Le Monde Est Petit

September 2, 2002

*** STARTING OUT IN PARIS–THE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

Today is orientation for the study abroad students of the Columbia
University program at Reid Hall. Out of the 50ish enrolled from U.S.
universities, by sheer coincidence, two are children of long-time
friends from opposite coasts. "Le monde est petit," as we say here in
Paris–and it gets smaller every day for those of us connected to
both worlds.

The first time I stepped inside the big wooden doors of Reid Hall on
rue de Chevreuse in the 6th arrondissement, I was amazed by the
tranquility and beauty of the setting. It is here that Columbia
University’s undergraduate and graduate educational programs in Paris
have taken place since 1964.

Reid Hall has a fascinating history. The original building was
constructed in the early 18th century before the French Revolution.
Modern additions have enlarged the facility, creating an interior
courtyard and private garden, lusciously tended and cared for.

In 1836, the house became the Institution Keller, a Protestant school
where André Gide once studied. It was acquired in 1893 by Mrs.
Whitelaw Reid, wife of the American Minister to France under
President Benjamin Harrison. She turned it into an education center
for American women who otherwise would not have had the opportunity
to study in France. During World War I, Reid Hall was converted into
a hospital and became the American Red Cross headquarters. In 1922,
Mrs. Reid turned the property over to a group of American university
women. Reid Hall then became the Paris Center for American University
Women. The presence of French academic organizations such as the
Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques and the study-abroad
programs of many American colleges and universities have enhanced its
development as an active intellectual center.

Each term, up to one hundred students take part in the Columbia
University Paris study abroad program at Reid Hall, offered in
cooperation with Barnard College and the University of Pennsylvania.
Some of the students are French majors, but most are pursuing other
academic disciplines.

The program provides a Housing Coordinator to locate housing in a
variety of neighborhoods throughout Paris. Most belong to individuals
who choose to rent their properties on a short-term basis. I helped
move my two young friends into their respective apartments this past
weekend. Pleased to give their parents a good report, both were
tremendous value for the money, at approximately $500 per month.
Prices vary depending on the type of housing, of course, but
certainly equivalent with my own daughter’s dorm in New York City.

One apartment was a studio apartment with two big windows overlooking
rue St. Jacques across from the 17th-century elegant church/hospital,
Val de Grace. The other was a spacious two-room apartment for two
students to share on the 7th floor of a contemporary building on
boulevard Raspail with glass sliding doors leading to a terrace and a
breath-taking view of Paris, just a stone’s throw from the famous
literary cafés.

How fortunate these young people are…with Paris at their feet, a
beautiful study environment, new friends from all over the U.S., all
struggling to become fluent in French together…

They will never be the same after their year here and it reminded me
how true that would be for my own daughter doing it all in reverse
back in New York.

A la prochaine fois,

Adrian

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Parler Paris
/parlerparis/
Written and Edited by Adrian Leeds

Published by International Living
http://www.internationalliving.com
[email protected]

Issue Number 54, September 2, 2002

In this issue:

*** Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in France?
*** A Reader’s Letter on the Louisiana Purchase
*** What’s Happening On France’s Southern Coast?
*** Take Up Conversation in a New Location on the Left Bank
*** You Have the Questions–We Have the Answers
*** The New Parler Paris Bookstore is Just a Click Away
*** The Best Way to Get To and From the Airport (For the Price)

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*** OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN FRANCE–AND OTHER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS

— by Jean Taquet
author of "The Insider Paris Guide to Practical Answers For Living in
France" http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html

I am taking my summer vacation in the USA, as I have done for years
now. This past month, the main topic that came to my mind was that of
opening a bank account in France.

In recent weeks I have had several requests for assistance in opening
a bank account, and I was not able to help all of these clients. For
the most part, French banks apply to foreigners the same basic
requirements as for French people: identification and proof of
employment. A foreigner with no employee position in France is going
to have problems.

To read more about this subject by Jean Taquet, click here:
/parlerparis/practicalanswers.html

QUESTION:
I’m an Indian citizen who wishes to pursue studies toward a masters
in applied economics from a French University. What are my chances of
being employed in France or another Francophone country after
receiving my degree?

ANSWER:
Read the answer at /parlerparis/practicalanswers.html

QUESTION:
After being in France for over a year, I plan to go home for a short
vacation. I recently discovered I could be in more trouble than I
thought. I never got a carte de séjour, and my visa has long expired.
I am a white young adult who has an African nationality. Since I pass
for an American everywhere I go, I thought no one would question me
when I leave France, but I have heard I could face some serious
problems. Is this true?

