CAF

I received some VERY exciting news this week. My CAF has finally arrived!

For those of you who don't know, CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales), is money allocated by the French government to people living in France who earn under a minimum threshold to contribute towards rent. The amount differs depending on income and price of accommodation and it very generously covers foreign students living abroad, meaning if you're on your Year Abroad in France you should be entitled to it!

However, as I've discovered with lots of admin in France, CAF is an absolute nightmare to organise. To start with, you have to fill out a long form listing all your finances and information about your accommodation, as well as submit a copy of your passport, birth certificate, bank details and tenancy agreement. Once this is all sent off, you should receive log in details in the post so you can access your account online and track your status.

Having spoken to other friends who also applied, it seems the process is slightly different for everyone - some friends never received their online details, others were sent their CAF money immediately and others were asked for more documents (and photocopies) of their forms of ID, payslips, utility bills, the secret recipe for CocaCola, the script to the new Harry Potter book... ok I'm joking about the last bits but you get the idea.

I was in the unfortunate position of having to provide a payslip for a month I never actually received due to issues with my pay at the start of my placement. Woohoo, slight issue. Having gone into the office a couple of times and made many attempts to drop off my bank statement for the following month with little success I'd pretty much given up hope on ever receiving CAF altogether.

Fortunately, my friend Kate said she was going along again and motivated me to give it one more try. So at the start of this month, a whole 6 months after I first made my application, I went into the CAF office and explained my situation to an extremely helpful woman who added some notes to my form and arranged a phone call for Monday morning. Despite being on a ski trip in the Alps, I kept my phone on loud and fortunately managed to take the call while coming off a chairlift, trying my best to understand the French being spoken to me over the gale-force mountain winds!

This week the magic finally happened and I have a very happy little French bank account. My monthly allowance for the past few months has been deposited in a tidy lump sum, the perfect cherry on the cake to have in the final weeks of my time abroad in France.

My top tips for applying for CAF:

• If you can, go in person to the office. It is 100 times quicker and easier to speak to someone and they are always really helpful and sympathetic of your situation so can help you through the process.
• Be persistent. I had almost given up but I'm so glad I went in that one last time - it's worth it in the end!
• Try and do your application early. Although it can be daunting when you move to another country for the first time, especially with the language barrier, these things take a long time and a lot of patience so the sooner the better really!

British Stereotypes

It's always interesting to discover how us Brits are considered by other cultures. After speaking to French friends, colleagues and my students, here's what I've found out that people this side of the channel think about the UK:

1. It's freezing
Fair enough, it's cold in the winter, but the sun does come out sometimes.


2. It's always raining
It doesn't rain ALL the time in the UK, promise!


3. We drink a LOT
Rather than sipping slowly on a demi, us Brits are known for our love of pints as well as knocking back the hard stuff.


4. We eat a fry up every day for breakfast
Yes, English breakies are amazing and we'll often treat ourselves to a fry up every now and again, however toast and cereal are probably something most of us wake up to day-to-day.

5. We love jelly
A slightly random one, all the Frenchies I've met are fascinated by jelly and want to try it. Can't say I've had it since primary school.


6. We've met the Queen
And we're also bezzies with Will and Kate.


7. Fish and Chips
Our staple diet when we're not tucking into an English breakfast.


8. We all love tea
Ok, so this is pretty-much true for the majority of Brits, so I often get a surprised reaction when I admit I'm not much of a tea drinker myself (shock horror).

Things I've learnt about living in France

1. Everyone has a dog
The cliché is true: walk around any French town or city and expect to walk past a woman carrying at least one fluffy little dog before you've made it to the end of the street. These adorable little pooches come at a price though, as the French don't seem to clean up after their animals - keep your eyes on the pavement.

2. Baguette from the supermarket is a serious no-no
The same goes for pastries. Why buy poor-quality, mass-produced, flavourless 'bread' when there's a charming local bakery just across the road. Pick up a baguette in the supermarché and expect looks of disgust/pity.

