International exchange student
As an internationally oriented university, UTBM is pleased to welcome foreign exchange students for one semester or more. UTBM values the diversity created by this international presence and it is an important factor for success in teaching objectives.
Money Matters
Advice
•Know the exchange rate between the Euro € and your home currency.
•Don’t bring a lot of cash with you. Travellers’ cheques are safer.
•Plan a budget for your first month in France, as well as your entire stay. It’s possible that you’ll need around 1,500 € in your first month in France. Make a list of the main expenses for setting yourself up in France (e.g. flight, rent, deposit for accommodation, annual insurance for accommodation, tuition fees, social security obligations)
Social Security and Health in France
If you come from a country in the European Union you must bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and your vaccination records.
If you come from a country outside the European Union you must bring any health insurance documents that you possess and your vaccination records. Furthermore, when you arrive in France you will have to join the French social security. Also, there is an obligatory medical.
All international students must join a student “mutuelle” (insurance, such as LMDE or SMEREB)
What do I do if I’m sick in France?
•In France, you choose the general practitioner (doctor) that you want to consult. (Check www.pagesjaunes.fr or contact the Student Association)
•Then you ring the doctor and make an appointment.
•At the end of your appointment you must pay the doctor (cash or cheque).
Normally this will cost you 21 €, but some doctors will ask you for more. If you have joined the Social Security and the Student Mutuelle 19 € will be refunded to you a few weeks later.
• If the general practice doctor cannot help you, they will refer you to a specialist doctor. The generalist will explain the next steps to you (if not, ask them!). A specialist doctor costs 23 €, but some may ask for more. You will be reimbursed 22 € in total.
• If you are given a prescription, you must take it to a pharmacy. There, you must present the prescription, your ‘carte vitale’ (a green card, if you have it), and your student mutuelle card to the pharmacist. Depending on the prescription and medicine you need, you may have to pay a small fee.
Accommodation
Unfurnished Studio flats：
168 furnished studios : 16 to 26 m2 (Example : 18 m2 - 278 € with charges)
34 furnished one room apartment - 281 € with charges
•7 one room + apartments - 374 € with charges
20 studio flats between 20 and 30 m2 - 305 €
