<p>Bonjour! A lot of the foreign exchange students from France end up being placed in either the French House or the Carolina Global Community in Maxcy. Next year, Maxcy will be the International House and will also host the French House, so you might end up living there. I lived there this year and it was a pretty good experience. I met several French students through it. (Which is great for me, because I’m a French major!)</p>
<p>Since you’re coming in January, housing is a little more complicated. The majority of the rooms are already filled, because most people don’t change dorms between fall and spring semesters. You could end up with your friend in the dorm you want, or you could end up in some random place and your friend in another. Things happen.</p>
<p>Columbia can be a really fun place. It isn’t nearly as busy as say Paris, but there are lots of parties on the weekends and lots of bars and clubs. If you’re from Paris, the cost of living will be a lot cheaper, if you’re from other places it’s probably about the same. I know that the school I’m considering studying at my junior year is in Alsace and the cost of living is a little less than here. But overall, I think most parts of France compare very well to Columbia.</p>
<p>Here’s a suggestion: Get your driver’s license while you’re here if you don’t already have it in France! We have a reciprocal agreement with France. It’s a lot cheaper to get your license here and it’s also easier. If you get a license here, and then go back to France, it will exchange and you’ll get your French license without even having to take a test and you’ll have saved lots of money. I know a lot of French students who chose to do that here this year.</p>
<p>There are lots of activities for International students. I know some who participate in them and others who do not. But if you’re interested in them, they’re definitely there!</p>
<p>I don’t know much about the business teachers at USC, because I’m not a business student, but from what I’ve heard they’re really great.</p>