Packing up your life and moving to another country for a year can be a daunting and even

scary experience. However, it can also be a very exciting and fun adventure.

You are about to embark on an adventure at Campus Adventiste du Salève. Most of this

adventure involves figuring out some things on your own and experiencing mishaps, but we

decided to give you some packing guidelines and some helpful hints that we hope will make

the start of your adventure more enjoyable and a little less stressful.

Think of it as a set of guidelines or suggestions, not rules. Enjoy and don't be afraid to try

new things, have crazy adventures, and learn French!

From,

Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through

DEAR FUTURE ACA FRANCE STUDENT,

Church clothes: There is a church on campus. Friday services are usually casual, while Sabbath

services are usually more formal. You can dress how you wish, but you should be respectful.

Athletic clothes: There are sports activities, a gymnasium, and a workout room on campus.

Swim suit: On your trip to the South of France and to Annecy, there are opportunities to swim.

Dress code: There is a dress code. Make sure you dress modestly and respectfully.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Students enjoying the South of France

Winter clothes: It will be cold during the

winter, and there will be snow. You will be

in some of the world’s most beautiful

mountain ranges (the Alps). Bring warm

clothes, a rain jacket and a snow jacket.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Students at the top of the Salève.

Summer clothes: You also need to bring summer clothes. It will be hot outside

when you arrive and when you leave.

January February March April May June

29-40 30-43 34-52 40-58 48-67 54-74

July August September October November December

57-79 57-78 51-69 45-59 36-47 32-41

Average Low and High Temperatures in Geneva, France(˚F)

Walking shoes: You will do a lot of walking during your

year in Europe. Collonges is a village situated in the

Alps. You will need to walk on a steep road to go into

town or to Geneva. The road is steep, but it is paved, so

comfortable shoes are recommended. There are a lot

of trips as well, and you will be walking most of the

time.

Flip-flops: You will definitely want these for the

showers in hostels or even on campus. Keep in mind

that men have community showers in the dorms

whereas the women have their own bathroom in their

room.

You can enjoy a beautiful view like this.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Bible: The university will give you a French Bible, but you may want to bring a Bible

in your own language. It is also nice to have a dual-language Bible, but you should

buy it before you go abroad.

International Student Identity card: Getting this card can give you a lot of

discounts while you travel, but it is not always necessary.

Journal: You’ll want this to keep track of your memories. You can also keep a

photo journal of your experiences. Or start a blog online.

Bring a computer and or a Wi-Fi device with a webcam: Skype is one of the most convenient

ways to communicate with friends and family in the U.S. However, the Wi-Fi is not consistent, and

tends to work the best in the early hours of the morning, when no one else is using it.

External hard drive: You should have an extra place to store your pictures and back up your

computer in case your computer gets stolen or ruined. It would be a good idea to back up your files

online.

Camera: France is full of beauty, and you will want to capture it to show your family and friends

back home.

Cell phones: You have the opportunity to purchase prepaid cell phones that can be used during your

stay in Europe. SFR and Orange are popular mobile service providers in France, and their stores can

be found in different areas around the region, such as Annecy. If you do your research, you can find

the best service providers to fit your budget and the kind of coverage you are looking for. Also, you

can bring an unlocked smartphone from the US and purchase a SIM card for calling and data.

Voltage converter: The electric current in Europe is 220 volts. You must use a converter with all of

your electronic devices. Keep in mind that converters will be necessary when traveling as well.

First aid kit: It is more expensive to buy Tylenol and similar items. Some things can be difficult to find.

Bring these items from home.

Hygienic products: There are stores all over Geneva where you can buy soap, shampoo, toothpaste,

etc. However, they cost more there than in the United States. You should bring these essentials from

home, but don’t worry about filling your suitcase with these products. There are shampoo and

conditioners that can be purchased for 2-3 €.

Derek Haas enjoys the beautiful view from the school.

Movies: Bring movies that are dubbed over in French or movies that are originally in French. You’ll

have downtime every now and then and watching films is a great way to practice your language

skills, especially if they are familiar films that you already know the words to.

Remember you are there to learn French. Do NOT bring lots of English media. You can bring

some, but remember, the more French you learn, the better experience you will have.

Devotional book in English: This keeps your spirituality accessible and separate from the

frustrations of another language.

Devotional book in French: This will help you connect your spirituality with French and help you

learn religious words.

Pictures from home: Put them on your dorm room wall! Your roommates and friends will love to

see what your family looks like and the pictures will help with homesickness.

