Erasmus Experience in Paris, France. By Daniela

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because, regarding medical studies, it's a very prestigious city. I wanted to meet people, learn the language, the customs, but I mostly wanted to learn medicine. Advancing in this area as much as possible and being able to return to my university with the maximum knowledge. I wasn't disillusioned at all...

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

10 months, €110 per month.

What's important is that the CAF gives us €89/month, you don't get money from the hospital until you're in your 4th year, when you get around €200 (weird, isn't it? ).

What's the student environment like in Paris?

It's really good! I had the pleasure of staying in the Cité Universitaire (student hall of residence) and the truth is that you don't have to socialise if you don't want to... the atmosphere is really good, you make real friends, it's great!

It's another story with the French. Some are super welcoming and help you whenever they can, but others want to take advantage of the fact that you're there, to try and teach you responsibility and will help as little as possible.

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

Definitely, I learnt more in a year in Pais than I did in 3 years in my university, it's great! It's a big jump up in student life, it's an opportunity not to waste.

How's the country's food?

Amazing! Croissants, pains au chocolat, crepes, meat with pepper sauce, snails, onion soup ahhhh... it's all incredible!

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How easily did you find accommodation in Paris?

I was lucky to be able to stay in the Cité Université, but the applications end at the end of March and there are only 5000 places for loads of students... it's a gift if you get a place there!

I had friends who didn't get a place and it really wasn't easy for them to get accommodation. It's all very expensive, unfortunately.

On average, how much did you spend living in Paris?

€525 in rent + €200/month.

All the monuments are free and with the CAF I paid for transport (€36/month) + mobile phone (€20/month - FREE), and what was left was for extras... hehe

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

I attended a B1 class before going. I can't say much about this topic because I was born in a francophone country and found the language really easy. But the majority of people had quite (I repeat, quite) a low level and managed to adapt perfectly! One or two months after getting there they spoke fluently and almost perfectly.

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

Plane, without doubt. If you book in advance you get pretty good prices.

Make sure you go to Charles de Gaule or Orly airport. They are the closest ones... the others have additional costs for getting to the centre of Paris.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Paris?

The St. Michel - Notre Dame area, the Montparnasse area (MIX is a club with Erasmus nights on Thursdays) and the Oberkampf zone. I think that they are the best zones where there are always lots of people.

And eating out in Paris? Can you name your favourite places?

On the Rue Mouffetard, it was my favourite area... cheap and excellent!

After there's the whole St. Michel area where there's good food but it's more expensive.

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And in terms of cultural visits?

Everything that's in the tourist guides.

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

Paris is beautiful and when your exchange is over you will feel very nostalgic!

You need to be patient... the French are very bureaucratic which can become annoying, but you'll manage!

Paris will always be ours!