Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Ariadna

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I vastly enjoy that old, historic, meaningful cities like Paris have- as though you're touching other people or history itself by putting your hand on l'Arc de Triomphe. I adore the language; it's a beautiful language, so subtle. I also thought perhaps a change on culture might be nice, and what a change!

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I don't have a scholarship. My parents send me here with an institute called EF(which is why I'm not really sure I belong to this Erasmus family) which really connects you to other parts of the world and makes it a lot easier. A lot. We made all the paperwork required in my country and suddenly I arrived in April.

I'm supposed to get 1370€ per month, but I don't receive that amount because there is a currency control in my country that prevents that. So I get maybe 685 a month, which isn't bad. It still is something that happens only on my country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

It's wonderful. My school gives us plenty of time to explore the city, so we're practically out of our houses all day. Also you get to meet a colossal amount of people over little time, you get to go out at nights to encounter the Parisian Nightlife, which I simply adore. Then get up early because you're here to study.

Walking in this city is a given pleasure, it makes you want to walk it, discover each crevice, corner, everything. It can be quiet at times, and crazy at others.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Paris to other students?

Yes, indeed. Although I'm not part of that community(and these questions have merely supported that) the University of Paris is not only an amazing feat in history- it was founded in 1200- but also a wide range of careers. Like I said, the information I have of them is limited, but if I'd chosen to stay, I'd be definitely studying in this university.

What is the food like?

It depends. I have friends who despise it, but it's only a cultural difference. I, for one, like it. That said, it really does depend where you get it. Bad cooks exist everywhere. But student life doesn't really allow you to eat out much, so what I did was that I got into a cooking course and I learnt a lot about French cooking.

It's famous for a reason. From croissants to profiteroles, tarte aux pommes, moelleux de chocolat... all in all, it's good. Also in the supermarkets.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

No, I chose host family with my institute, and it's included in the cost of the course. Of course, I was also staying for 9 months only, so it was perfect.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It's a really expensive city, that much I'm certain of, but without the cost of a home, the 685€ I mentioned earlier are easier to gamble with. Even so, it's little money for the large expenses of this city. For me the bright side was that finding small jobs is easy.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

J'adore le français. I believe it was quite easy, but I was given lots of time to do only that, so it's quite different from what other people in Universities have to do, with actual careers to deal with. But it is still something we are capable of and even forced to do. So, you simply have to. Besides, it's not hard. And it's nice.

Yes, of course, each University has a program for exchange students, and in that goes the learning the language part. Quite important.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Paris from your city?

So, the easiest is not the most economical and vice versa: you can travel directly, via AirFrance, but it's expensive. You can transfer, but it's not the most comfortable way. My country is 10 hours from Paris directly, approximately. It still is a long way.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Paris?

Oh. Nightlife is something I sometimes wish wouldn't end. It's great.

Well, there are a lot of clubs in Paris, like Palais Maillot in Porte Maillot, or Duplex in Champs Élysées... It does depend on your taste.

There is also a quieter night out, simply pubs and bars where you can have a drink over conversation, and you can find those everywhere. I find Grands Boulevards to be a great place to do this, for instance. At times I recommend bar hopping, at least once.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Paris?

There's a restaurant called Corso in Avenue Kléber which I adore ever since I tasted a truffle pasta- amazing. La Maison de l'Aubrac is one of my dad's favorites. Charbon Rouge is also quite wonderful, but! I'm a student, and a non working one too. My friends have founded places to eat where you can pay and not feel guilty. Like King Falafel in Le Marais.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

It's Paris! Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, Sacre Cœur, l'Arc de Triomphe, Pont Neuf, Versailles, Montmartre in general, the Catacombs, Notre Dame(and Saint Michel in general too), Hotel de Ville, Jardin de Luxembourg, Jardin de Tuileries, Musée du Louvre, Le Dôme des Invalides, Saint Chapel, Place de la Concorde, Musée de Cluny - that's putting it lightly.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Paris in the future?

Yes! Beware of pickpockets. Never stay at home doing nothing. Open yourself up to the city. Exploit the opportunity and your studies. Oh, and whenever you're tempted to do something you want to do, but you hold yourself back, remember. You're in Paris. This is a one time opportunity, and you're also here to make memories. This is what I always say.