3. Cat-calling is far too common
Apparently men in France seem to think if a young girl or group of young girls walk past them in the street they have every right to holler, wolf-whistle, click their fingers and request sexual favours regardless of your age, time of day or what you're wearing. This NEEDS to change.

4. Wine
It's socially acceptable to have a glass at 11am. On a weekday. In public.

5. Nights out start much later
While back at home we might start preing as early as 7pm (Wednesday sports socials anyone?), clubs out here open as late as 2am and can stay open until around 7 in the morning! Thursday is the big night for students before they go home for the weekend.

6. Dog Boutiques are everywhere
Go to any French town and expect to find the following: bakery, restaurant, newsagent, small supermarket, pharmacy, beauty salon, dog parlour - clearly all the daily essentials covered. Perhaps this is explained by #1.

7. There is nothing to do on a Sunday
Somehow everyone and everything shuts down and disappears for the day. Make sure you've stocked up on groceries the day before otherwise you're going to go very hungry.

8. Remember to bring your own shopping bags
The English are only just cottoning on to this trend. Go to the supermarket, do a massive shop and realise you've forgotten your trusty Bag for Life. Either buy another one to add to your collection or have an interesting time carrying it all home.

9. Admin
No matter how many forms you sign, how many photocopies of your passport, bank statement, proof of address, birth certificate... you have sent off, there will always seem to be more that magically appear. It's fine though, somehow it will all sort itself out and after signing one or two forms it's important to reward yourself with a 2 hour lunch break and a glass of wine.

10. Customer Service
Order your food in a restaurant, it might come in minutes, days, weeks... who knows? Attract a waiter's attention and they'll wave you off and tell you they're coming - maybe in half an hour's time if you're lucky. Never go for a meal when you're rushed for time, a 'quick bite to eat' does not exist in France.

11. Everyone smokes

Cigarettes are cheaper and chicer across the channel. I'm yet to meet a young French person who doesn't smoke at all. Even the gym instructors!

12. They love coffee

Whatever time of day, a cup of coffee is appropriate. Just not in a big mug, espresso shots are the only way to go.

The Best Things About Living in France

1. Cheese
It's undoubtedly true, one of the best things about living in France is the bread, wine and cheese. Essential to every meal. If you didn't have a cheese course did you really eat?

2. Wine

Buy a cheap bottle from the supermarket and it will actually taste nice.

3. Bakeries

Cliché but true, the French really have mastered the art of baking. Baguettes and pastries will never be the same again. 

4. Lunch

You can probably see a theme emerging! Lunch breaks are a big deal in France, and not to be rushed. Expect an hour and a half to two hours to take a break from work, sit down and eat (sometimes even with a glass of wine).

5. Skiing

The French Alps have some of the best skiing in the world and there's no channel in the way to get you there.

6. Weather

Ok, so it's still not exactly beach weather in the winter months, but the south is still a whole lot warmer than the UK. As for the summer, the two countries can't quite compare.

7. Museums

Not only are there so many incredible museums to see, most places do an incredible student discount and it's often free entry for under 25s!

8. The Trains

The fastest way to travel all over France, plus they have very comfy seats. What's more, with a 'Carte Jeune' (the French young persons railcard) and you can get up 50% off your journeys.

Oooh curved seats

9. And let's not forget this catchy tune

10. Scenery

From the glorious architecture in Paris to the stunning coastine of the French Riviera, it's safe to say that it would be hard to get bored of these views.

11. The Markets
Full of incredible quality local and seasonal produce, some of these markets can go on for miles and sell everything from vegetables to onesies.

Christmas presents sorted.

12. Entertainment
French film and music just has that certain je ne sais quoi. Quirky, chic, artistic... you can't help but appreciate French culture.

