University of Paris Cité

About: 

Formerly two separate universities (Paris Diderot and Paris Descartes) the University of Paris Cité is located in the 13th arrondissement, in the Paris Rive Gauche neighbourhood. The university has a student population of around 63,000. It is a founding member of the academic and research alliance Sorbonne Paris Cité, an organisation bringing together four of Paris's most prestigious higher education institutions.

Highlights: 

The University of Paris Cité boasts two Nobel Prize laureates and two former French ministers of Education among its alumni. Located in the capital of France, the university is at the heart of the exciting and vibrant pace of life in a big city.  The many art galleries, gardens, restaurants, cafés, historic sights and theatres of Paris will mean you will never be lost for things to do and enjoy. With its multiple train stations dotted across the city, Paris is extremely well connected for travelling around France.

Location: 

13th arrondissement, Paris, France

Courses / Modules: 

Students belong to the Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Etudes Anglophones, who provide details of their module options for exchange students 

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  University of Paris uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.  

Teaching Periods: 

The year is split into two semesters. The first semester is from September until December and the second is from January to May. There is a two week Christmas break and a two week Easter break. Halfway through each semester there is a one week holiday, like a half-term.

The exams for the modules taught in the first semester take place in the final week and the first week back in January. The exams for the second semester take place in May over two weeks.

Language: 

Most modules are taught in French, and B1 French is generally required for this exchange.   It is possible for students to take a full credit load of 60 ECTS in modules taught in English at the UFR Etudes Anglophones, but please bear in mind that the choice of modules will be more limited, and students still require a good command of French to deal with administration and everyday life in Paris.

It may be possible to take French language classes during your placement - you should check with your department whether you can take these courses for credit.

Accommodation: 

Finding accommodation in Paris, as with many capital cities, can be challenging and the University of Paris Cité Accommodation page sets out some of the options for students to consider, including applying for a place in a university residence run by the organisation CROUS,  or using their suggested platforms to find private sector accommodation.  

Costs are typically around 450 to 500 EUR per month in a student residence but can vary.  The average monthly rent in Paris for private accommodation can be between 600 and 900 EUR.  Applications for university residences usually have to be made in January-May  for courses starting in September, and you will be asked to indicate on your exchange application if you want to apply for accommodation.     

Support Services: 

The Exchange coordinator for UFR Etudes Anglophones can provide advice on academic matters and runs introductory sessions for exchange students at the start of term.  The full range of services available to students at the University of Paris Cité is set out on their student page La Box des étudiants d'Université de Paris

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in France.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for France and its Living in France guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.  UK passport holders planning studies in France can also refer to France-Visas for more information .

University of Paris Cité,  Campus France and the France-Visas webpages also provide information on visas and residency permits.

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Guidance on health insurance is also provided by the University of Paris. 

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Liberty, Paris, 2017/18

"I can wholeheartedly say that my year abroad experience has been fantastic, something that I'm aware not everyone can say after this experience. Of course, I've had my fair share of difficult situations but I feel very lucky to have genuinely enjoyed this year so much that it's completely changed how I'd like to live my future. For my first semester, although I didn't have quite so many friends and I got a job outside of my Erasmus placement which was far too demanding, I fell in love with the city and lifestyle I was able to live and just waking up in Paris each morning made me incredibly happy. Most of all, I was over the moon with how my French developed and I felt like I'd made the progress I'd hoped I would."

• International Students at University of Paris

• Welcoming International Students at University of Paris

• Student information at University of Paris

• University of Paris Fact Sheet

• Campus France: Welcome to Paris and Ile de France

• A student-to-student Guide for Living in Paris

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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