Daily life for language students in Paris will be very exciting. Although many French people speak English (as well as other languages native to neighboring countries), they are very proud when they come upon foreigners who are taking an interest in learning more about their language and culture.

French people enjoy their leisure time, and food plays an integral part in their culture. Breakfast is eaten before work/school, lunch usually lasts an hour and a half, snacks (goûter) or coffee (café) are the perfect after work or school treat to tide you over until 8 p.m., when dinner is typically served. If you are invited out by a local friend, you should not pass up the opportunity! Not only will you learn from the locals, but you will also learn from your surroundings. Traveling from place to place, partaking in any event or social activity, and hearing the people around you speaking in French constantly can be more effective than any ol’ textbook!

Parisians also love to socialize in cafés; no matter the season, outdoor sidewalk seating is a must! More specifically, many of the seats tend to face outward toward the sidewalk and street, which is a perfect opportunity to people watch, observe, and learn more about French customs, nuances, and habits.

When you’re not hitting the books, Paris houses a loooong list of tourist sites and activities to keep you busy, such as movie theaters showing French and international titles, museums (cough LOUVRE cough), concert halls, and many parks. Oh, and a few little things called the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, and Notre Dame.