France offers a myriad of toiletries. Imported products may be expensive, and you will pay more for toiletries in a pharmacy than in supermarkets like Monoprix. If you wear contact lenses, bring enough solution for your entire stay as it is more expensive in France than in the United States. During orientation, staff members will talk about student safety as well as appropriate student conduct. In Arles, like in most Mediterranean towns, male-female interactions are often quite different than in the United States. “Cat-calling” is common in the street, especially at night, though it very...

Diversity Abroad There are few places where most of the population comes from one national, religious, or ethnic group. At IES Abroad, our faculty, staff, and programs are committed to recognizing and acquainting students with the diversity that exists within France. IES Abroad students are continually provided with opportunities to explore the cultural richness of their host environment and learn about the economic, social, and political status of local populations. Here are a few resources that you might find useful: Diversity Commitment Navigating Diversity & Identity Abroad Social Identity...

All of your mail should be addressed to you at the IES Abroad Arles Center: Your Name c/o IES Abroad Arles Center 2 rue Etienne Gautier 13200 Arles, France Letters typically require around 10 business days to arrive. Customs The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides helpful information about international travel and U.S. customs. For more information on international travel, students can also look to their airline and the border control agency of their host country. Shipping Precautions Shipping internationally can be very expensive. Packages aren’t guaranteed to arrive, and IES Abroad...

Sports & Fitness Sports facilities are not as common in Europe as in the United States. Workout facilities are available in Arles but tend to be expensive. If you would like to join a health club, the IES Abroad staff on-site will help you locate one.

Meeting Locals The impressive cultural events calendar, with the international photography festival (les Rencontres) and world music festival (les Suds), are also a fantastic opportunity to learn about Arles’ cultural life. Students are encouraged to get involved in both festivals and to try and see as many exhibitions and concerts as possible, just like the Arlesians do!

While in Arles, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Arles Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your French experience. The IES Abroad Arles Center is located in the center of Arles near the Théâtre d’Arles. Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad. Take your IES Abroad courses and get projects done in the multimedia Center space Stay connected using the high-speed Wi-Fi Soak up some...

Make sure your phone is sim-lock free so you can use a French sim card.

Housing Introduction Your housing in Arles will be reflective of the local norms. Rooms are likely smaller than you are used to, and commuting (by foot) is an absolute must as many housing options are located in residential areas rather than on a campus or designated solely for university student use. As you fill out your Housing Form, keep in mind the following factors that are considered when housing placements are made: IES Abroad only locates housing in safe areas of the city. Single rooms are rare and cannot be guaranteed. Cohabitation in IES Abroad located housing is prohibited. Housing...

For more location-specific tips, check out these packing tips from former IES Abroad students. 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...