Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know that I will be safe?
We all sign up for the STEP program, which is set up by the U.S. Department of State. When we sign up, we indicate where we will be and on what dates. If anything unusual is happening, we will each immediately get notifications on our phones. This includes metro lines shutting down, protests that are taking place, or any kind of danger or unrest. I also will tell you the two places to avoid in Paris and we will all be together whenever it is dark. Frankly, the biggest risk will be simply crossing streets, which I will carefully train you on how to do.
If we wanted to bring extra pocket money, where would be the best place to exchange currency before the trip?
I recommend bringing about 200 euros in cash. We will each be contributing 3 euros a day to any tour guides or drivers as tips, and this will be done in cash. Street food purchases are typically cash only as well. When ordering your euros, be sure to get denominations of 20s, 10s and 5s. Many places will not accept bills of 50 or higher. I prefer to get mine from Continental Currency Services in Pomona, although sometimes they have a limited supply of smaller denominations.
If the trip were to be cancelled, how much money would be refunded?
I have being taking trips to Paris since 2006 and have never cancelled, nor do I intend to do so, nor does the tour company. The above flyer explains the cancellation policies.
What will I need to do to be ready for this trip?
Here is last year's checklist of what needs to be done before take off. You will see that each student put an X in each box as they got each thing done, so that I could know what I needed to remind them about.
Where will we be staying?
The homestay families live in a quiet Parisian suburb named Lisses. Students will be housed in groups of two or three. We will be taking the RER train from the city to the homes for dinner through breakfast for the first three nights.
We will then move into the city at a nice hotel in the Latin Quarter named
Hotel Andre Latin. I have been staying there regularly for 15 years. It is an idyllic, safe and calm part of the city, next to the Pantheon.
What is the flight information for the trip?
What documents will you share at the parent/traveler meeting?
Click here for the notes I used at the parent and traveler meeting last January 5th.
Here is the liability waiver, which will be adapted for this trip.
The Travel Consent Form can be found below in PDF form, as well as the packing list. T'he Travel Consent Form will be adapted for this trip, too.
After the parent and traveler meeting, you will print, sign and return to me the last page of the notes, the liability waiver and the travel consent form.
What should I bring on the trip?
Here is a packing list that should help.
