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Moving to Canada from the United States, though probably the easiest “international” transition anyone could ever make, was surprisingly difficult for me. Moving to Paris from Canada, on the other hand, has been very easy and natural. 

This may be because I am no longer 17, or that I’ve been to Paris before, or that my whole family lives in the vicinity. However, it’s probably due to superior preparation and forward-thinking.

 For those of you thinking about going on exchange who wish to be prepared, I have compiled a checklist to help with your experiences.

1: Having plenty of family or friends in your host country is always useful. This has helped me enormously, from opening a bank account to finding a place to live. Having literally a dozen cousins living, working, or studying in the same city as you is a definite advantage in easing the transition.

2: Have low expectations. The first thing to know about doing an exchange is that McGill won’t offer much assistance. Sure, it’s an accredited institution, which is critical when being accepted into other schools’ exchange programs, and someone will eventually send your transcript after numerous emails from your host institution requesting it to complete your application, but the rest is up to you. This includes finding somewhere to live. If you are going somewhere expensive, crowded, and popular—let’s call it “Paris”—finding an apartment will be exponentially more difficult than it was in Montreal.

3: Plan way ahead of time. Different countries have very different laws and modes of operation. If you thought McGill’s bureaucracy was bad, think again. The French government can take on any administration in a red tape battle any day of the week—except on Sunday, when the entire country is closed. Case in point: you need a French bank account to be able to rent an apartment, and you need an apartment in order to open a French bank account. Approach old North American fallbacks like Craigslist with caution—getting a head start is essential, but knowing your options and what is realistic is equally important. Paris is very old, and square meterage is considerably more expensive there. Any ads promising a furnished apartment in a cool area for under 1000 Euros per month is a scam. Not sure how to spot one? Obvious tip-offs include strangely-worded responses to your requests for more information, and anyone with a back-story (typically along the lines of: “my wife is at present in UK, she will mail you keys, first you must send cheque”).

4: French people are not that nice. Beware of Paris syndrome, a condition common among various foreigners. These tourists have such a hard time reconciling Amelie’s Paris with the grey, dog-turd ridden, sour-faced and mean capital that they require psychological help. Be prepared.

5: Nor are French people that mean. Just stop walking around with your map wide open in front of your face, don’t ask for change for 100 Euros, and at least attempt to speak with Parisians in French. In short, be culturally sensitive and people will meet you halfway. 

Moving to another country is difficult at the outset, but it only requires an open mind, some preparation, and self-awareness. Granted, there are a few surprises that will be difficult to get over; for instance, a baguette is a perfectly acceptable meal, and that French people really do wear berets non-ironically.