Things you'll miss about the UK on your Year Abroad

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love la vie française, but occasionally there are a couple of things I really do miss about the UK:

1. Roast Dinners
Meat, potatoes, veg, yorkshire puddings, gravy...GIMME!



2. Marmite
Brits love it. French hate it.


3. British Television
Nothing can quite compare to the BBC.



4. Table Manners
Because back home it's normal to put your knife and fork at 12 o'clock at the end of the meal. It just makes sense.



5. Nights out
Going out on a Tuesday and knowing the club will be packed.



6. Percy Pigs
Squishy pig shaped marshmallows of goodness.

7. Tea
Need I say more?



8. Milk
UHT is just not the same.

9. Kettles
Seriously, why are French apartments not equipped with such essentials?!

10. Showers
For some reason most French showers don't have a stand for the shower head. Enjoy opening that shampoo bottle with one hand.



11. General Britishness
Generally people being overly polite the whole time.



12. Rectangular Pillows
For some reason, normal size pillows are virtually impossible to find in France. Instead the French prefer their 63x63 square versions.



13. Mayonnaise
The REAL stuff

What to pack for your Year Abroad

There are a million and one lists out there on what to take with you on your year abroad. I thought I'd compile a list of those really random little things you'll wish you'd brought with you:

Extension Plug

You never know where you're going to end up living and chances are there won't be many plug sockets (or they'll be in really inconvenient places around the room). Make your life 100 times easier by bringing an extension plug that you can use for your many appliances, and also save on adaptors!

Slippers

Definitely worth getting yourself a cheap pair. They take up no room at all in the suitcase and are something you're likely to use much more than you realise - especially if you've got a stone floor apartment with little heating.

Adaptors

Seriously do not want to forget one of these - good luck finding an adaptor in your new country that converts an English plug socket (they'll only sell them the other way round)!

Sleeping bag

On my first night in France in my new apartment I didn't have a duvet or a pillow. Fortunately I brought a sleeping bag out with me so that kept me going for the first few days! Also really useful for visiting friends and having guests come and stay.

Marmite

Unless you're willing to splash out extortionate amounts of money in the 'English section' of the supermarket, bring your own with you. It's also a fun thing to get all your new foreign buddies to try, even if just for their facial expressions!

Photos

You're moving a long way from home so it's good to bring some pics of friends and family to decorate your walls and make the place feel a little more homely. Also a good idea for language assistants so you can show your students pictures of life in the UK.

Memory Stick

Really useful, especially in order to get you through all the admin in the beginning as you're unlikely to have your own printer. Also another good one for language assistants as you can save games and worksheets on your USB to print out at your schools.

Umbrella

Despite what you might think, it's not sunny every day in the South of France. In fact, there have been some serious storms since I've been out here! Another thing that takes up no room in the suitcase and you'll be glad to have with you.

Cabin Max Bag

These backpacks are unbelievably useful. The perfect size (they're designed to be the maximum capacity to take as carry on luggage on an aeroplane) and lightweight to begin with means this bag is ideal for weekends away and quick trips home - plus no extra fees for hold luggage.

Reusable Bag

While the UK has only just introduced the 5p plastic bag rule at the supermarket, in France this system has been going for years. Keep a reusable bag constantly in your handbag to avoid having to buy one every time you go grocery shopping. Also soo much better for the environment. I'm rather fond of Envirosax.

Swimwear

You'd be amazed at how hard it is to buy swimwear in winter. Literally impossible. Even if you're not heading out to a hot country you never know when you might have a spontaneous holiday to the beach.

Alarm Clock

Whether you're studying or working abroad, you're inevitably going to have some early starts you'll need to wake up for. Save yourself the worry of your phone running out of charge (as I mentioned, you never know where those plug sockets are going to be), and get a cheap battery-powered alarm clock to keep beside your bed.

Padlock

Gym lockers, hostels, suitcases...endlessly useful!

Passport

Pretty obvious this one. Also make sure you check the expiry date long before you go in case you need to get it renewed!

