Upon their arrival in Paris, students complete a weeklong orientation period during which they learn about the city’s geography and layout, its public transportation system, its postal services and banking institutions, etc. The orientation includes guided excursions, informational meetings, and a number of group meals. Students are given time to discover Paris libraries and bookstores, museums and galleries, monuments, food and clothing markets, etc. By the end of the orientation period, students enrolled in the Arts in Paris program are well acquainted with the city and are ready to take advantage of the cultural riches Paris offers. During orientation students also finalize their course registration, receive precise information regarding all academic matters, and take a placement test for their coursework in French.