Silvia's Erasmus Experience in Paris, France

Why did you decide to go to Paris, France?

Because going to live in Paris (for a little while at least) was a dream that I wanted to come true... and because the educational opportunity was amazing.

Source

How long did the placement last? How much money did you receive as help?

The duration changes with every placement, usually for France (with exams) it's 5 moths. From an economic perspective, the Erasmus grants are always €230 per month (regardless of which country you choose)... Still in France it is possible to also receive the CAF (an accommodation grant for around €100 per month).

In my case, having done an internship, I stayed in Paris for 9 months and I got a higher amount.

What was the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Amazing! Especially if you have the option to live in the Cité Universitaire.

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

Definitely!

What is the country's food like?

It's tasty... but obviously italian cuisine is clearly better! Let's just say that plain, overcooked pasta is not the best side dish... but there are other dishes that compensate for it.

Source

Hint: the Disney film "Ratatouille" is very real.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Paris?

In my case no because the university provided me with accommodation, but generally finding a house in Paris is "Mission Impossible"! Not to mention that to have a single room in the city will cost at least €500. If you want to spend less you have to make some compromises like going to the suburbs or choosing a flat-share.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

So much! Don't go to Paris if you don't have enough financial backing other than the Erasmus grants. I would say that generally, between rent, food, public transport, and going out (not too much), it costs at least €1000 per month. If you opt instead to live in "illogical" places and spend as little as possible for the rest, it would be around €800.

What is the language like? Did you attend any university courses?

Let's admit it: French is quite easy if you come from Italy! Even so there are loads of people who manage to live easily in France for months or years without speaking a word of French.

In my case I didn't attend any courses, but I had a vague memory of the language from middle school.

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

From Naples, the cheapest and most comfortable way is by plane (if you book well in advance). There are only 2 lowcost airlines that have this deal: Easyjet and Transavia. Otherwise an alternative could be Alitalia youth offers.

Where do recommend to go out in Paris?

There are so many places. I've listed some here:

• Rue Mouffetard e Quartier Latin
• Saint Michel
• Canal Saint Martin
• Les Halles and Rue Montmartre
• Grand Boulevard
• Bastille
• Republique
• Oberkampf
• Butte-aux-Cailles

Source

And to eat in Paris? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

• Chez Chartier (French food)
• Chez Prosper (Typical French brasserie)
• Chez Gladines (Basque food)
• Les Funambules (French food)
• Des Crepes et des Cailles (Typical Parisian crêpes)
• Le refuge des Fondus (Where you can eat fondue)
• Au petit grec (great, full crêpes - Rue Mouffetard)
• Pizzeria O'scià (Neapolitan pizza in Paris)

And cultural places to visit?

The usual famous ones are listed in all the guidebooks. For something a bit more unusual I would suggest Cité des Sciences et de l'industrie, Chateau de Vincennes and Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace.

Source

Is there any advice you would like to give to future students in Paris?

Get out there and enjoy! However, I assure you that to live in, Paris is not the city of your dreams. Living in Italy is much better.

P. S. : If you are weather sensitive and don't like to see the sun for just 1 or 2 days a month, change your plan.

Bon courage !