Post by anondi on May 8, 2012 23:59:38 GMT -5
Hello,
I'm going to be studying abroad for one year in Paris, for a one-year program.
I'm curious as to what are the best options for lodging.
My main options are:
a. crous (public university residences) - they give priority to exchange students though.
b. private university residences (adele, espacil)
c. Cité Internationale Universitaire of Paris - many international students.
d. renting a flat or a studio - may be very expensive.
e. homestay/host family.
So, my chances of getting into a crous residence are small. I'm not a foreign exchange student.
The cite internationale is very foreign-based, therefore, I'm not sure i will be highly immersed into the french language and culture.
Then, when it comes to private university residences, there are usually located in the 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 arr. In this case, I feel more comfortable around downtown, main Paris, and, I dont know the influx of international students in these residences either.
Then, there is homestay. I've heard that this is a great option because you get to be immersed into french customs, the language, etc.
My concern is that I'm 25, and although I've heard that host families will be ok with you arriving late among other things, I still feel uncomfortable about this.
I guess, I'm concerned of ending up with a host family that will make me feel uncomfortable due to my lifestyle. I am young, after all.
On the other hand, it feels as if this option will ease me better into the french culture.
By the way, I adore the international community. As a matter of fact, my studies concern international law, however, knowing international folks like me. We tend to revert to speaking english with one another because it is easier. That's the reason i want to be among french-speaking natives.
What do you think?
Advice is appreciated.
I'm going to be studying abroad for one year in Paris, for a one-year program.
I'm curious as to what are the best options for lodging.
My main options are:
a. crous (public university residences) - they give priority to exchange students though.
b. private university residences (adele, espacil)
c. Cité Internationale Universitaire of Paris - many international students.
d. renting a flat or a studio - may be very expensive.
e. homestay/host family.
So, my chances of getting into a crous residence are small. I'm not a foreign exchange student.
The cite internationale is very foreign-based, therefore, I'm not sure i will be highly immersed into the french language and culture.
Then, when it comes to private university residences, there are usually located in the 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 arr. In this case, I feel more comfortable around downtown, main Paris, and, I dont know the influx of international students in these residences either.
Then, there is homestay. I've heard that this is a great option because you get to be immersed into french customs, the language, etc.
My concern is that I'm 25, and although I've heard that host families will be ok with you arriving late among other things, I still feel uncomfortable about this.
I guess, I'm concerned of ending up with a host family that will make me feel uncomfortable due to my lifestyle. I am young, after all.
On the other hand, it feels as if this option will ease me better into the french culture.
By the way, I adore the international community. As a matter of fact, my studies concern international law, however, knowing international folks like me. We tend to revert to speaking english with one another because it is easier. That's the reason i want to be among french-speaking natives.
What do you think?
Advice is appreciated.
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha