Why do so many Americans want to study in Paris?

Today, more than ever, Paris welcomes American students. There are many reasons for this. We can't say that the quality of life in Paris is better, but it is quite different. One of the most attractive aspects of studying in France is the affordability. Since the 1980s, the cost of a university education in the United States has been rising steadily. For reference, the average cost of a bachelor's degree in the US ranges from $10,950 for a degree from a public university, $28,240 for an out-of-state degree and $39,400 for a private education. This is a staggering figure compared with the $8,000 calculated on average for a degree taught in English in France. Yes, there are factors to take into account, namely the cost of travel and living, but even after considering these aspects, the price is simply not comparable to the thousands of dollars needed for American higher education. What's more, masters degrees are more attractive than ever, with every student looking to stand out from the crowd and take their education further. The average cost of a master's degree in France is $14,000 for an average duration of 1.75 years. By comparison, the cost of a master's degree at a public university in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $120,000. For students from large cities who are used to an urban environment, the cost of living is undeniably lower in Paris. Can you find a studio in New York for less than $1,000? I doubt it...

The cultural appeal of Paris is also an important reason. Enjoying a contemporary lure thanks to programmes such as Emily in Paris, the city is widely regarded as welcoming and more relaxed than some urban centres across the Atlantic. For some Americans, coming to Paris represents an escape, a refuge from the frenetic pace of a 100% capitalist society. This is the case of Regan Elena, who came to Paris from Oregon in 2019 to escape the skyrocketing prices in the United States. «When I first came to Paris, it wasn't to study. But I felt at home and quickly realised that it would be a good decision if I wanted to stay. I started at the American University of Paris for a semester before switching to the French system. I had 14 classes a semester and didn't feel up to it at first, but it helped me realise what I really wanted to do. I don't think 19-year-olds really know what they want to study,» explains Elena, who is currently doing a master's degree in French literature at La Sorbonne. For students like Elena, Paris offered a much-needed break, a reminder to slow down, to appreciate. Things that are not often encouraged in the American system.

For those following a different career path, fashion students for example, Paris lends itself well. «I wanted to leave New York and move to Paris because nobody paid well in that city! They didn't have big budgets and nobody really wanted to pay freelancers. So when I was very unhappy at fashion school, I realised that I had to move to France to find a way of earning a better living», explains Sami Claire, who has managed to reconcile her studies and her career, surrounded by opportunities that wouldn't otherwise exist. Thanks to the relationships she has built up and the networking opportunities she has had, Claire now works as a freelancer for the famous hairdresser Guido Palau. Suffice to say, she is convinced that her decision to move to Paris gave her access to more enriching experiences than those available to her in New York. «In France I've found better opportunities, even though I don't speak French very well.» Overcoming the language barrier in France is important, but as long as you try to speak French and do your best, it will help a lot. The abundance of choice is another of the city's attractions. Several Parisian universities offer English language programmes in numerous fields of study. Parson's for fashion, La Sorbonne for the arts, and the list goes on.

On the one hand, most Americans who come to study in Paris go through an American school before going through the French system. On the other, it is possible to go directly to a French school, provided you have a good knowledge of the language. So why do Americans come to study in Paris? Most often because the city is far from monolithic. There are so many different opportunities and paths to choose from that it can become overwhelming. But for those who can make the case for living abroad and mastering a different way of life, the cost of the flight is well worth it. Much more than croissants and wine, it's a way of life celebrated by the French that we don't often see in the States. Life in Paris is not without its problems, of course. But the problems are perhaps more manageable for Americans keen to escape the sometimes stifling nature of the American school system. Whether for cultural, financial or other reasons, the decision to study in Paris is more popular than ever. More and more American universities are opening campuses in the city and French universities are opening their doors to international students. This is good for the French economy, but hopefully also for the State's culture, provided that international students really appreciate the Parisian way of life and do their best to assimilate.