People ask why I wanted to study abroad in a place where so many other people go. "Why not be the one that did something different?" Well, I will tell you that I don't need to be a special snowflake, Paris is the only option! Why do you think all those other people didn't choose to study abroad in a smaller, more exotic city and pat themselves on the back for walking off the beaten path? Well I will tell you, its because Paris has an energy life like no place you can ever live in. Who doesn't need to have wine and cheese near the Eiffel Tower? Why wouldn't anyone want to sip coffee on a cafe terrace overlooking the Seine? And who in their right mind doesn't think it is an absolute necessity to spend the day walking while gracing the halls of the Louvre? I mean come on, it's called The City of Lights for a reason! I beg anyone to dispute with me why you SHOULDN'T spend a couple months in your fleeing youth studying abroad in Paris and after looking at my list it should be your number one priority.
1. Paris has a rich history.
You're now getting to visit the same places that you read about in history books. And I bet any French cultural or history classes you take here will not be complete without many, many site visits!
2. The diversity
France is a country that is just as diverse as America with people from various racial and ethic backgrounds. If you're open to talking to many different people, odds are you will walk away with knowledge of numerous other cultures in addition to what you learned about living in France.
3. It's perfectly acceptable to enjoy doing nothing.
Because Parisians are masters of the art of living.
4. Parisians talk quietly.
Seriously, why do American's talk so loudly? I know everything about Melissa from work and your no good ex. An entire season of Game of Thrones could be spoiled if I choose to stand next to the wrong person at the bus stop.
5. Paris is a walkable city.
You can get to many places around the city by foot. And honestly, the city is so gorgeous you're going to enjoy just being able to take in all the sights.
6. Paris has a great metro system.
The subways here are so clean, I actually started to miss the subway rats back in New York City that I started to become so fond of. And the trains arrive too fast. No wonder Parisians never seem to have the look of panic on their faces when they miss the train.
7. People can speak English.
Granted you always say "bonjour" and ask people in French if they can speak English. Many people can and will want to help you.
8. The Seine Is The Best Place To Hang Out
The river gives the city life. When you're going through one of your broke stages, nothing beats grabbing a bottle of wine and just chilling on the Seine with your friends.
9. Cheap, cheap wine
Seriously, you can get a whole bottle a wine for just a few euros! Wine can cost you less than certain brands of water! And let's just say I’m always looking for ways to save money.
10. Hot wine
I had never even heard of hot wine until I saw it being sold on the street one day. But after I my taste buds made acquaintance with that delicious cinnamon flavor, it became my go-to drink for the rest of the winter.
11. Cheese becomes a staple in your diet.
How can a meal ever be complete without cheese ever again?
12. French bakeries are made from our dreams.
When you come back to America with your gut bursting through your clothes, there will be no regrets because your carrying 20 pounds of delicious french pastries in your jelly belly.
13. Croissants
No one will be able to judge you for all the croissants you shove down your throat because they can’t resist them either. And for real though, eat all the croissants you can, because all the "croissants" back home aren't even worthy to rest upon your tongue and you will banish that disgrace to the great nation of France from ever entering your mouth again.
14. Crepes
You can have them as either a snack or a meal and it's hard to resist all the choices.
15. Cafe culture
Nothing says Parisian living quite like spending a few hours sipping coffee at a cafe. Whether you are here with a friend or alone, you most definitely will be engaging in one of the Parisian's favorite cafe games, people watching .
16. La Grande Epicerie
On those days your just craving good old American food, you can grab some at a ridiculous price at La Grande Epicerie
17. Paris Fashion Week
Living in the fashion capital of the world has it's benefits. Even if you aren't lucky enough to get a seat to any events, hanging out outside and watching the celebrities and models arrive with the paparazzi going wild is just as thrilling.
18. You do all your shopping in chic little boutiques.
When you come home, no one will be able to copy your style because everything in your new wardrobe is one of a kind.
19. Parisians are sharp dressers.
You'll NEVER catch a Parisian walking outside looking anything but their best. Do your best not to be that American disgracing the streets in your crinkly ass t-shirt and sweat pants! All this pressure to look good will force you to dress to impress as well.
20. No pressure to wear makeup
As fabulous as French women look, they hardly wear any makeup, so why should you!
21. So many museums to visit
And the best thing about the museums is that you get to visit a lot of them for free because you are a student!
22. Street art
And if museums aren't really your thing, you can get your fill of art just by walking down the streets.
23. The gorgeous parks
The parks here are just simply breathtaking. Some times when I when I was walking through them, I honestly forgot that I was still in a city and just got lost in nature.
24. Day trips to Versailles
Versailles is just an hour train ride outside the city! What kind of person comes to Paris and doesn't want to spend a day gazing at themselves in the Hall of Mirrors?
25. Day trips In France
Paris is just the beginning of your journey. The rest of France is easily accessible by train!
26. Even the libraries are awesome.
We know that you’ll never really study, but when you do, you will do it in places like this.
27. The churches
Whether your religious or not, these churches will captivate your soul.
28. The bars
The bar scene is surprisingly chill here.This may of been the first time you could talk in a bar without screaming in the other person's ear.
29. The snooty little doggies
These dogs are so glamour you are too intimidated to even ask to pet them. They most likely have a trust fund and a 401k.
30. Flea markets
Because one man's trash is another man's treasure.
31. You will become a connoisseur of French films.
When literally everyone you try to watch a French film with tells you they don't understand what the hell is going on, tell them they just aren't avant garde enough to appreciate true cinematography.
32. You'll make some bomb ass friends.
Because you couldn't have made it through your journey alone.
33. Parisians are resilient.
No tragedy will every be mightier than their strength.
34. And because everything else about the city is just indescribable
No matter how hard you try, there is something about the city of Paris that you will never be able to put into words.
