The School in France has contacts with about 70 hosts in the greater Paris metro area. We also have agreements with 6 student residence halls or foyers. All of the housing options have been evaluated and reviewed by former students and/or the Coordinator of Student Life. One of the unique aspects of Middlebury's housing is that we offer students a wide choice of housing options from which they can choose according to each student's background, expectations, and special needs, if any.
For those who choose to live with a French family, several option are offered:
1) room + breakfast
2) room + breakfast + 1-3 shared meals per week
3) room + breakfast + 4-5 shared meas per week
HOUSING PLACEMENTS
Undergraduate students complete an on-line housing questionnaire a few months prior to departure which provides the Coordinator with valuable information concerning each student's background and expectation. Based on the responses and her years of experience, the Coordinator of Student Life tries to match each student with a family or foyer that fits perfectly with their needs. After the match has been made, students will be sent photos and full descriptions to learn more about their family or foyer.
Once you have thought about your preferences, please tell the housing coordinator about them by completing the questionnaire (a link to the online questionnaire is sent to students via email). All semester and year students studying abroad for the year or one semester must complete the form.
HOUSING DEPOSIT
Once you have received your housing assignment and photos of your placement from the Coordinator of Student Life in Paris there are several steps which you must undertake to secure your spot:
Homestay with French families
Living with a host family in Paris is a wonderful opportunity to experience French culture firsthand through daily contact with the members of your host family and improve your knowledge of French. All rooms in French home are single rooms where the student will have his/her own personal living and studying space. Each student is free to come to and go as they wish. This is an excellent housing option which provides a family environment, daily contact allowing for cultural acquisition and independance. A good number of students have created friendships with their host families that have lasted years after their stay in Paris.
Reserving your room in a French home
Until you have written to your host and paid the security deposit, your room is not guaranteed.
1. Write to your host to reserve your space. We have provided a lettre type to use as an example. Please be sure to tell the host a little about yourself and ask any questions you may have (such as when you will be able to move in).
2. Include the security deposit (equivalent of one month's rent, sent in euros in the form of traveller's cheques) with your letter. At the end of your stay, the security deposit will be returned if no damage or outstanding bills remain. For AAA members, it is possible to obtain traveller's cheques in euros without commission. You can also purchase traveller's cheques in euros online from American Express (fee applies).
N.B. If a student cancels their housing reservation, the security deposit may still be cashed by the host family
Each student and proprietor is bound by a contractual agreement, the Règlement de Principe designed by the School in France. Each party is responsible to uphold their part of the agreement. Please familiarize yourself with this document. Upon arrival in France, you and your host will both sign the agreement and return it to the Coordinator of Student Life. Foyers
We will provide you with the application form and instructions how to wire your deposit. Cursory information is available on the web page descriptifs foyers. Expect to receive the admission intake form and instructions on how to send the deposit via e-mail from the School in France's Student Life Coordinator.
Important: Students shall also send a copy of their confirmation letter and a photocopy of their deposit check to the Student Life Coordinator in France, either by e-mail or fax, no later than 15 days after receiving your housing assignment.