Students live in furnished apartments with other KEI and ABS students. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen, sitting room, bathroom and one to three bedrooms. Most bedrooms are double occupancy. Some are single occupancy. Closet storage is minimal, as is typical in Paris.

Apartments are located in the 12th district of Paris, considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city. The area is heavily residential with grocery shops, Laundromats, cafes and other shops in the immediate area.

The campus has a cafeteria that sells sandwiches and paninis. Many students like to enjoy their sandwich on the banks of the Canal St. Martin, featured in the 2001 film Amélie. There is, of course, a myriad of restaurants and cafes to choose from near the campus, housing and all around Paris.

Most students take the opportunity to learn how to shop and cook "French-style” by making their breakfast and dinner at home. Grocery stores and food shops are in the neighborhood. Students are encouraged to discover the biweekly outdoor market up the street at Place Félix Eboué. (Hint: Chat with the vendors at the market for recipes and all the local gossip and news!)

ABS has many student associations and sports teams. It's a great way to meet French students while doing something you enjoy! Intramural sports teams include:

1. Men's soccer
2. Men's and women's volleyball
3. Men's and women's basketball
4. Rugby
5. Men's volleyball
6. Handball
7. Men's and women's track and field

In addition, we encourage students to participate in the student body government, called the Bureau des élèves, or BDE. This group organizes social activities throughout the year, occasional weekend trips, and a ski trip in winter.

In Paris, you are never more than five minutes away from a subway station! The Parisian subway is one of the best and most attractive in the world. You can even get cell phone reception underground. Most students buy a weekly or monthly subway pass for unlimited rides. The same subway ticket can get you a ride on the extensive bus system.

The subway closes between midnight and 5 am, depending on the line. Special buses called Noctam'bus are available at night.

Taxis in Paris are abundant. Taxis can be hailed on the street, at a taxi stand, or by calling the dispatcher.

KEI will provide you with a prepaid mobile phone handset shortly after you arrive in Paris. The phone will have a small amount of credit to get you started. You can purchase additional minutes at most convenience and grocery stores. The KEI On-Site Coordinator will show you how to place calls.

There is high-speed cable internet in the apartments, one jack per apartment. Usage is free and unlimited. The ABS campus has unlimited wireless internet, as well as a computer lab open during business hours.

Danièle Katz is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Paris. She also teaches the French Civilization course at ABS. Danièle speaks French, German, Greek, Russian, Spanish and English.

Danièle will meet students at the airport, accompany the group during orientation and excursions, and mediate any problems or conflicts you might have. She is often on campus and available at any hour by mobile phone.

During the first few days you will learn the basics of life in Paris. The orientation covers the following topics:

• using public transportation
• registration
• academic expectations
• safety and security in Paris
• cultural adaptation
• social activities to meet your fellow students

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your KEI On-Site Coordinator!