Study Abroad in Paris: Bienvenue!
About Studying in Paris
With enough museums, monuments, cafes, boutiques, and parks to make you swoon, Paris is a student's dream. Studying abroad in this larger-than-life city will give you all that is French - the baguettes and the chocolate, the language and the fashion, and most of all, the beauty. One of the world's most aesthetically pleasing cities, Paris could not possibly leave you with a lack of things to explore. From the hidden side streets to the animated neighborhoods, you could spend days merely wandering. But that won't be the only activity you engage in, studying in Paris will give you all sorts of academic stimulation, too. The hangouts of the worlds greatest artists will be at your fingertips, so you can study your grammaire Francaise where Satre used to philosophize.
If this isn't enticing enough, you should take a look at some of the study abroad programs below. Each one has a description and an assortment of reviews that will not only give you a good idea of what the program is all about, but also make you all the more excited about your upcoming Parisian venture. The tough part is making up your mind, but a little reflection and research will surely guide you to a program that feels right, and sounds fun. When you are finally forced to return home a la fin, don't forget to fill out a review of your program to give others valuable feedback that will help them make a decision of their own!
Culture and Immersion:
The city of love, language, food, wine, and history. With so much to see, do, and experience, who wouldn't want to study abroad in Paris? With Paris being so expensive, it can seem like a daunting place for a person on a student's budget to visit. But have no fear, you can live your dream of studying abroad in Paris without breaking the piggy bank! Here's a few tips on how to experience Paris on a budget.
Experience a home-stay visit
Many programs offer home-stay or independent apartment stays. With most programs, the home stay option is not only cheaper, but a homestay may also include some weekly meals in the cost of lodging. Homestay options=cheaper+ lodging +food. Apartment option=more costly and food is not included. Not only is it more economical to do a home stay option, but it also provides you the opportunity to really build language skills with your host family, as well as experience true Parisian living.
Take advantage of the student travel discounts
If you want to travel throughout Europe, take advantage of the Eurail Youth Pass which will get you just about anywhere by train. Tip: make sure you plan to use it / do a lot of train travel, otherwise you may not really get your bang for your buck. If you are studying abroad directly at a university, be sure to snag a student ID to enjoy all of the discounts you can get around the country.
Don't Leave without Seeing These Paris Sights!
- Notre Dame Cathedral- free to all visitors!
- Take a stroll at no cost to you along the Champs Elysees to L'Arc de Triomphe
- Visit Montmartre and stop by for lunch at Le Refuge des Fondues (they serve you wine in baby bottles!)
- Versailles (touristy, but come on, it's Versailles!)
- Visit Monet's gardens in Giverny
- If you have the chance, take a day trip to Normandy and see the Mont St Michel and D-Day memorials. A remarkable experience!
- Centre Pompidou, Musee d'Orsay, and Les Invalides (home of Napolean's tomb)
- Check out the Latin Quarter. This area is great for nightlife!
Affordability:
If you're really into French food and want to save some money, grab your friends, head to the nearest boulangerie, and have a picnic underneath the Eiffle Tower on Sunday afternoons. The city of Paris shuts down on Sundays, and with nearly nothing open, it really is a wonderful experience to sit under the Tower, enjoy some wine and cheese, and talk with your friends about how lucky you feel to be in the City of Lights. What's more, you'll get to see the Eiffel Tower in a cooler way (for free!) instead of paying the many Euros to climb to the top.
Visit the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay on the first Sunday of the month because it's free for ALL visitors! For those who are really into visiting museums, check out the Paris museum pass that offers discounts for visiting multiple museums.
Scholarships: Paris
France did not earn a reputation of luxury by accident. While being known for its culturally signifant sights, it is also known for its high costs. Regardless, many study abroad providers have program-specific scholarships that can help offset the costs of your study abroad experience. If you are choosing the more independent route, these scholarships (plus more!) are available for you to apply to.
- API offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs - including a few great options in France!
- The French government funds scholarships for students from the USA interested in studying the French language.
- Similarly, the French government sponsors 15 doctoral students to study in France under the Chateaubriand-Fellowship.
- More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships »
Contributed by Heather Zurek.
Also known as "Helene," "Frenchie," and "Baby Z," Heather Zurek is an infamous Francophile and globetrotter. Heather currently lives in Boston and works with the American Cancer Society.Do you think there is something missing in our guide to studying abroad in Paris? Contact us and let us know! We want to make sure our information is relevant and up to date.
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