Eight reasons to study abroad in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, has attracted travelers, artists, and scholars from around the world to its shores for centuries. Beyond its iconic landmarks, world-renowned art galleries, and exquisite cuisine, Paris stands out as one of the most exciting study-abroad destinations for international students. France was ranked as the 6th country in the world for international student enrollments, with these students comprising 14% of the total higher education population in the country. By choosing to study abroad in Paris, you are signing up for a lifestyle that blends Parisian culture, immersive learning, and professional opportunities into a truly global experience. Join us to learn about why you should study abroad in Paris. 

1. Explore a global city with a rich cultural heritage 

Paris was the largest city in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was the religious and commercial center where Gothic-style architecture was born. As the years progressed, Paris has remained a global icon of culture and history. If you choose to study abroad in Paris, you will be surrounded by celebrated art, innovative architecture, and history at every turn. You can experience the city's vibrant art scene by visiting museums like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Petit Palais, and visit famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, that offer a glimpse of the city’s rich history. 

2. Pursue high-quality education at international universities 

France has upheld high academic standards for centuries. In fact, Paris is home to some of the most prestigious universities and institutions in the world, such as Schiller International University (SIU). We offer a diverse range of programs in various fields tailored to meet the requirements of international students. At Schiller, you will be part of a diverse community of students and academics who value knowledge, research, and intellectual growth. We have also partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) for some of our master's courses in France. They are: 

MA International Relations and Diploma (IRD) (with UNITAR) 

MSc in Sustainability Management 

3. Discover professional networking opportunities 

85% of the roles are filled through networking. As an international student studying abroad, networking should be a big part of your plan. The professional connections you will make can one day lead to future job opportunities, internships or mentorships. If you study in Paris, you can attend global events, seminars and summits hosted around the city. Thanks to a well-developed public transportation system, you can even visit neighboring cities in France and participate in exclusive networking events to meet leaders in various industries. 

4. Travel to various countries across Europe 

Paris is the heart of Europe, which makes it a prime destination for international students who want to travel and explore other parts of the continent. You can easily visit neighboring countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy. These weekend or mid-break excursions to different countries in Europe will help you broaden your understanding of European culture, meet people from diverse backgrounds, explore historic neighborhoods and experience new adventures. Living and studying abroad in Paris will help you enhance not only your academic knowledge but also your personal growth. 

5. Engage with students from diverse backgrounds 

Paris is one of the most diverse cities in the world, attracting students from all over the world. In the academic year 2023-24, over 430,466 international students registered in French higher education. This diversity is a great way for you to engage with students from different backgrounds and learn about other cultures. Living and studying in Paris will help you improve your cross-cultural understanding. It will also help you build lifelong friendships and prepare for a global career where you will have to work with colleagues and clients from different cultures. 

6. Learn the most romantic language in the world 

The French language is considered the language of love and the most romantic language in the world. Not only is it because of how soothing it sounds but also because many famous poems and novels were initially written in French and slowly spread all over Europe. French is also among the most widely spoken languages in the world and is one of the official languages of countless international organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, and the International Olympic Committee. If you choose to study abroad in Paris, you will have the opportunity to learn and improve your French language skills. 

7. Indulge in endless culinary experiences 

Paris is a paradise for food lovers. From street food such as crepes, baguette sandwiches and empanadas to Michelin-starred restaurants like Benoit, Sola, Atelier Maître Albert and Odette, you will have an incredible range of dining options to choose from. As a student in Paris, you will have the chance to experience authentic French cuisine every single day. You can enjoy fresh croissants, macarons, or pain au chocolat from a local bakery with your morning coffee or indulge in fine dining with a soothing ambience and hearty meals on special occasions. Culinary experiences in Paris can also help you bond with your peers. You can share meals with classmates, explore local markets together, or enjoy street kebabs while walking along the Seine after your classes. 

8. Experience a vibrant social and nightlife scene 

No matter the time of year, Paris is always full of life, especially at night. From chic rooftop bars to cozy jazz clubs, you can experience the vibrant social and nightlife scene while studying in Paris. Enjoy a late-night movie at Pathé La Villette, take a night cruise along the Seine River to see Paris illuminated, or sign up for a “Night at the Musée Grévin,” which offers a guided tour of the Louvre during the quiet hours to appreciate stunning art. Whether you prefer art, karaoke nights, or background lounge music while dining, Paris has something for every taste. Take this unique opportunity to socialize and make new friends at university events, local hangouts or cultural festivals happening in the city all year round. 

Become a part of an international start-up hub 

Most students choose to study in Paris to pursue higher education because of the global career opportunities it offers. In 2021, President Macron announced a commitment of €30 billion to developing "high-tech champions of the future," which is expected to create a multitude of job openings in sectors such as robotics, semiconductors, electric cars, and both nuclear and renewable energy sources. The presence of numerous multinational corporations and international organizations with headquarters in Paris also further enhances these opportunities. With the rise in entrepreneurship, emerging start-ups also offer numerous opportunities for recent graduates fluent in French to begin their careers with them. By considering the various courses offered at Schiller International University, you can prepare yourself for a competitive global job market. Join us to enhance your academic knowledge and develop practical skills to launch a successful international career.