Who doesn’t dream of a trip to romantic Paris? With its pretty avenues and cafés spilling out onto cobbled pavements, designer shops (and high street favourites) a stroll alongside the Seine and majestic architecture on almost every corner of the centre of this extraordinary city, there’s something for everyone. Yes, Paris has a certain allure! Its sing-song language fills restaurants and bars adding to the constant buzzing atmosphere and Paris is always awash with chic and sophisticated dressers thanks to being one of the major capitals of fashion in the world. So if you’re wondering where to spend your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme study placement, consider Paris and bask in its rich history and mesmerising beauty. It’s also a city that’s favoured by young people – and you’ll find many popular student areas. If you’re studying and looking for a semester abroad, read our 5 reasons why Paris is right for you!
1. Paris is Home to the Sorbonne University
Renowned globally, le Sorbonne is one of the best universities in the world, ranked at number 63 and certainly it is one of the top universities in France. The university also takes students from abroad – and with a plethora of courses available, perhaps it’s ideal for you. Sorbonne offers courses in science and engineering, art and humanities and health sciences.
2. A Historical Experience
Paris is one of the most historical European cities and full of landmarks you’ll want to explore. Take a trip to the Eiffel Tower, built in 1887, this structure was seen then as a marvel thanks to its incredibly forward-thinking structure. Today it still looks just as modern, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city if you climb the steps to the top. There’s also the Arc de Triomphe which began construction in 1849, after the fall of Napoleon and is perceived as the gateway to the city. Take a trip just outside of Paris to marvel at the Palace of Versailles, home to French kings and queens up until 1793 with the fall of Louis XVI, of course – there are many monuments to explore, dedicate some time to seeing everything that Paris has to offer and learn about its past.
3. Fine-Tune Your French
A second language is always welcome by future employers and looks great on a CV! If you’re already studying French or you have basic French, then why not fine-tune it by spending an extended period of time in the country’s vibrant capital, Paris? If you do choose an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme placement in Paris, then sign up for a language course too (and meet other students just like you, making friends for life!).
4. Get a Grant to Subsidise Your Trip
Many students think they can’t afford Paris – after all, it’s certainly not an inexpensive city to live in! However, there are ways to help you stretch your budget. Firstly, if you travel with the Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme programmes, then you’ll be able to access a decent sized grant which will go a long way toward the biggest expenses – accommodation and living. Secondly, take advantage of the regular markets and buy fresh produce (cheaper than eating out and buying from supermarkets), do use student discounts and student travel cards, reducing the cost of travel and look for lodgings near your university to cut down on cost as well as travel.
5. Make Friends for Life!
Paris is a cultural melting pot and as well as meeting students who come from Paris, you’ll meet people from all over France (and the rest of the world!). Make friends throughout your placement, spend time exploring the rest of the city and country with your new buddies and perhaps those connections will serve you well later on in life? Most Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme students go on to study and work in other countries, often meeting up with the friends they made on their initial placement – that could be you too!
Let’s Wrap It Up
If you want to do an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme placement abroad – in Paris or elsewhere – why not get your careers office to contact our team at TravelEdventures so we can put together a trip for your group that exceeds expectations! Contact us by clicking here – we can’t wait to chat!
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