EHIC

If you're heading to Europe a European Health Insurance Card is essential and also completely free to apply for! Just make sure you allow plenty of time before to get one before you leave as the application procedure takes 7 working days. Apply for your EHIC and find out more here.

Insurance

Another essential - who knows what could happen when you're abroad. Shop around for the best deal or check with your university to see if they provide insurance for you. Make sure you keep a printout of what your cover entails and those all important contact numbers in case you ever need to make a claim (although hopefully you won't need to).

Photocopies

Photocopy EVERYTHING - passport, driving licence, birth certificate, proof of employment - at least three times and keep it all together in a folder. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier when settling in. I'd also recommend emailing yourself a copy of all these documents so if you ever need to print out more you've always got them easily accessible.

Passport Photos

Just another thing to make your life a whole lot easier, lots of things you sign up to e.g. Carte Jeune and gym memberships, will require you to provide a passport photo.

Best Websites for your Year Abroad

Sometimes I wonder how people managed to get through their year abroads without the internet. The following apps/websites have been endlessly helpful in meeting people/getting around/travelling/sorting admin...

BlaBlaCar
Drivers with spare seats in their car post their journeys and for a small fee (usually cheaper than public transport) you can join them. It's really popular in France where public transport is less frequent and difficult to negotiate. It's also great for language practise as you're forced to make conversation in French and it's a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life.

For me, being based in a small town with few transport links, BlaBlaCar is perfect for getting around as it's a cheaper, faster and more sociable alternative to public transport!

Rome2Rio

This site has been endlessly useful in order to plan any journey anywhere! The site allows you to enter your start point and your destination and offers you the different routes, modes of transport and prices you can use to get there. Links to the relevant transport websites are even included and it works all over the world!

AirBnb
Perfect for travelling as well as settling in when you first arrive on your Year Abroad. If you're planning on finding accommodation when you get there, I'd definitely recommend booking into an AirBnb with a host family for a few nights. The hosts I've stayed with have always been really welcoming and happy to help you out where they can.

While you're on a year abroad you'll definitely want to make the most of living in a foreign country and travel around, although it can be expensive. AirBnbs are often cheaper than hotel and also give you a more authentic travel experience as you get to stay in someone's home.

Facebook
As soon as you know where you're going search on Facebook for the Erasmus group of your university, or if you're working abroad join the group for the nearest uni to where you'll be - after all you're still a student. These groups are a fantastic way to meet people, especially other students, and find out about events going on in your local area.

For British Council language assistants also join the Facebook group for your region - really useful for meeting other assistants, arranging meet ups and answering each others questions on admin/housing etc.

Third Year Abroad
The ultimate source of information for anything to do about going on a year abroad. Their Q&A section is really helpful and you'll probably find any questions you have about anything to do with your year out have already been answered for you!

It's also a good thing to check it out before you go to give you an idea what to expect when you get there so the culture shock hopefully won't be too bad.

Skype
For keeping in touch with all your friends and family back home. While Facebook and What'sApp are great free ways of keeping in touch too, nothing's better than face-to-face. Skype has now also updated to do group chat - great for me as I've got friends all over the world and we've been able to arrange a group call across 3 continents!

OuiGo
Another transport site to help you save some pennies! This site books trains to alternative destinations, for example to Marne la Vallée Chessy (aka Disneyland Paris) so you can get a journey from Avignon to Paris for as little as 10€ (booked in advance).

Teaching English
An amazing resource for language assistants, this site has loads of games, songs and lesson plans for teaching kids English. Really useful suggestions for different ways to teach things and ideas for themed weeks such as Halloween and Christmas.

Appartager
A must when looking for housing in France, this site helped me find my roommate. Create a profile and people can also search for you so your housing might even end up finding you!

Scannable
You won't realise until you start your Year Abroad just how much admin there is you need to do. As it's unlikely you'll have access to a scanner (especially at the beginning) this app is a God-send, allowing you to scan and email documents from your phone. Perfect for claiming back for train tickets and emailing Erasmus forms to your uni.