Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Seamus

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Paris was always somewhere I wanted to visit and when I got the chance to actually go there to study, I jumped at it. If you're looking for someone to comment on the Museums and other things related to that, you're asking the wrong person but everything else about the place is amazing. I nearly have to pinch myself sometimes to see if I'm dreaming or if I'm actually living here. I always wondered what France was like compared to where I'm from in Ireland so once again, when the opportunity came to go to the French capital, I jumped at the chance.

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

For my Erasmus year, I decided to apply to be an English language assistant in a secondary school here. This program is only 6 months long, between October and April. I get paid around €800 per month along with a grant from home, which is good because on rent alone, you wouldn't get very far on just €800 every month. Although that's not really much money to get by on, bear in mind, I only work 12 hours per week!

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Once again, I may not have the answer you're looking for for this question. Since I am an English assistant, I'm not around other college students. I live in a student residence but I never really get the chance to interact with others because they are always in college or at work so I never get to see them. Sorry for not having a good answer!

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

I would definitely recommend going to Paris. It may seem a bit daunting at first, especially if you're from a small village like me, but the love you will grow for the city will help you forget that straight away. The transport is also great, the metro will get you where you need to be in the matter of minutes.

What is the food like?

Considering Paris is one of the main food capitals of the world, the food is amazing. From the croissants to actual dinners, it's all good. There are also restaurants and bakeries EVERYWHERE so you won't go hungry. Some restaurants even have a deal where you can get a starter, main course and drink for under €20 which is also great.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Finding accommodation here was probably the worst part of it all. I took for granted how hard it would be to actually find a place to live so when I finally did look, it was quite difficult. If you're looking into student accommodation, you have to go through an application process and give details of your parents income so they know that you're actually able to afford the rent every month. I found an amazing place called Campuséa, with which I had to go through the application process but once that was done, I had a place to live and it was a huge relief! I've heard stories of people who got here and still hadn't found somewhere to live and they were panicking so I would recommend finding a place as soon as possible!

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

My rent is over €700 per month but if you want a decent place to live, you can't go much cheaper. It is Paris after all!

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

I find that I don't get the chance to speak much French because when I go to restaurants, they notice straight away that I'm not French so they speak English to me. I do pick things up from just listening though.

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

Flying is the only way possible for me to get to Paris.

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

The Saint Michel area near the Notre Dame is probably the best place to go for a night out. There are bars all around you so you'll be spoiled for choice!

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

I like a restaurant called Le Deauville on the Champs Elysées. It's just regular food like chicken, steak and pasta but it's very tasty.

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

Like I said before, make sure you have accommodation before you go there. It will lift a huge weight off your shoulders and give you a better chance to enjoy the city from the very start of your stay.
Also, have a great time. You will probably never get the chance to do it again so make the most of it!