ANSWER:
Read the answer at /parlerparis/practicalanswers.html

To subscribe to Jean Taquet’s monthly column or to contact Jean
Taquet, email mailto:[email protected]

To order the "The Insider Paris Guide to Practical Answers For Living
in France" click here:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html

*** READERS’ LETTERS: DEFINING THE TERRITORY OF THE LOUISIANA
PURCHASE

Dear Parler Paris,

When I first heard reference to this idea in Parler Paris several
issues ago, I started trying to research it on my own. In looking at
some of the old maps and documents defining the "Louisiana
Territory," it’s worth noting that prior to the formation of the US,
France also claimed the western half of Kentucky up to the
Appalachian mountains as part of this territory. Even then, there
were portions of the state all the way up to the Virginia border that
were disputed territory between France and England–at various points
being claimed by either nation as their own domain.

Most of the documents I found, of course, predate the United States
as a country. Thus, it’s only natural for us to associate the
Louisiana Territory in terms of the Louisiana Purchase–the land
purchased by the US from Napoleon. However, in terms of French
history, the Louisiana Territory existed long before the land was
sold to America. If one goes back further in time, I believe one is
able to make an extremely viable argument for more territory than
just the thirteen states (Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Minnesota, Oklahoma,
Colorado and Montana).

When I undertook researching this matter, it was, as you might
expect, out of enlightened self-interest–having been born in
Kentucky myself. However, it would be fairly easy to prove, IMHO,
that along with Kentucky, portions of Illinois and Tennessee, as well
as a good chunk of the remaining US Southeast, should also qualify as
having been claimed French territory at some point in history.

If you could be so kind, please see that Mssrs. Novick and Tacquet
receive this information in order to check my facts, as this looks as
if it may become a wonderful opportunity for many more Americans
wishing to expatriate. If this is indeed a viable option toward
French citizenship, then the opportunity should be extended to as
many US citizens as may be eligible.

In closing, I’d just like to extend my gratitude and my regards. I
consistently find your e-newsletter to be enlightening, entertaining,
and educational. Keep up the wonderful work, and thanks again!

–Duke Sexton

* Editor’s note: Read Part II of the "Louisiana Purchase Revisted" by
Dale Novick in next week’s issue of Parler Paris.

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BUYING FRENZY IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
— Val MacQueen, Pezenas, France

There is a massive tide of buyers in the south of France right now.
Started in March (thanks to the inauguration of the new fast train
from Paris to the coast), and has developed into near panic buying.
Prices are shooting up, and everyone’s afraid of missing the boat.
One man came over from Britain for two days and was shown three
houses by an estate agent

I know. He bought them all on the spot, believing he’ll be able to
resell all three in a year and double his money. The Irish are in on
the fray in a major way.

I’ve sold my house and saw a house I was interested in on Tuesday.
Wednesday here was a public holiday. So Thursday morning I called the
agent to make an offer…but guess what? In one day they’d jacked up
the price by 12,000 euro!

Editor’s note: Pezenas is in the Languedoc, the fastest-appreciating
corner of France. As Val says, thanks to the new TGV to Montpellier,
which has made it possible to travel from Paris to this coastal
region in three-and-a-half hours, this former step-sister to Provence
has been suddenly discovered–and presents an attractive investment
opportunity. Real estate prices in the
Languedoc-Roussillon region remain low (much lower than in next-door
Provence)…but are rising quickly. It is right now still possible to
buy a charming maison-de-ville here for as little as $30,000…but we
don’t think this window of buying opportunity will remain open much
longer. We have added a special tour to our travel calendar this
fall, to make sure you have a chance to investigate firsthand. We’ll
take a small group of readers to explore the region and to see
properties currently on offer this fall, from October 22-27, 2002.
For details of the itinerary we’ve put together (with help from Val
MacQueen, our regional correspondent), follow this link:
http://www.ildiscoverytours.com/south_france/pp/. To reserve space on
the trip, contact Barbara
Perriello in our Discovery Tours office at
mailto:[email protected] or call toll-free on
800-926-6575.

*** PARLER PARLOR ADDS A NEW LOCATION

Beginning the week of September 10th, Parler Parlor will be adding
EUROCENTRES as a second location and adding a weekday afternoon
session. Located in Passage Dauphine, between rue Dauphine and rue
Mazarine in the 6th arrondissement, Eurocentres is a beautifully
modernized and contemporary facility in a charming setting in one of
Paris’ chicest "quartiers." Students of Eurocentres are entitled to
FREE memberships with Parler Parlor.

Their motto is: Your study objective is of paramount importance!

For more information about Eurocentres and its programs, visit:
http://www.parlerparlor.com/eurocentres.html

NEW PARLER PARLOR SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 10: FOUR TIMES A WEEK
AT TWO LOCATIONS

COPROM LANGUES, 14 rue La Fayette, 4th Floor, 9th arrondissement
Métro Chaussée d’Antin, Opéra, RER A Auber Tuesdays 6:30 to 8 p.m.,
Thursdays 6:30 to 8 p.m.

EUROCENTRES, 13 passage Dauphine, 6th arrondissement Métro Odéon,
Saint-Michel Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to
12:30 p.m.

