Erasmus experience in Paris, France

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because I wanted to live in a European capital, and I wanted to go to France to improve my French. That's how I chose Paris, and I'd already been there once, which was very nice.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

I received the Erasmus grant in one instalment (in the middle of my stay) and it was about 1500 euros, which I think its very helpful, although the cost of living in Paris can be expensive.

How is the student environment in Paris?

My experience might not correspond to the reality of most Parisian universities, but in Sciences Po I didn’t think there was a great deal of opportunity for local students and Erasmus students to meet...

It seemed to me that the international students hung out with each other, that there was no great interaction with the French students.

There are several Erasmus parties in Paris, and other student activities where Erasmus students can mix...

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Paris (Sciences Po) to other students?

I would absolutely highly recommend Paris!

I was completely enthralled by the magic of the city, the people, the places, the language... everything. Less so to university...

In Sciences Po I did not like the work methods, there is a lot of imposition (group work + compulsory exams, and a limit of 3 absences per subject that limits the possibility of traveling and exploring new places... Which is also part of an Erasmus experience).

What's the country's food like?

I don’t really know, because I only ate at Resto U twice (university canteen) and my budget wasn’t enough for me to dine at French restaurants.

How did you find accommodation?

I had to search on my own. I had no support from either my home university or the host university.

I tried to get in touch with other students who were going to Paris (through the International Relations Offices of other Portuguese universities).

And I spent many hours in front of the computer, looking. I don’t think it’s very safe trying to rent a house on the internet, but I got a place in a Foyer Jeunes Travailleuses (a kind of residence that’s not exclusive to students, and which usually receives State aid).

How are prices of accommodation? And the prices in general?

The average price of studios I saw on the Internet was around 400-500 euros (per person). Luckily, in the Foyers the prices are lower (for a shared studio my rent was 318 euros).

Prices in supermarkets I think are slightly higher than in Portugal, and prices in cafes / bars seem crazily higher than those in Portugal.

How is the language? Did you take a course at the University?

For me, the French language is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Being a Latin language I think it is relatively easy to understand (and learn) for the Portuguese. I did not attend any course because I had already studied French for some years.

What is the cheapest way to get to Paris from your city?

The cheapest way is to go by plane, but I chose to go by train on SudExpress because there are fewer limits in terms of size / weight of luggage, and because the train passes through my city, whereas to go by plane would have meant I had to travel to the nearest airport (about an hour and a half by car).

Where do you recommend for a night out in Paris?

I’m not really into going out at night. So I can recommend only going to the theatre or to concerts (and also to museums when there are night-time events! ).

And what about eating out in Paris? Can you name your favourite sites?

I don’t have any favourite places besides the "traditional" Pizza Hut and McDonalds.

And in terms of cultural visits?

All of the museums and monuments that you have the time / opportunity to visit. Most are free or have a very low price for young people / students.

And all of the city's "places of worship" (area around the Eiffel Tower, Quartier Latin, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Pigalle, etc., etc., etc. ), the beautiful gardens and parks, and the streets in general.

Of course, a visit to Disneyland Paris!

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Do you have any advice you would like to give to future students in Paris?

Enjoy the city! (Even when the cold tries to stop you from leaving the house... ).

I don’t know if I can say it’s the best city for Erasmus for everyone, but for me it definitely was... and I frequently consider returning to live in Paris again and "breathe" the city.