Convivial Chambéry and Prodigious Paris
Chambéry
by Jihaisse
This article was written by Global Graduates, published on 12th May 2011 and has been read 18263 times.
Alice spent her year abroad in Chambéry and Paris, France. Read on as she fills the year abroad blanks...
My name is: AliceI'm studying: History and French at Exeter
For my year abroad I went to: Chambéry and Paris, France
While I was there I: Studied Lettres Modernes at the Université de Savoie (Chambéry) and undertook a 3 month internship at a property company in Paris.
Five words to describe my year away are: Nerve-wracking, exciting, challenging, confidence-boosting, FUN.
My top tips for anyone going there are: CHAMBÉRY: Ski! Even if you have never done it before, there is no better opportunity to start. Also take advantage of the second hand ski sales that run from October onwards.
True, getting on a bus to a local school hall and splashing between 100 and 200 euros isn’t overly appealing before the snow has even fallen. Trust me though, you'll be glad when you're saving both time and money avoiding ski hire on the slopes. Furthermore, there are some cracking onesies to be found. PARIS: Use every bit of spare time you have, and start sightseeing early. You're in a city, the list of things to see and do is never ending. It still amazes me how quickly time flies, particularly when the working week is spent in the office, and I'm just glad I managed to get a lot done when I first arrived. Top tip to avoid fatigue - rent a Vélib. It's one of the funnest way to get around Paris and getting lost down narrow streets becomes a target.
The cleverest people find accommodation: Early! This is the major issue that causes stress, so try and sort it as soon as you can.
Don't leave without: A camera and a diary. Make sure this is a year to remember.
The best night out is: Paris...You can the best night wherever! The list is never ending. Chambéry - the options are a little more limitées, but no less fun. Whilst Macumba may not live up to its title, it's an achievement to
have been to Europe's biggest nightclub.
When your parents visit: In Chambéry, take them skiing. You deserve to have a plate of €10 frites bought for you at last. In Paris, take them to whatever may interest them more than you. If you follow your visitors,
chances are you'll see things you may never otherwise have seen.
My favourite lunch place: CHAMBÉRY - The boulangerie half way up Bvd. de la Colonne. The stronger the smell of fresh bread, the better the boulangerie. PARIS - lunch in the sun on the Tuileries lawns.
My best place for a hot date: At the top of the Eiffel Tower...If you go for that sort of thing. Annecy, near Chambéry, is just as gorgeous and any romantic atmosphere would be rather less contrived!
On a Sunday: Go to church! It's all about immersing yourself and this is a great way to experience the culture.
The most useful website I found was: There was very little about Chambéry online, except the past experiences recorded by some Exeter students.
If you want to fit in quickly, you should: Not be intimidated. The locals have no idea you've just arrived, for all they know you could be one of them. The beginning is exhausting, but rest assured it will get much easier as you settle in.
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