Erasmus in France

I never thought I would live and study in one of the most famous cities in Europe, visited by millions of tourists every year. I live like in a movie, passing by the Eiffel Tower every day and hearing French spoken all around me. Lots of people, lots of action and the city never sleeps.

Where it all began

I knew about the Erasmus program even before I entered university and was really looking forward to this opportunity to go abroad for half a year. I have always been attracted to abroad, and student life abroad - even more so. In my first year, I was eagerly awaiting the selection process. I really wanted to travel somewhere I had never been, so after researching the universities on offer, I wrote down the first two places to the University of Cyprus, and the third to the University of France. And as the title of the article already gave away, I was selected to Dauphine University in Paris!!!

First impressions

Arriving here with two large suitcases, which contained half of my life, I couldn't imagine how I would have to climb the stairs and how to get to my place of residence on the confusing Paris metro. At each step, I would take a deep breath and prepare to carry my suitcases, but before I could lift them, someone would come up with the biggest smile and ask if I needed help. I was very surprised by the people's help and tolerance for my broken French, which I definitely didn't expect given the prevailing stereotypes about the arrogant French.

When I arrived at the university the next day, I couldn't believe how big it was. We at VMU have separate faculties, and here there is just one very large building where all the lectures are held. Later, during the presentation, they told us that it was an old NATO base, which, instead of being demolished, was renovated and turned into a university. It's impressive as long as you don't have to look for a lecture and run through endless corridors to not be late.

Stereotypes don't come out of nowhere.

Since Paris is a big city that everyone in the world knows about, it is inevitable that there are also many stereotypes about the French (or simply "Parisians"):

• Arrogance: I already mentioned that arrogance is a false stereotype, I have never met such friendly people anywhere in the world, and so far I can be glad that I have not met an arrogant Frenchman (piu piu piu);
• “English? Non.”: Of course, the most popular stereotype is that the French don’t speak English. It’s true. A very small percentage of French people speak English, if I’ve met (somewhere outside of English lectures) French students, their English is so broken, with a strong French accent, that it’s not even worth trying to understand.
• Paris is the city of love and romance: well… after living here for two weeks, I can honestly say that it is very difficult to pass by on the street without being spoken to. If you catch a French eye contact, you will very quickly hear “bonjour, mademoiselle”. Of course, I always get lost and just walk away. Awkward, Vilte, strikes again.

Lectures and leisure

When I saw the lecture schedule, I was shocked, because the lectures are 3 hours long and attendance is mandatory. So I felt very spoiled by the VMU routine. It's hard for me to get used to concentrating and sitting in the auditorium for such a long time. However, the lecturers are all very cheerful and interesting, so the time really doesn't pass.

After lectures, it's great to go for a walk, because the university is right next to the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Eiffel Tower. I've already tasted French wines, cheese fondue, and amazing desserts. And the nightlife in Paris is bustling every day, but, of course, there's not that much energy and money.

I am very happy to be here every day, because the impressions, new acquaintances, and good emotions are endless. I believe it will be like this after the first colloquiums.

Author: Vilte Urbonaitė