my concerns and worries....It is my second month in Paris already. I’m finally ready to write about my fears before the departure and the reality I had to face. It was like yesterday when I arrived to Paris for the first time, was sitting in the train heading to the city centre...let me tell you my biggest concerns and things I've looked forward to. | Paris trains. |
1. accommodation
I though I was lucky that I found a studio for 350 e. I mean I was lucky, but the flat wasn't nice, also me and my flatmate, we had several problems and the landlord did not care a lot. But you know, in Paris the average price for the accommodation is 600 e. and more. It is not hard to find something, it is hard to find something for the reasonable price moreover, you know, you will also have different expenses. I have been searching for a flat maybe 2 - 3 months before the departure, where:
I though I was lucky that I found a studio for 350 e. I mean I was lucky, but the flat wasn't nice, also me and my flatmate, we had several problems and the landlord did not care a lot. But you know, in Paris the average price for the accommodation is 600 e. and more. It is not hard to find something, it is hard to find something for the reasonable price moreover, you know, you will also have different expenses. I have been searching for a flat maybe 2 - 3 months before the departure, where:
- www.appartager.com
- www.e-colocation.fr
- Facebook: colocation à Paris, Flat for rent in Paris.
- ex exchange students
- www.airbnb.co.uk
My first flat in Paris.
As you can imagine, you cannot live in these conditions for a long time, once I came back from my "midterm" one week holidays from Czech Rep., we have moved away. In one day, we found a new beautiful flat in La Défense which is is Paris Metropolitan area. The flat costs 1200e. but we have one more roommate Hemlata from India working in Paris, doing e-business. | Flatmates xx |
My new flat.
Behind my flat.
2. language
As you prob know French people do not consider English as an important language to speak in their own country. They are really proud to be French, of course, but in some situations, they could put aside their pride and be helpful instead. They usually understand English but they don't want to speak. I really try hard to speak French, I learn, I watch French movies and listen to their music. But still, sometimes you need English language support.
3. French man
Ok this fear is gone. Girls, boys, there is always someone inviting you for a cup of coffee :D.
As you prob know French people do not consider English as an important language to speak in their own country. They are really proud to be French, of course, but in some situations, they could put aside their pride and be helpful instead. They usually understand English but they don't want to speak. I really try hard to speak French, I learn, I watch French movies and listen to their music. But still, sometimes you need English language support.
3. French man
Ok this fear is gone. Girls, boys, there is always someone inviting you for a cup of coffee :D.
what can i gain from the exchange?
1. New friends
Something that has to happen. I hate being alone, going somewhere alone and only friends or new people can warm my blood up! And I love it! I have met people from Afghanistan, Russia, Israel, Holland, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, China, Iceland, USA, Italy, Spain, Mexico and of course France. And they are my fellows in the class.
Something that has to happen. I hate being alone, going somewhere alone and only friends or new people can warm my blood up! And I love it! I have met people from Afghanistan, Russia, Israel, Holland, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, China, Iceland, USA, Italy, Spain, Mexico and of course France. And they are my fellows in the class.
Picnic time in Parc Monceau.
2. Food!
French are foodie people. Everything is fresh and tasty with great wine included. I think I will have all one section about French food in my blog soon. Every day I try to eat something new.
French are foodie people. Everything is fresh and tasty with great wine included. I think I will have all one section about French food in my blog soon. Every day I try to eat something new.
Something from French cuisine.
3. New inspiration
Paris is a powerful city. You can take metro line 1 - 14 and always when you get out into the street, it is so different, every part of Paris is unique and after a while you will be bored from the touristic attractions and will seek to find something special. One erasmus is definitely not enough time for discovering whole city but it makes you feel confident and rich in terms of experience and fun you had!
Paris is a powerful city. You can take metro line 1 - 14 and always when you get out into the street, it is so different, every part of Paris is unique and after a while you will be bored from the touristic attractions and will seek to find something special. One erasmus is definitely not enough time for discovering whole city but it makes you feel confident and rich in terms of experience and fun you had!