As you will notice right away, life in Paris is different from life in the US Some differences are subtle, such as the sound of the telephone ringing, while other changes will be more striking. Most things look, sound and smell differently. The sooner you begin to acclimate yourself to the French lifestyle, the sooner you will feel comfortable in your new environment. Discovering these differences is one of the joys of a European adventure. You will learn to appreciate the French way of doing things, and before you know it, you'll fit right in! By experiencing life in France, you will gain a much greater understanding of the French and their culture, as well as a new outlook on your own American heritage.

Paris is known for its romanticism, fashion, food, art and culture. As one of the largest cities in Europe and the French capital, it is also a political and economic hub, therefore a natural host for international residents, students and visitors alike. Despite its diversity, Paris very much retains and exudes its Parisian attitudes, way of life, and nuances. It is a modern fast-paced city within a culture that still enjoys its leisure activities and values its history and identity.

HOW WILL I IMPROVE MY FRENCH?
Perhaps the most gratifying part of living in France will be the thrill of learning to communicate in another language. The ability to comprehend ordinary speech and participate in conversations is usually the main goal of students going to France. The entire country will, in a sense, serve as a classroom and you will learn from the people you see and interact with each day.

That said, it may be intimidating to practice your French at first, due to the fast-paced way of life. Do not let this discourage you, however, as you will find that most French people will greatly appreciate your efforts to speak their language. The formal language courses you take will deepen your understanding of what you hear, see, and read around you and teach you various strategies for communicating with others. It is important to take advantage of these lessons and practice them in real-life situations while living in Paris!

Paris has endless sites for international visitors to explore. Divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, Paris is a city with lots of character and diversity. Each arrondissement is numbered, with the 1st starting at Ile de la Cite, where "point zero" of Paris (as well as Notre Dame) is found. From here, the arrondissements continue in a snail-like fasion up to number 20. It is easy to know in which arrondissement, or "quartier" you are, as all street signs note the arrondissement number. On any given street sign, you will see the name of the road with the district number just above it. The famed Sorbonne that lies in the Latin Quarter, for example, is found in the 5th arrondissement. As the main building of the Sorbonne lies on rue de la Sorbonne, you will see this street sign with "Arr. 5e" above it; "Arr" meaning arrondissement.

As a general guide, read below short descriptions of some different arrondissements that make up the diverse personality of Paris.

1st - As noted above, this is "point zero" of Paris, where the city was founded, and that is home to the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries gardens, the Prefecture, and much more.

3rd - The famed "Centre Pompidou" is found here, just north of Hotel de Ville, found in the 4th district.

5th - Once the "academic soul" of Paris, this is where the Sorbonne was founded, and where the main university center is located. This is one of the most famous parts of Paris, which is widely known as the Latin Quarter.

6th - Just as the 5th is more widely known as the Latin Quarter, the 6th arrondissement is referred to as "St Germain des-Pres." One of the oldest churches is found in this quarter, and is home to several upscale boutiques. This area was once the hot-spot for writers, including Ernest Hemmingway.

7th - Aside from its quiet, wealthy residential areas, this quarter is home to the Eiffel Tower.

8th - From Place de la Concorde to just in front of the Arc de Troimph runs the Chams Elysee, along which high-end shops are found as well as the Grand Palais.

9th - Home to the Paris Opera, or Palais Garnier, the southern part of this district is very chic. Just north of this area within the same district, you will also find Place Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge.

14ème - Montparnasse, the tallest skyscraper in Paris is located in this district, along with several cafes, boutiques and a main train station.

18ème - Otherwise known as Montmartre, this is a hot-spot for artist and tourists alike, as well as being a very old and expensive residential neighborhood of Paris. It is also the location of the Sacre Coeur.

Bonjour Hello/Good morning
Bonne journée (Have a) good day
Bonsoir Good evening
Bonne soirée (Have a) good night
Au revoir Goodbye

Comment ça va? How's it going?
Comment allez-vous? How are you? (Formal)
Comment vous-appelez vous? What is your name? (Formal)
Comment tu t'appelles? What is your name? (Informal)

Où se trouve le/la...? Where is the...?
Où se trouvent/sont les toilettes? Where are the restrooms?
Quelle heure est-il? What time is it?

Est-ce que vous comprennez? Do you understand?
Je ne comprends pas. I don't understand.
Parlez-vous anglais? Do you speak English?
Je ne parle pas français. I don't speak French

Je voudrais... I would like...
Excusez-moi. Excuse me.
Pardon. Excuse me. (when cutting through a crowd)
C'est important/urgent. It's important/urgent.
Attention! Caution! /Look out!
L'addition s'il vous plaît. Check, please.
Je suis végétarien(ne). I am a vegetarian.