Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Oana

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I am in Paris for an internship at an architecture studio. I had to chose between a studio from Paris and one from Barcelona. When I decided, I took in consideration the city as well. Paris is a city that can bring you a lot of joy and has many positive aspects if you exclude the prices.

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

I will stay here for 6 months. The scholarship is 700 euros /month, but it is not enough to live here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

I don't really have a student lifestyle, because I work all day long, but in the weekends I like very much to travel and visit the city.

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

It is hard not to recommend Paris :)

What is the food like?

Maybe I am the only one but I don't really love the food. The cheese is very good of course, but I don't love very much the other traditional foods, like fois gras or mussels. I must admit I haven't yet tried the snails.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

First I tried to find accommodation through an agency. I paid 30 euros, but I didn't find anything. I found the accommodation on the internet.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It depends how much you visit, but the costs are 1000-1200 euro/month

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

The language is not hard to learn.

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

I came to Paris by plane. It is fast and cheap.

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

I am not the party type, so I don't know the best places in Paris.

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

There are many restaurants in Paris. A nice one is near the Opera, on boulevard des italiens. It is a restaurant in the style of the '50.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I love Montmartre with Sacre Coeur and the Orangerie, where you can see paintings by Monet. Place Vendome is also nice, Versailles, Opera Garnier, musee d'Orsay, La Defence, musee du quai Branly.

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

If you are in Paris you can visit many other places. For example Mont St Michel, Rennes or the castles situated on the river Loire.