Erasmus experience in Paris, France by Gabriele

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because it was one of the two destination countries (after Spain: Madrid) for the Student mobility grant ERASMUS in the 2012/2013 for the Arabic language. The place in Madrid had already been given to a University student so I decided to go to France (Paris). I study Arabic and the city of Paris (The city of lights), is a great city for learning and improving this language.

How long will you stay? How much financial help do you receive?

Five months (5 months), but I decided to prolong my stay to seven months.

I had around 500€ (230€ a month from the European Commission and 250€ from my Italian University). I also asked for financial help from the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familliales) of my arrondissement (the 13th) in Paris (France).

What is the student atmosphere like in Paris?

Very beautiful, very fun but also difficult and complicated (especially for administration and inscription, pedagogy, knowledge tests and continous testing etc... ).

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

Yes, of course! You should definitely make the most of the city of Paris when studying at a Parisian University, because it offers so many activities, like sports and theatre. I studied at the Sorbonne-Nouvelle University - Paris 3, Paris (France).

How was the food in the country?

When it comes to food I say: NO COMMENT! :-) I prefer Italian food even if I have to admit that the cakes, cheeses and certain wines are better than their Italian counterparts.

Did you have any difficulties finding a place to live in Paris?

No, I left Italy knowing that I had gotten a place at a University halls in the 13th district of Paris. I requested accommodation via the University's welcome page (Paris 3) and within two months I had a response.

What is the cost of living in Paris?

For students, it's not too expensive, as we have the opportunity to visit (for free), the city's monuments : The Pantheon, The Eiffel Tower, The Notre Dame every first sunday of the month. Plus, we have discounted cinema tickets after showing our Student Card or our certificate of attendance at school (that proves that you study in a French University). The price of public transport in Paris is 73€ (2016) (a month), it's a monthly pass, but you can access any transport in the city, (except boats and bicycles).

How was it, learning the language? Did you attend courses organised by the University?

Very good, Yes. I went to French language, culture and methodology courses organised by my Parisian University. But, it wasn't so difficult, as I already spoke some French before arriving.

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

By plane, there are flights from different airlines (Easyjet, Ryanairm Vueling) or by Train (Italy to France night trains, THELLO).

What areas would you recommend for partying in Paris

The Montparnasse area, Notre-Dame (along the Seine), close to the d'Orsay Museum, Invalides, The Champ de Mars-Eiffel Tower, near the Sacré Coeur and the Montmartre area (on the grass), the Champs Élysées, Rue Mouffetard in the 5th district, the latin quarter, the Buttes Chaumont Park, the Boulogne forest, the Vincennes forest, Place des Vosges.

And to eat in Paris? What are your favourite places?

Brasseries (and they are many! ), bakeries (and there are really lots of them! ), Starbucks, Bistros, Cafés. Bakeries and Starbucks were my favourite places.

And what cultural visits do you recommend?

The list is very long... get ready! :-)

1) A tour of the city of the ''Bateaux-Mouches'' (Fly boats) Especially at night.

2) Port de L'Arsenal

3) Notre-Dame de Paris

4) The Panthéon, Latin Quarter, Sainte Chappelle, The Conciergerie, The Institute of the Arabic World, The Cluny museum, The natural history museum and the Jardin des Plantes, The Pomidou centre (modern and contemporary art museum), Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo's home, Jim Morrison's home (in the Marais areas), The Town hall - Hotel de Ville, The Picasso Museum, The Carnavalet Museum (Museum of Parisian history), The Hotel de Sully, The Arts and Metiers musuem, The Jewish quarter (the museum of Jewish History and the Shoah memorial), forum des Halles and it's garden, The Museum of Magic and curiousity, the Palais Garnier- The national opera of Paris, The Madeleine Church, Place Vendome, Place des Victoires, Palais Royal, The Gourmet Museum of Chocolate, the Comédie- Française, the National Library of France- the Francois Mitterand site, Butte Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur Basillica, Moulin-Rouge, the pigalle area, The espace Dalì, The cemetary and museum of Montmartre, place des abbesses, d'orsay museum, saint-germain-des-prés, the luxembourg garden and museum, odéon, montparnasse tower, Saint-Sulpice church, montparnasse cemetary, The Curie- Institute and museum, the observatory of Paris, denfert-rochereau square and the catacombs, champ de mars et the eiffel tower, trocadéro, invalides, the Rodin museum, the quai Branly museum, palais de Tokyo, Balzac's home, Arc de Triomphe and the Tomb of the unknown soldier, champs-élysées, the louvre, the tuileries gardens, place de la concorde, the orangerie museum (Monet's waterlillies), vincennes Castle and the fontainebleau Castle, the French cinematheque- cinema museum, bercy village, Chinatown in Paris, la villette park, the musuem of music, belleville, the saint-martin canal, the Paris-Saint-Ouen flea market, place de la bastille, the bastille opera, disneyland paris.

Outside of Paris:

5) The Palace of Versailles

6) Monet's gardens and waterlillies (Givérny)

Do you have any advice other students studying in Paris?

Have fun in the City of Lights and enjoy all the places that you enjoy going with your friends during your free time.

But make sure that you have a CLEAR idea of the courses you want to study abroad, you can only modify your learning agreement twice.

Bear in mind also that in the French university that I studied in, 'continuous assessment' was mandatory... note that only up to three days of unjustified absence was tolerated. You have to justify your absence (with a letter). For example, if you're ill you must have a note from your Doctor.