Makeup and feminine hygiene products: There are stores all over Geneva where

you can buy makeup and feminine care products. However, they are more

expensive than the ones in the Unites States. You should bring these essential

products from home. For ethnic-specific products, there are stores in Geneva that

sell hair products for all hair types. But like the other products, these are way

more expensive. In Geneva, there is a store called Migros. It has everything you

need!

Theft: There is not much risk of theft at Collonges. However, it is always a good idea to keep your room locked when you are

not there.

Laundry: There is a laundry room located on each floor of the women’s dorm. You are expected to purchase your own

laundry detergent, but you do not have to pay for use of the machines. There are dryers and clotheslines where you can dry

your clothes. The men’s dorm is also equipped with washers and dryers.

Emergency clothes: Pack a couple days of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

Cooking: There is a kitchen at the bottom of the men’s and women’s dorms where you can cook your own food. You will need

to get the key to go into the kitchen. It is kept at the front desk. Keep in mind that, as an ACA student, you are required to be

on the meal plan and will eat most of your meals in the cafeteria.

Packages: You will be able to pick up packages at the front desk of the dorms where you will be staying. Keep in mind that

there is an extended shipping time.

Check your courses: Make sure you compare your courses with those of your home college and make sure that they will

count for something when you get back.

Bring a credit card/debit card: This is a must-have. If

you bring a debit card bring a credit card as well, just in

case.

Exchanging money: Have some U.S. cash on hand when

you arrive at the airport as you will be able to exchange it

for Euros or Swiss Francs at one of the Money Exchange

booths located in the airport.. There are also several ATMs

at the Geneva airport or in the surrounding areas. It’s a

great idea to exchange some money before going

overseas. It’s better to have some cash on hand. You will

need to exchange some currency upon arriving, but when

exchanging money later on in the year, there is a Western

Union in Geneva that will give you better rates than the

airport.

Exchange rate:

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amoun

t=1&From=EUR&To=USD

“Le Beau Soleil” meaning “The Sunshine.”

Passports: Keep your passport with you at all times

while traveling. Do not leave it unattended. It should

be kept in a safe place while traveling and during

your stay at the dorms in Collonges.

Other important documents: Make sure you have

all your papers when you arrive and when you leave

France (visa, birth certificate, etc.). During the year

make sure all documents are stored in an

inconspicuous, locked area. Make and keep copies of

all important documents. The most popular form of transportation in Europe is the train.

Bring snacks: Nutritious, compact snacks will be useful

when traveling.

Backpack: The best way to carry your stuff with you

when you travel is in a backpack as it stays close to

your body and is as mobile as you are. Bring one large

enough to fit all your stuff, but also small enough to

qualify as carry-on luggage on all flights in Europe.

Always check the carry-on restrictions for the airline

you are using.

Hand sanitizer/toilet paper: Restrooms may lack

these essential items. Make sure to bring them on trips.

Stay in twos: Make sure, especially women, when

traveling to stay in twos, it is safer that way.

Le Salève.

Clothes and shoes for hiking: The school is

located in a fantastic location for hiking, and you

will want to take advantage of that. The Salève is a

gorgeous mountain with incredible views. Take

advantage of it, as you will miss it a lot when you

return.

Packing: Don’t bring a lot of clothes. Bring just enough

so that you will be comfortable. Remember that your

roommates may not have very much. You will also

need room in your suitcase for all of your awesome

souvenirs!

Valuables: Don't bring a lot of nice, expensive things.

Nice clothing may be ruined in the laundry or lost. You

also do not want to be perceived as flaunting your

fancy clothes and electronics.

Hiking is a favorite pastime of many ACA students.

Bus tickets: You will be able to purchase

bus tickets to go into Geneva, Switzerland

at the bus station that is located at the

bottom of the hill on which the campus is

located. Transportation to the bus station

is not provided.

1 Pillow (can request 2)

Comforter

Sheets

Towels

Locked closet for valuables

1 fan is provided during summer monthsIn this view from a trail in Saleve, lake Geneva can be seen.

Be nice. When needing to talk to advisors, teachers or even peers at the school it is more likely that

they will help if you are nice first. Outside of school try not to argue with vendors; just smile,

disconnect eye contact, and keep walking if not interested in their merchandise. Make sure that you

learn the culture. Especial tip: In restaurants, it is rude to ask for any changes to be made to the

food you are ordering.

Be frugal. Everyone's financial situation is different, but the more money you can hang on to, the

more confident you will be when traveling. Always try to find good deals and live cheap. Occasionally

it is fun to splurge on a nice dinner, show, or clothing item.

Talk to people. One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is by chatting with people on

transportation, or in markets. They will have plenty of questions to ask you, too.

Have fun. Remember to be safe and cautious while traveling, but just have a good time. These

experiences will be once in a lifetime!