Paris is a destination on every traveler’s bucket list. People come from all over the world to get lost in the city’s romantic cobblestone streets, discover the art of the Louvre, marvel at the Eiffel Tower, and try French delicacies. If you’re wondering where to and why to study abroad in Paris, you must look no further, we’ve got you covered.
Students of art history, literature, or fashion will find themselves in heaven in this historic city, but the City of Light truly has something for everyone. The streets will become your classroom as you walk in the shoes of the many great thinkers who have come before you. If you are still thinking about why you should study abroad in Paris, wonderful options are waiting for you—you just have to say oui!
10 reasons to study abroad in Paris
Why study abroad in Paris? There are great opportunities for everyone.
If you’re still unsure if Paris is the right place to study abroad, there are endless reasons why the city is perfect for your exchange experience. From top-tier universities to exciting nightlife, here are 10 reasons why you should study abroad in Paris:
1. Attend a world-class university
Paris is home to world-class universities like Sciences Po, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres, and Université Paris-Saclay. As a study abroad student, you will receive an unparalleled education in a prestigious environment. Universities offer a wide range of subjects, so you can be sure you will find a program that suits your interests.
2. Explore historical landmarks
The Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Palace, Notre-Dame, Versailles…need I go on? These classic Parisian monuments have loomed largely in popular culture and are just as amazing in person. As a student in Paris, you will never run out of historical sites to visit before you head home for the day.
3. Enjoy the art and cultural offerings
The social scene in Paris is vast and unforgettable.
Paris has one of the richest art and cultural scenes in the world. Beyond the iconic Louvre, the city offers a variety of impressive museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Whether you want to discover the art of the Renaissance or attend Paris Fashion Week, the French capital will put you in the heart of both past and modern culture.
4. Discover the Parisian nightlife
Once the sun has set, you will see the soul of Paris come to life. Students have an incredible offering of activities to enjoy. Anything from enjoying a drink on a rooftop balcony, attending a show at Moulin Rouge, or partying in one of the city’s lively nightclubs are just a few highlights.
If you’re wondering where to enjoy the best Parisian nightlife and meet people, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre are some of the most popular areas for a night out.
5. Improve your language skills
Studying abroad in Paris is also a great way to improve your French language skills. Paris offers numerous language schools, immersion programs, and opportunities to practice and speak the language daily. Learning French will make your exchange experience more authentic. It’ll allow you to better connect with Paris, the people, and its culture both past and present.
6. Re-energize in a quaint cafe
French food is beloved—from croissants to escargot there are countless adored options!
Charming cafes and street-side tables probably spring to mind when you think of Paris, and for good reason. It’s easy to find a cafe between classes to find your daily caffeine fix and watch the world go by, and, an excellent answer to why study abroad in Paris. A French espresso and warm chocolate croissant will certainly give you the fuel to power through a study session.
7. Immerse yourself in an international environment
According to Campus France, there were a whopping 400,000 international students in France in 2022. As Paris is a top study-abroad destination for foreign exchange students, you will be part of a large international community while attending the program. This will allow you to build multicultural connections and explore the city with other international students.
8. Indulge in French cuisine
Paris is also an appealing destination for your tastebuds. Studying in Paris is a great opportunity to sample the famed French cuisine. Think beef bourguignon, French onion soup, escargot, crepes, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. Don’t fret if you enjoy cooking at home, you will be spoiled for choice at any of Paris’ marketplaces. The array of ways to enjoy meals and what’s available to eat in the city are some top reasons to study abroad in Paris alone.
9. Pay lower tuition fees
There are many subjects available to study at Parisian universities, your major included!
Paris has a reputation as an expensive city, but students accustomed to US or UK university costs can expect to pay much lower tuition fees. For EU nationals, a year of undergraduate study can be as low as €170 a year for a bachelor’s degree. Non-EU students on the other hand must pay around €2,770 for a year at the undergraduate level, according to Campus France).
10. Take advantage of professional opportunities
No matter what career you are interested in, Paris offers opportunities to gain experience in almost any professional field. From fashion houses to big tech companies, pursuing an internship or volunteer placement in Paris will get your foot in the door and boost your resume—so it’s no wonder why you should study abroad in Paris, right?
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Paris right now
3 ways to study abroad in Paris
Ready to take the plunge? We’ve rounded up some of the best study abroad options in Paris for you. Peruse them now, or bookmark them for later! Either way, there are unique and high quality programs waiting for you.
1. SAI Study Abroad at the American University of Paris
- Highlights: This program offers participants the opportunity to receive an American-style education right in the heart of Paris. This school is a great option if you need a US-accredited program but want to be abroad. The American University of Paris provides a wide range of subjects, volunteer opportunities, student clubs, sports, and a large community of international students. With SAI’s comprehensive study abroad program, you can enjoy Paris while keeping up with your U.S. curriculum.
- Focus: Art history, architecture, business, mathematics, language, and more
- Read SAI Programs reviews
2. CIEE Open Campus Block In Paris
- Highlights: CIEE Study Abroad offers a well-rounded program for international students in Paris. In addition to taking courses at their Paris campus, you will also have the opportunity to partake in their volunteer, internship, research, and service-learning experiences. CIEE also provides various opportunities for cultural immersion, offering language courses and excursions to other destinations in France. If you want to receive a quality education while taking advantage of all Paris offers, this program is for you.
- Focus: Business, communications, journalism, healthcare, STEM, and more
- Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews
3. IES Abroad Paris – Business & International Affairs
- Highlights: For students interested in business and international affairs and still pondering why they should study abroad in Pairs, this program offers a prestigious program at the Paris School of Business. IES Abroad boasts the importance of Paris in the business and political world, and studying abroad here will introduce you to industry pioneers and important international institutions. You will begin your program with a one-week intensive language course and proceed to study a variety of subjects like finance, marketing, and management. If you want to gain practical experience, students have the opportunity to do a part-time internship or volunteer placement.
- Focus: International business, political science, communications, French, and more
- Read IES Abroad reviews
Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in Paris on GoAbroad.com!
Find out why Paris is one of the best study abroad destinations in the world!
Are you ready to study abroad in the City of Light? Whether you want to spend your semester abroad learning about the business world, brushing up on your French, raiding the shops on the Champs-Élysées, or sipping espressos in cute cafes, Paris is the ideal study abroad location.
So…should you study abroad in Paris? We think you know the answer! You’re all set to embark on your Parisian adventure.
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