Paris Why Paris?

For us here at Let’s Go: Paris 2009, this question is obvious at best and mildly offensive at worst, but we realize there exist people who might need convincing. Paris is inarguably one of the major “pulse” cities in the world. Abounding in culture, history, and everything aesthetically pleasing, Paris promises a dynamic and enriching environment that’s hard to find elsewhere. At the same time, due to the wonderful French insistence on joie de vivre, Paris is more low-key and laid-back than other large cities you might encounter; the cafe culture, for example, continues to thrive. In addition, the French love their students, and because Paris is such a popular destination for study abroad, international students can get in on most student discounts and perks. From special museum nights, to special bar nights, to special train fares, study abroaders save money with almost every action—which is a definite plus in one of the most expensive cities in the world (an admitted disadvantage of Paris). Meanwhile, the French university system, though often reputed to be “slack” and even “a joke,” is actually universally solid. While some students have noticeably easier educational experiences, the value of studying in a French environment—and getting to see its intricacies as well as its less subtle differences (such as the decided lack of campuses in Paris)—is priceless. Many Parisian universities are world renowned for their work in literature, philosophy, art history, and political science; there’s a reason the Lost Generation came here for intellectual inspiration. Finally, and most importantly, it’s Paris, and if that doesn’t mean anything to you now, veuillez patientez un semestre —you’ll learn soon enough the meaning of Paris, je t’aime.

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.