What studying in Paris is like: experiences of international students

All third-year students at EMLV must spend their year abroad for an academic exchange semester and a four to six month internship. However, students also experiment international life directly on campus, with incoming foreign students. We asked the latter what it is like studying in Paris. Clichés about France, best memories and tips… find out what living in France is all about!

Aaaah, la France! Whether hated or loved, this country is bound to make an impression and generate stereotypes. Incoming students had clichés in mind when they first came to France and some of them proved right, others proved wrong!

French clichés that turned out to be true

Manasa from India found that French people like good quality food and taking time to indulge rather than have a sandwich while walking from one place to another. Italian student Nicola had always thought that French people were proud of their language and he found out that it was true! Sara, from Belgium, was impressed by the French sense of fashion. As for Seung-Min from South Korea, he was surprised to see that French people really do like wine, to the extent that they even have it with Asian dishes, not just bread and cheese.

Deconstructing clichés about French people and France

Sometimes it only takes a few moments to understand that clichés are simply not true, even though they have been passed on through word-of-mouth or in the media for years. Now let’s see what the international students found was not true about the French. In spite of what is often depicted, Manasa did not think French people were rude at all. Sara quickly noticed that no-one what constantly walking the streets carrying a baguette.

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Tips for incoming students

After spending a semester at EMLV, international students had enough experience to give tips to future incoming students. Pablo from Spain recommends visiting as much of Paris as soon as one arrives because there are so many things to see and do in the capital. Sara’s favourite places to hang out in Paris were République, Le Marais and Bastille. Manasa’s tip is to learn French. Not everyone in Paris speaks English and greeting in French is always highly appreciated. So don’t miss French classes at EMLV! Nicola advises future EMLV students to start looking for accomodation early, for instance on the school’s platform. Seung-Min had one tip: being patient and calming down when dealing with French people who are, according to him, sometimes slow to do things!

The International Relations Department is in charge of welcoming incoming students upon their arrival. They also keep in touch throughout their stay, for instance at get togethers organized on campus.

Are you interested in studying at Paris Business school EMLV? Find out more here.