Paris! The City of Lights! The Capital of Fashion! Home to some of the world’s greatest thinkers, scientists, writers, musicians, and artists! Most people dream of traveling to this vibrant city, and many international students dream of living and studying here (it is one of the best places in Europe to study abroad, after all).
And why wouldn't they? Not only do you get to shake out the "norm" of your everyday routine for a bit, but you'll also get to see what everyday life looks like for millions of people who live thousands of miles away. For many students, a Paris semester abroad—whether in the spring term or fall term—is the perfect mix of academic growth and cultural immersion. If you need more convincing, check out these five reasons why studying abroad in Paris would be the adventure of a lifetime and should be YOUR adventure of a lifetime.
Paris study abroad is look puh-reeeettty good from over here!
5 fabulous reasons to study in Paris
Croissants, couture, and campus life make studying in Paris pretty hard to beat. With its perfect mix of brains and beauty, the City of Light serves up an unforgettable student experience.
1. It’s Actually Cheaper Than You Think!
This incredible city is an expensive place to live, and most study abroad programs reflect this reality. However, students with small pocketbooks can still afford to study here. A majority of programs include tuition, housing, insurance, cultural activities, and several excursions (which vary by location) in their program fees, which means your money goes a long way.
If a full academic year in Paris seems too costly, shorter options like a semester or even month-long sessions are widely available. In addition, study abroad companies often provide scholarships and financial planning services to their participants - not to mention you can check out available scholarships and deals through MyGoAbroad!
2. You Can Study Any Subject You Can Think Of—and Then Some
No matter what you’re studying in college, whether it’s art history, fashion, or economics, you’ll be able to locate programs that match your interests and will fill academic needs. You can spend a summer studying contemporary music and composition or a semester focusing on international business.
If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, a number of companies offer specialized programs in French culture, with classes on everything from French cinema to immigration issues. You should have no problem finding programs that work with your own study plan, whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student.
The things we do to get "the shot"
3. Paris Universities are Some of the Best in the World
Yes—you can take classes at universities that even your parents may've heard of. After all, studying in Paris means studying at world-class educational institutions! There's the University of Paris, Paris-Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure Paris (ENS Paris), École Polytechnique (ParisTech)—and that's just scratching the surface. Think of how bright your resume will shine when you study abroad at a reputable, cosmopolitan institution like one of these!
While studying at universities, take advantage of everything the programs have to offer, from student clubs to internships, to guest lectures and day-trips. Program excursions often take students to places like Versailles, Giverny, and Fontainebleau. Weekly activities usually include outings to art galleries, museums, or the opera.
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4. Learn to Speak French Firsthand
Thanks to globalization, the ability to speak multiple languages is an important skill and a huge asset for most careers. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world (not to mention an official language of international diplomacy), the ability to speak French is a wonderful advantage in countless disciplines. The best way to learn is to completely immerse yourself in it through a language study abroad program. It also doesn’t hurt to immerse yourself in French cuisine!
Many study abroad programs in Paris require previous knowledge of the language, but nearly every program has classes at all levels to help students improve their French. Some organizations will have intensive language and culture summer courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers.
Learn French in France: 15 Programs For You
5. You'll Be Enlightened by the City of Light
Fall in Louvre when you study French in Paris
Paris is revered by many for its wonderful art, architecture, fashion, food, and entertainment. Window-shop at the high-end fashion boutiques located along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Sample freshly-baked bread and pastries from corner patisseries, or savor some delicious crème-brulee and coffee at a street-side café. It is different than what you're used to—and this unfamiliarity is fertile ground for growth and change.
Travel not only makes us capable of handling ourselves, it empowers us to accomplish what we put our mind to, too... Traveling reacquaints us with the joy of learning and opens us to new experiences.
It is through the whole experience of studying abroad—from every missed train, to every croissant, to every flirtatious smile with a local, to every meaningful interaction with a Parisian—that you learn more about yourself, your goals, and what you aim to accomplish. Travel has a funny way of clarifying your path, evolving you into a more mature, focused version of yourself.
READ: Why Does Traveling Make You Feel Like Your Best Self?
4 steps to plan your study abroad experience in Paris
Don't pack your beret juuuust yet! Before heading off on your Paris semester abroad, there are a few items on your study-abroad-to-do list you should check off first.
1. Talk to Your Home University
Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Start by meeting with a study abroad advisor or the relevant department at your home university. Understand their requirements, deadlines, and the process for transferring credits. They may also have approved program lists, scholarship info, and helpful contacts.
2. Choose the Right Program
Once you know what's required, begin researching study abroad programs in Paris. Pay attention to university partnerships, course offerings, program structure, and student reviews. Look for programs that align with your academic goals and personal interests. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs in Paris.
Easily compare study abroad programs in Paris through MyGoAbroad
3. Decide What You Want to Study
Consider whether you want to focus on major requirements or branch out with experiential or elective courses. You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). From literature and psychology to French cuisine and culture, course options in Paris are diverse and exciting!
4. Plan Your Finances
Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge in travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost, and figure out how much you can realistically spend. Keep an eye out for scholarships and financial aid, and look into raising money through platforms like FundMyTravel.
Paris study abroad is on the horizon!
High tail it here to study in Paris already!
Admire some of the world’s greatest paintings in the city’s countless museums, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Mona Lisa at the Louvre and Édouard Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass at the Musée d'Orsay. Explore the soaring bell towers and chapels of some of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals. Catch a performance at one of the city’s infamous cabarets. You may not have time to do it all, but you can certainly try!
If you want to study in Paris, a semester abroad is enough time to enjoy all these. Now imagine spending an entire academic year here.
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