Study in Paris, France

The Opera in ParisParis, the capital of France and the world-famous glittering “City of Light” is one of the most enviable places to live, work, and study. Combining attributes of modern efficiency with historic warmth, and the excitement of a large city with the charm and convenience of a small town, Paris has a huge variety of attractions and opportunities. Whether you are staying for a semester, a year, or the rest of your life, it is impossible to grow bored of life in Paris.

One of the first things people think of when they hear the name Paris is extremely high-quality food. There is no question that Paris is one of the best culinary destinations in the world, and restaurants can be found that will cater to any budget. Whether you are a working professional looking to splurge or a student on a shoestring budget, Paris has something delicious to offer up. The traditional Parisian eatery is a sidewalk café – these open-air dining rooms serve coffee, pastries, and various small meals while you enjoy the fine air and the classic atmosphere of the Parisian streets. Make sure not to leave Paris without trying a crêpe, an extremely thin pancake served with any number of toppings including fresh fruit, chocolate, lemon juice, or that staple of European breakfast dining: Nutella.

Of course, if you plan to be in Paris for longer than a few days, it will at some point be necessary to cook for yourself. Eating in restaurants is an essential part of a visit to Paris, but it is far too expensive to be a long-term dining option. It is a good thing, then, that Paris has a large number of shopping districts and smaller grocery stores where you can stock up on traditional French ingredients as well as the makings of international fare. You can also enroll in a cooking class, of which there are a large number scattered around the city.

Parisians have a reputation, even within France, for being rude and stuck-up, but it is not entirely deserved. Although people are often in a hurry just like in other large cities such as London or New York, they are in fact generally very charming and hospitable. To unlock the friendly side of Paris, the first tip is to learn as much French as you can. English is taught in schools, but the majority of Parisians never use it in their daily life, and speaking English with a visitor is an extra effort that many people do not have the time to make. Address people in French and make as much effort as you can to carry on the conversation in the native language of the city. Even if you are answered in English, your effort will be appreciated.

Paris is designed for walking, and the city center is surprisingly compact, so getting around to the shopping, sightseeing, and restaurants that you want to visit will be very easy. Nonetheless, it will probably be necessary at some point to take a trip on the Paris Metro. This system is huge and covers all areas of the city, but can be extremely confusing the first few times. Be sure to study a Metro map before your arrival in Paris – this will help you settle more quickly and give you a strong knowledge of how to get wherever you want to go in this exciting and diverse city.