* OPEN HOUSE RENTREE LUNCH SATURday, SEPTEMBER 21 AT EUROCENTRES

You are invited to celebrate La Rentrée 2002 with LUNCH and a SAVINGS
OF 10% on all memberships and renewals.

Come for conversation at 11 a.m. then stay for a light lunch. Make
new friends–get to know the members of Parler Parlor. Then sign up
or renew your old membership and save 10% that day.

It’s FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Reservations are REQUIRED. Email: mailto:[email protected] or
call 01.44.19.76.61 or 01.40.27.97.59.

For more information about PARLER PARLOR, visit
http://www.parlerparlor.com or email: [email protected] or call:
Elisabeth Crochard: tel. 01 44 19 76 61 or Adrian Leeds: tel. 01 40
27 97 59.

*** NOW THERE’S SOMEONE HERE TO HELP YOU ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS

The International Living Paris Office offers consulting services to
assist you with every aspect of working and living in France, and
renting or buying an apartment here.

* Working and Living in France Consultation

We think creatively on ways to maneuver through the system and make
it work for you. We can also refer you to other experts who can
assist you further.

* Property Finding and Purchasing

We’ll introduce you to real estate agents, lending institutions and
banks, financial advisors, notaires and attorneys, architects and
contractors, and apartment managers. We can even assist with setting
up your utilities (electric/gas, phone, cable, Internet).

To inquire about our services and fees, please contact Schuyler
Hoffman at mailto:[email protected]?subject=
pp

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*** BOOKS ON PARIS AND FRANCE
/parlerparis/books/index.html

We’ve started a new page in Parler Paris to provide you with great
reading about Paris and France brought to you by our favorite
authors. We’ve just begun–so visit the page often to see new
arrivals!

* THE COMPLETE JEWISH GUIDE TO FRANCE
by Toni L. Kamins

The Complete Jewish Guide to France has everything you need to know
to make your trip to Frrance a success–and to put it into a
historical context that will make it even more worthwhile.

Toni Kamins is the author of our soon-to-be-released INSIDER GUIDE TO
JEWISH PARIS (http://www.insiderparisguides.com)

* FRENCH TOAST: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS CELEBRATES THE MADDENING
MYSTERIES OF THE FRENCH and FRENCH FRIED: THE CULINARY CAPERS OF AN
AMERICAN IN PARIS
by Harriet Welty Rochefort

In a style that’s a cross between Erma Bombeck and MFK Fisher,
Rochefort tells the entertaining story of how she, an American raised
on meat and potatoes, learned to appreciate all France has to offer.

Harriet Welty Rochefort has been a frequest guest speaker at
International Living workshops and conferences

* HELLO FRANCE! A HOTEL GUIDE TO PARIS & 25 OTHER FRENCH CITIES,
$50-$90 (45-90 EUROS) A NIGHT FOR TWO (HELLO! BUDGET HOTEL GUIDES)

"We can’t think of any book series that does the trick better than
Margo Classe’s Hello! series of guides to inexpensive hotel rooms in
France ($50-$99), Spain ($50-$99), Italy ($50-$99) and Britain &
Ireland (50-99 pounds)."–Arthur Frommer

Paris is our middle name! Hello France! A Hotel Guide to Paris
includes a special section to good-value restaurants written by
Adrian Leeds from the Insider Paris Guides
(http://www.insiderparisguides.com).

To read more or order any of these books, click here:
/parlerparis/books/index.html

*** THE BEST WAY TO GET TO AND FROM THE CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT IN
PARIS (FOR THE PRICE)

The best way for the price to get to and from the airport in Paris is
with a shuttle service and the best one in Paris is the one Adrian
Leeds has been using for years . . .

THE BLUE VANS (formerly AIRPORT SHUTTLE): These are the guys with the
blue vans and the yellow letters–they are reliable, pleasant and
fast. Inexpensive, too.

22 euro single-person transfer
29 euro two-person transfer

It’s easy to request a shuttle in advance–just go to our Web page at
/parlerparis/services/shuttlerequest.html and follow
the simple directions–select the text, copy it and paste it into an
email at this address:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ToVernitaforPPReader then
complete the information and hit your send button.

SPECIAL NOTE: Address your email to Vernita Irvin and tell her you
are a reader of Parler Paris.

For information or reservation:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ToVernitaforPPReader

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TO READ MORE:

Go to /parlerparis/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HAVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE? WANT TO EXCHANGE LINKS?

If you would like to have your message read by the subscribers of the
Parler Paris Nouvellettre^®, please e-mail me at
[email protected]

If you have links about Paris or France and would like reciprocal
links, please e-mail me at [email protected]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Know someone who would be interested in the opportunities in this
e-letter? Forward it to your friend, relative, or associate!

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TO RECEIVE THIS E-LETTER REGULARLY:

If you’re not a regular reader of this e-letter, and would like to
be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it’s free):
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Copyright 2002 Agora Ireland Publishing & Services Ltd.