Université Panthéon-Sorbonne: Paris I

Since I have not lived in residence, I can give very little information on it. I have visited "Canada House," a residence at the Cité Universitaire open to Canadian students. Rooms are small and uncomfortable, not unlike Canadian residences. There is a lovely park nearby, and the cost is considerably cheaper than living alone. As far as I've heard, the food is decent and the administration is not too helpful, as is normally the case in France. The university residence may be your best bet for the first year and/or semester if you can deal with living in a rickety apartment in the suburbs of the city and devoid of the same independance/"alone-time" that you would receive at home. However, renting an apartment as a foreign student in France is administrative hell, and you must be prepared. A foreign student will need proof of financial stability, and a real estate agent/landlord will ask that you produce proof of a "caution." This is a guarantee from a bank or a person living in France stating that if you are to leave the country without paying rental fees, someone will b willing to pick up the tab. Unless you have family living in France who are willing to support you in this, it will be extraordinarily difficult for you to do this through a bank. Most banks don't like to take on the responsibility and will often refuse to even open an account for you. (You cannot open an account without an adress, and you can't rent an apartment without a bank account. This is a typically hellish circle that you will find yourself in extremely often during your stay in France)If you manage to find a bank that will offer you a caution (try the CCF or Barclay's if you're British)you must wire transfer *up front* and *entire year's worth of rent* to the bank. This money will be placed in a locked account (it gains interest) and will be used as your guarantee. In addition to this immense sum, you must pay your monthly rent to your landlord/real estate agent. In sum, it is an extremely inconvient, difficult process and requires a large amount of paperwork. BE PREPARED. Be sure to bring pay slips and proof of some kind of financial stability when you are coming here. If you seek an apartment through an independant person, you will receive a lot more leeway. If you can get a parent to cosign or to come with you, you'll get extra bonus points, from concerned landlords.

My favourite place: The Moose - 16, rue des Quatre Vents(Canadian bar - North American atmosphere, great English-speaking staff, home for many expats and foreigners. They stay open late for Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, etc.. All the fun stuff that you'll never get on cable tv.) The Violon Dingue - Nightpub, open until 5am. The lower floor will make you feel like you're drinking in the catacombs. Very French, very "student." The entire Latin Quarter is an incredible experience. Lots of partying, used book stores, student cafés with tables in the sun, cobblestone streets, etc. A very student-dominated area with lots of personality. Paris is an exicting social hub and you are guaranteed a wonderful time no matter what your tastes. Swanky bars serving massive, decorate cocktails and playing funky tunes are everywhere, Salsa bars, jazz clubs, and outdoor festivals are in abundance and are very festive. Theatrical offerings are constant, classical concerts are played every single night all over town, and picnics in the gorgeous expanses of green parks are a heavenly experience. Don't wait until the last week of your stay to profit from the museums - you get special prices as a student, and when you're walking in the park of the Rodin museum, it will help motivate you during your studies as you remember why you decided to study in such a phenomenal city.

In summary, I believe my review sounds a little negative, but I have tried to remain honest about what prospective students can expect. Studying at the Sorbonne for the sake of a degree is not a walk in the park, and the administrative difficulties you will encounter will be massive if you are going on this venture independantly and are not prepared. Research, research, research.... As a language-study séjour, you cannot pick a better place. Because I had so many legal and administrative problems of my own when moving to Paris to study, I am extremely willing to offer help to other students who might be going through the same thing. I have been living here for three and a half years as a foreign student and may be able to give some insight on studying abroad at the Sorbonne. Don't hesitate to contact me.

ninguno

As a law student, I had to learn the judicial vocabulary in addition to brushing up on my French grammar. Legal essays in French were a great difficulty for me in my academic studies. Teachers will often give foreign students some leeway if they make mistakes. Additionally, on final exams you are given the opportunity to specify whether you are a foreign student or not, which is extremely helpful in the case of difficulties with the language.