View our NYU in Paris photo gallery to see images of the program and city.
The City
One of the most captivating cities in Europe, Paris retains its timeless legacy as an artistic, intellectual, and literary pacesetter. The Eiffel Tower, symbol of the city, dominates the skyline. On the north of the Seine, the Right Bank is home to monumental buildings, grand boulevards, and major museums, including the Louvre and Beaubourg. The Left Bank (rive gauche) invokes a Bohemian and intellectual atmosphere with its university communities, cafés, restaurants, jazz clubs, and chic boutiques.
Students at the NYU in Paris Center have the opportunity to explore all the artistic treasures and cultural landmarks the city has to offer, including Sacré-Coeur at Montmartre; Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Ile de La Cité; the Jardin des Tuileries; and the world's most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Elysées.
Climate
Students are urged to travel light but to bring warm clothing to Paris. Clothing which can be easily layered is your best bet for remaining comfortable throughout the seasons you'll experience during a semester abroad. Although winter temperatures seldom drop below 30°F, it is frequently cool and rainy.
Customs and Culture
The French language has two ways of saying you: “tu” (known as “tutoiement” for people you know very well in the singular, children and animals) and “vous” (“vouvoiement”, the formal and plural form), which can be quite confusing at first. To avoid any awkward social situations it’s always a good rule to start with “vous”. When the other person uses the “tu” form, you can do the same. The work place is still considered a formal environment for many and it’s common to hear ‘vous’ used at the office, although saying ‘tu’ has begun, but you always say ‘vous’ to people outside the company. In families, some parents still expect to use ‘vous’ between children/parents and when encountering an elderly person in daily life it’s best to use ‘vous’ to as a sign of respect.
Typical weekdays start at about 7 a.m. in Paris or even a little earlier. Parisians normally have breakfast together and children are taken to school by car if necessary. In Paris, schools are very close, so children go on their own. When children return home at about 5 p.m. they often have their mother waiting for them or, if she works, to a babysitter. Dinner is often eaten as a family at around 8 p.m.
Each country has its own particular attitude towards tipping for service, and you’ll find that rule to hold true in Paris. In taxis it is customary (but in no sense obligatory) to give the driver something. Usually 10% is enough, or somewhat less for longer trips. In restaurants, service (15%) is included in the bill. However, it is customary to leave a tip if you found service satisfactory. The standard is to add 5% of the bill amount. In prestigious restaurants it is also customary to tip the person who brings you coats from the cloakroom. €2 is usually enough. Service is included in the bill in cafés just like in restaurants. A small tip is however customary. Generally add 5% of the amount.