Hi Maria, can you introduce yourself?
Hi to all the students who read me! My name is Maria, and I’m a Colombian student who had the chance to live an incredible experience as a foreign student in Paris. I studied at Dauphine, which is part of the PSL network, and I’d like to share my experience with you.
How did you go about finding accommodation in Paris as a foreign student?
Finding accommodation in Paris is a real pain, but I managed to find a place that suited my needs. I used online sites and groups on social networks to look for roommates. I think there were a lot of fake accounts, so I don’t recommend using social networks. A friend of mine lost €800 that way.
Finally, I found a comfortable studio in the student district near my school. It was perfect for walking to my classes. I also had a good budget.
Did you travel during your stay in Paris?
During my time in Paris, I had the chance to travel around France and even to other European countries. I visited beautiful cities like Marseille and Strasbourg, and even spent a few days in London and Amsterdam.
I went with friends for months or with organized groups.
Did you party in Paris during your Erasmus stay?
When it comes to nightlife, Paris is certainly not lacking in lively nightlife. I had the opportunity to frequent several clubs
Parisian parties are very different from those in Colombia and Spain. I often went to Pacha Mama and Café Oz for the Wednesday Erasmus evening.
3 differences between Colombia and France in your opinion?
First of all, punctuality is a very important characteristic in France. The French place great value on punctuality, and it’s considered impolite to arrive late for an appointment. In Colombia, we have a more flexible notion of time, and being a few minutes late is not necessarily a problem.
The gastronomy is also very different. French cuisine is renowned for its sophistication and refinement, with dishes such as escargots, foie gras and delicious cheeses. In Colombia, we have a more varied and colorful cuisine, with traditional dishes such as arepa, bandeja paisa and empanadas. Flavours and spices are also more pronounced in Colombian cuisine.
Finally, the culture of politeness and greetings is different. In France, it’s customary to greet each other with a peck on the cheek, even between people meeting for the first time. In Colombia, we tend to shake hands or give each other a warm hug. It’s a bit American here.
Do you have a memorable story about your Erasmus stay in Paris?
I have a funny story from my first day at school!
I found myself next to an Italian student, Chiara, for the school’s presentation day.
We started chatting etc, she was super cool with a very funny English accent!
At one point, she pulled a packet of Italian cookies out of her bag and asked me if I’d like to try one.
She handed me a cookie and said, “These cookies are Italian! They’re so good you’ll melt!”
I took the cookie and tried to eat it with gusto, but I didn’t expect it to be as hard as rock.
I almost broke a tooth trying to bite it. Chiara burst out laughing as I wrestled with the cookie, and after a few minutes she explained that in Italian, the expression “melting with pleasure” means that something is delicious, but not literally melting.
There you have it, I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing my experience as a foreign student in Paris. It was an incredible time in my life, full of discoveries, friendships and unforgettable moments. If you have the opportunity to have a similar experience, I urge you to do so. You won’t regret it!
