATAC monthly pass is relatively inexpensive and gives access to all forms of...

Making friends in the local community is often a main priority for students. It’s not always easy to meet people, especially people your own age—doing so will likely require initiative on your part and also courage and perseverance. Never hesitate to ask the staff at the Center for guidance—they will be glad to help you! Think about how you get involved at your home campus and seek out opportunities to do something similar while abroad—this is just one way you might meet people. The first step to meeting local students is to remain flexible and try not to make face-value judgments. You will...

Rome has a typical Mediterranean climate and can be very hot in the summer months. Keep in mind that IES Abroad apartments may not be equipped with air-conditioning units. It is advisable to bring an umbrella, a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Italians are conscious of fashion. You will find styles of dress to be somewhat different than in the US, and Italian students dress less casually than Americans. The dress code for Rome’s opera house and symphony halls has become more lenient and evening dresses are no longer required. Male students should bring a sport coat and tie if...

Daily commuting using the city's public transportation system is a reality for all who live in or near Arles. Commuting time make take up to 30 minutes depending on the locations of your classes or other daily responsibilities.

The climate of Arles is fairly similar to that of the southern United States, with summer temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your homestay will likely not have an air conditioning unit, so take that into consideration when packing. The Center staff also recommend packing a bathing suit for weekend visits to the beach! Students who are sensitive to mosquito bites should also consider bringing insect repellant. You should bring at least one formal outfit for special occasions. For current weather conditions in Arles, visit www.meteofrance.com. Evenings may be cool at times...

Program Expenses Textbooks, course readers (per course, if applicable) €25 per course Meals Groceries for the Summer (if housing provides kitchen access) €300 Average Cost of a Lunch €15 Average Cost of a Dinner €20 Average Cost of a Soft Drink €2.50 Average Cost of a Coffee €1.80 Communications Cell Phone Usage Varies Entertainment Movie €10 Theater Performance €2-50 Dance club cover charge €15 Museums €0-10 *IES Abroad does not require a key deposit, but you will be required to pay for key and lock replacement if your keys are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. **Some students have...

Food & Drink Groceries per week, if you cook every meal at home €70-85 Breakfast at a restaurant €8-10 Lunch at a restaurant €15 Dinner at a restaurant €25 Soft drink €3,50 Coffee €2,50 Meal at a university dining facility €5 Housing Toiletries per week €6-8 Load of Laundry in residence halls €6-9 Local Transportation Monthly Transportation Pass €29 (first month) + €21 (each subsequent month) €45 (transportation beyond Nice) One-way Ground Transportation from airport to IES Abroad Center €30-35 taxi or €2.10 Tramline T2 Social Activity & Entertainment Movie €12 Theater performance €10-15...

People in Nice are used to walking down the street and hearing a variety of languages and accents. As a foreigner, you will not be as much of a novelty as you may be in other cities in France. During the summer months, Nice has many tourists. However, the off-season in Nice has fewer visitors. Let this be to your advantage! We encourage you to integrate yourself as much as possible. Our staff in Nice will be able to recommend volunteer organizations as well as places of worship and clubs where you may want to become involved as a way of meeting locals. Those living in homestays may be...