Between the emotionally charged decision to study abroad, the inevitable last-minute packing, and the probably groggy and confused first steps in the City of Light, the process of getting to Paris is overwhelming. The more you focus on organization the better off you will be; we’ve come up with a list of things to keep in mind, and some tips for staying sane—for the most part, at least.
Visas And Other Helpful Documents. Whether you plan to study abroad for a semester or several years, you will need a student visa, issued by your local French consulate. (For a list of French consulates in your area, see Essentials). Recently, 20 countries, including Canada and the US, have switched to a solely online visa application process, which is regulated by CampusFrance (www.campusfrance.org). You will need to set up a CampusFrance account before you apply for a visa and bring proof of registration to the consulate. Other documents you will need for your visa application include: a passport valid for the entire length of your visa, proof of financial support and existence of a bank account from which funds will be drawn, and a letter of admission from an educational institution. It’s best to get started on this process as soon as possible (and at latest, two months before your departure date), as it will probably take at least a couple of visits to the consulate before you actually have all the correct paper work, and then a few weeks for the office to review your request and send you your visa. For more detailed info on the visa-application process, see Beyond Tourism: Studying , and visit the CampusFrance website.
Tips For Transitioning. Most would agree that Paris is one of the best study abroad destinations in the world. However, the process of integrating into a new environment—especially one as fast-paced and close-knit as Paris—is always a challenge. You have to deal with a new physical environment, living arrangement, and educational experience, all in a new language and cultural context. Everyone’s process of integration is different, but after studying abroad in Paris, we have a few tips to share:
Remember Where You Came From. Having a set plan of how to keep in touch with family and friends back home is sometimes the best way to remember you’re in a different city as opposed to a different universe. Many students find it comforting to bring or to have loved ones send care packages with reminders of home.
American (Or Canadian Or Brit Or..) In Paris. Many students expect to put on black skinny pants, don an accent, and fit right in. Try to remember that transitioning takes time and you will most likely feel like an idiot from time to time (or more consistently, which is nothing to be ashamed of). In the course of a semester, it is impossible to “become a local,” but you can live your own version of Parisian life and make the city your own, in small ways au moins. Try to be realistic and forgiving of yourself (for example, skinny jeans are not for all—it’s best to acknowledge and accept this fact as soon as possible).
Just Do It. In the first couple weeks—and possibly even throughout the semester—many students find themselves with more downtime than they are used to, and let’s be honest—there is only so much cafe cruising you can do before you risk entering an espresso-induced coma. One tip that almost always come up is to just DO things—make a list of what you want to see and do in Paris and resolve to get it done. Another popular getting-to-know Paris activity is choosing a random metro stop, getting off, and exploring the area around it. Paris is one of the best walking cities in the world, so take advantage!
Log (Or Blog) It. One of the best ways to keep track of your experience and to handle all the ups and downs is to write about it—for yourself, for your family, or for your friends. Not only does putting the pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) help you get through the now, but it will also serve as a great souvenir of your experience. Besides, there’s nothing more Parisian than going to a park or cafe and jotting down mysterious and potentially scandalous thoughts. (Bring your best brooding face.)
Treat Yourself. Studying abroad can be taxing, and people tend to have high highs (I love Paris, I swear I was born French and my family abducted me, how can I think of ever living anywhere else again, etc.) and low lows (what am I doing here, this country is disfunctional, I miss parking lots, etc.). The best thing to do at times of low lows (besides eating your feelings in one of Paris’s American diners) is to do a reality check: bronze balconies, the serene Seine, delicious food—you’re in a great place. And this is an amazing experience, one you’ll look back on for the rest of your life, one that many people never get to enjoy. Take the time to indulge!
For 50 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.
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