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STUDY IN PARIS

Study Abroad Paris
Tips for Your Semester Abroad in the City of Lights

Deciding where to study abroad is both an exciting and challenging step. You have a lot to consider, from local
culture to the cost of living. While a recent shift shows many students are exploring new destinations for their
time abroad, traditional cities such as Paris remain popular for their perfect blend of prominent local culture and
international atmosphere. If Paris is on your list as a place to visit, here are some tips from Study Abroad Paris,
a guidebook to getting you started on an exciting, over-seas adventure:

Preparing for your semester
We know what you’re thinking: the thought of leaving the comfort zone of your university, friends, family, even
your country and native language to spend a semester living in Paris is intimidating. Don’t worry; it’s the exact
same feeling that over 200,000 of your fellow university students experience each year before studying abroad.
We can only say it’s a decision you will not regret.

When To Go
There are two main semesters:
- First Semester: Early October to Mid-January
- Second semester: Early February to Mid-May
Many programs designed for international students finish in December as opposed to January, allowing you to
return for your spring semester to the U.S.

Cost
Money is an important issue for any college student. Consider enrolling directly with a university in Paris (this
option is not for everyone since there are more administrative steps to go through and you may need to be fluent
in French). French universities are inexpensive. You will have to pay administrative fees, which can vary from
€170 to €900 (the fee increases with the level of study) and, if applicable, a subscription to ‘sécurité sociale
étudiante’ (roughly €190).

If you do decide to go with a program provider in America, an average semester program in Paris is $12,500. A
summer semester is $6,000. These costs are only examples and vary by program. While $12,000 is not cheap,
keep in mind that it includes tuition, which is typically at least 12 credit hours or more per semester, housing,
excursions and often, some meals (if you’re with a host family, typically breakfast) as well as staff services
onsite

Most universities suggest a budget outside of school costs and airfare of about $950-$1250 per month to cover
your housing and living expenses. However, it’s very easy to spend more than double that if you live in an
apartment in the city center, eat out often, go to bars, clubs, concerts and travel frequently. Here’s an idea of
some basic costs: Meal at a restaurant: $16-$26, meal at a ‘restaurant universitaire’: $3.50, metro ticket within
Paris: $1.80, monthly metro card for Paris (‘Carte Orange’): $69, movie ticket: $8-$12, cup of coffee: $2

Once you arrive in Paris
Try to get any administrative requirements done as soon as you arrive in Paris. There are several websites
designed to help foreign students in Paris when they arrive: www.ciup.fr/etudiant.htm, www.eduparis.net, www.
egide.asso.fr.