What’s it really like to study in Paris? In this interview, we spoke with Emma,* who is spending her autumn semester in Paris. She shares an honest look at the ups and downs of her experience.
Interviewer: Who are you, and where are you currently studying?
Emma: I’m a Master’s student in literature studying in Paris this autumn semester, from September to January. My home university is in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It’s been pretty different so far.
Interviewer: What’s been the biggest culture shock or most surprising thing about studying in Paris compared to Germany?
Emma: Courses in Germany feel much more interactive compared to those in France. Also, I had no choice in what subjects I wanted to take, and French students begin working on their Master’s thesis much earlier—right in the first semester of their master’s degree. But I’m not sure if that’s true for all of France or just my university. I haven’t fully understood how everything works yet to be honest. It also felt strange to me that we always have to show our campus card to be allowed access to the university grounds.
Interviewer: What’s your go-to Parisian spot for relaxing after a long day of classes? A café, a park or – ?
Emma: I’m under 26, and when you’re a resident of the European Union, you can go to many museums in Paris for free. That includes the most famous ones like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. So I usually head to a museum and just stroll around. I want to take advantage of la gratuité while I can.
Interviewer: That’s such a Parisian flex. If you had to choose a painting, what would it be and why?
Emma: Oh, that’s a good question. I don’t have a favorite, but I’ll never forget the portrait of Marie-Anne Detourbay at the Musée d’Orsay. Once, as I was standing in front of it, there was an American family next to me. The little boy asked his mother why the Mona Lisa was more popular than this one, and she replied: “The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.” It made me laugh. It reminded me of a time when one of my professors asked: “Why is Werther a good book?” and a student replied: “Goethe wrote it.”
Interviewer: If you were to give one piece of advice to a future student considering a semester in Paris, what would it be?
Emma: I’d say to take it slow, you know. Paris can be really overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Almost everyone I’ve talked to struggled to adjust during the first few days or even weeks. There’s just so much to figure out—how to get a metro pass, how the metro system works, where it’s worth going, and where to socialize.
Interviewer: That’s solid advice. What’s been your favorite Parisian food discovery so far?
Emma: I’ve eaten way too many crêpes. I would’ve liked to eat macarons more often, but they’re so expensive.
Interviewer: What’s been the most unexpected or funny moment during your time in Paris?
Emma: It snowed at the end of November! Everyone told me I’d never see snow in Paris, especially not before January. But one day, it snowed— it was amazing.
Interviewer: Snow in Paris! Did you make the most of it?
Emma: Well, I took lots of pictures of the Eiffel Tower. I can send them to you if you want.
picture taken by Emma, Paris, 21. November 2024
Interviewer: That would be great, thank you! What was your greatest challenge in Paris?
Emma: I have had two big challenges. The first was making friends. I think most international students make friends in September and October, so I’d say September is the best month to arrive. But I went back to Germany two—no, three—times. Paris is so well connected, and the trains are super fast. It’s only about three hours to reach Mannheim, so I was tempted to go back. I think I missed the crucial time to make friends.
The second challenge was dealing with the administration for international students at my university. I got enrolled in the wrong program, which meant I couldn’t complete course registration. I’m not sure if I’ll actually be able to get credits for the courses I took this semester. But I think my case is a one-off—it doesn’t usually happen. I don’t want to scare anyone off from studying in Paris; it’s a great experience overall. The admin stuff is just… yeah.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly frustrating. I’m sorry that happened to you. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this challenging semester that you’re proud of though?
Emma: I’ve really learned to be independent. Making friends in Paris is hard, even if you don’t miss that crucial time frame like I did. There are just so many people here—you might meet someone once and never see them again. Plus, a lot of people live an hour away from each other. But I’m proud that I’ve learned to spend time alone. I went to so many places on my own, and I would’ve been too anxious to do that before this exchange. I’ve gotten much more relaxed now.
Interviewer: Thank you for the interview Emma.
Emma: It was my pleasure. Also, I have just remembered: To anyone who is planning to study in Paris – I’d recommend starting your search for accommodation as early as possible. It’s a nightmare in Paris.
*name changed