My Erasmus Exchange in Paris, France - by Lourdes

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I chose Paris because of the university I would be studying at there: the ISIT. It offered a 'Grande École' of translation and interpretation, which is quite prestigious on an international level. I also needed to improve my French, since my chosen career path involves language skills quite heavily, and because I'd always loved Paris.

How long did your exchange last? How much were you paid?

My exchange lasted for a whole academic year, so nine months. In terms of money, this is what everyone seems to have problems with. At the moment, I've received 920 euros from the EU, and I think this will increase for those who come next year. On the other hand, I just haven't received any money from the ministry, since apparently I'm not eligible. My autonomous government (Comunidad Valenciana) doesn't support us financially either. My university (Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de La Plana) gives us 80 euros a month since we're not receiving anything from the ministry. Apart from this, there's financial help available in France for those under 26 years of age. This is also available to foreigners, and is called CAF: it's intended to contribute towards your accommodation, so they pay 30 or 40% of your rent for you. I thin that in my case this was around 220 euros a month, more or less.

What's the student life like in Paris?

The student atmosphere in Paris is totally different to how it is in other cities: it's a very large city, meaning that it's hard to meet all of the Erasmus students spending time there. There is the EIAP though, an association which organises activities for everyone: parties, day and weekend trips... the truth is that it's pretty good and allows you to get to know loads of people.

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

Yes, but don't forget that it is an expensive city, a very large one and that French bureaucracy can be a little tough.

What's French food like?

Really good.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Paris?

Yes! This along with the bureaucracy which you have to wade through in order to get the tiniest thing sorted has been the worst part of my exchange. You need a lot of patience and motivation to get yourself through it, I was on the verge of giving up on finding somewhere to stay, but don't do that, it's worth it in the end.

How expensive is living in Paris?

Very. On average, accommodation costs around 600 euros (at the very least, 400 euros), food in the supermarkets isn't that much more expensive than it is in Spain, and going out for drinks is evidently going to be more expensive than it is in Spain. Once you've discovered the cheap places though, you'll survive!

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

The language is fine, since I studied it for my degree. However, they do offer French courses for foreigners at most of the universities which start a few weeks before classes do. You can continue going to them throughout the year.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Paris from your home city?

By plane from Valencia. This December they're introducing the high-speed train from Paris to Barcelona, which could be a good way of avoiding weight restrictions, etc.

What are the best places for partying in Paris?

The parties organised by the EIAP are the best as they're normally free to get into. There are also the Oberkampft and Le Marais districts, among others, for going to pubs.

What about eating out in Paris? What are your favourite places?

El Crous has a chain of canteens which are really cheap. Definitely go to Au Petit Grecque (the best place for crepes in Paris! ) and Creperie Genia (the cheapest! ).

What does Paris have to offer in terms of culture?

The entire city, but in particular: Centre Pompidou, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre and Librería Shakespeare and Co.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Paris?

Patience! Above all at the start, everything will revolve around paperwork, but once it's sorted (though it seems like a lie that it ever will be, there is indeed light at the end of the bureaucracy tunnel! ) it'll be worth it. Some quick pieces of advice:

1. Find your accommodation (if you're over 20/21, ask for a place in the cité universitaire, since if you get a place there, it's just the best thing that could possibly happen to you). If you don't get in there, look for foyers or residences, if you'd prefer to get a flat, I recommend using an agency to search for one if you can't get a flat through a friend, or a friend of a friend, etc. Don't pay anything in advance over the internet, under any circumstances. Most of the time it'll be a scam.
2. Open a bank account (most banks give you free money just for opening the account! ): this will open a lot of doors for you, since without a bank account, you're basically not allowed to do anything in France.
3. Apply for the IMAGINE-R: this is the annual public transport card. Definitely get one, but you won't be able to unless you have a bank account. They take three weeks to be delivered.
4. Get a French mobile: they have really cheap contracts, with calls abroad included.
5. Enjoy and explore the city from top to bottom!