Preparing for departure: practical information

Before heading out on your exchange program, plan your trip and learn about your destination.

Visit the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

  • Please read the information provided in the "Travel Advice" tab carefully.
  • We strongly recommend that you follow the advice provided, particularly in the "Safety" section, to ensure your personal safety.
  • The "Latest News" section alerts you to recent events that could affect your safety.

Register on the “Ariane” page of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs:
The “Ariane” system allows you to register with the Ministry free of charge and with ease.
You will receive safety advisories via text message or email if the situation in the country warrants it.
You will be alerted in the event of a crisis in your destination country.

What documents are required for each destination?

In Europe
For a stay in a country of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, a valid ID card or passport is sufficient.
Please note: Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of either the European Union or the European Economic Area.

Other countries
To find out if your destination country requires a visa:

In Quebec
 For a study stay in Quebec lasting six months or less, students are not required to obtain a study visa or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate in advance (but you will not be able to work or do an internship).
Visit the website of the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI).

  • In Europe:
    If you are traveling to a country in the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will allow you to prove your entitlement to health insurance and receive coverage for your medical care while you are there, in accordance with the laws and procedures in effect in the country you are visiting.
  • In Quebec:
    Under the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Quebec and the Government of the French Republic regarding social protection for students and participants in cooperation programs,” French nationals pursuing their studies in Quebec are eligible for health insurance and hospitalization coverage under Quebec’s system; they receive these benefits under the same conditions as Quebec students.
    To obtain a Quebec health insurance card for your participation in an interuniversity exchange program, you must apply to the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) using the registration form provided for this purpose, attaching a copy of form SE 401-Q-106 and the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI).
  • Elsewhere in the world:
    For stays in other countries, you must have valid health insurance coverage in that country.
    Contact your student health insurance provider to arrange appropriate health coverage.

For more information:

Check that your liability insurance is valid in the host country.
Purchase additional coverage if necessary, particularly for medical repatriation.

If you are traveling by car, be sure to purchase additional insurance coverage for transit countries and your destination country, and make sure your vehicle is equipped in accordance with current regulations.

For more information:

Department of State: Travel Advisory

Check the vaccination recommendations and requirements, as well as the hygiene standards in your host country:

The Pasteur Institute is here to guide you

Your trip will also be a good opportunity to check whether your vaccination record is up to date.

Once your study abroad program has been confirmed, you can contact the International Relations Office at the partner university.

An experience abroad can be challenging or incredibly rewarding, depending on how well prepared you are.

Remember that while abroad, you will be serving as ambassadors for your university, your region, and your country.

To maximize your profits abroad:

  • Don't always hang out with other French people
  • Get to know the local students: sign up for sports or cultural activities, join clubs, live in a shared apartment…
  • Take this opportunity to chat with all the other international students and learn about their cultures!