Although it is difficult to board and get off the train with so much luggage, it is more reliable to do this than to ship your luggage. It helps to request a seat on the bottom floor of the train. There is a train station in Charles de Gaulle airport where you can catch the train to Angers.

When booking the train tickets, how long should students leave between when the plane lands and when the train leaves?

Normally trains leave every hour. But, keep in mind that once you land at Charles de Gaulle it takes a few hours to get through customs, pick up your luggage, and get to the train station. Note that tickets are available for purchase at the train station in the CDG airport, once you arrive in France.

How should students contact their host families?

Many family will give their phone number and address, and some give their email address. Buying an international phone card or calling via Skype is the easiest and most inexpensive way to be in contact. It is important to notify the family in advance when you will arrive so they can plan to meet you at the train station in Angers or make other arrangements.

How does food and meals work?

For the month of September the host family is paid in advance for the meals that the students take at home: breakfast and dinner. Lunch is provided at school the first month. After September, ISU students receive a check each month from the secretary and they decide with their host family which meals they will take together and how much if costs. Lunch is on your own. Students from different schools all have different systems of paying.

When do classes start and how do students know where to go?

Students will receive information, maps, and schedules once they arrive in Angers from CIDEF and the host families. Classes usually begin the day after students can move in with hosts.