<p>I'm planning on studying abroad this coming spring but I can't decide between Paris and Lyon. I think in terms of the city, I think I'd prefer Paris over Lyon but I've never been to either so I can't really say definitively. I'm really looking more for advice on other aspects as well. The main purpose of going abroad for me is to improve my french, as well as gain valuable cultural experiences. I'm a french minor and I'd really like to just immerse myself in the culture so I can get better at speaking and understanding the language. I'd really appreciate advice especially from people who have been to France and know a little bit about these 2 cities as more than just a tourist since there are a lot of other things to consider when studying abroad than when just visiting for a short period. Any pros and cons to each city would be really helpful, as well as just sharing your experiences studying abroad in one of these 2 cities.</p>
<p>I used to live in France. (Really live and work, not study abroad).</p>
<p>Are you going to be living among French people, finding your own place to live, and paying your own utilities etc? </p>
<p>Or are you going to be on an organised programme through your own uni, living in an international (ie, American) dorm etc?</p>
<p>If the former, you’ll get immersion wherever you are. If the latter, you probably won’t get any immersion wherever you are.</p>
<p>Your main purpose is to improve your French and experience French culture?</p>
<p>Lyon, definitely. I love Paris but I studied abroad in Nantes (to learn French) and it was a great decision. Honestly, Paris is ridiculously international and if your French isn’t great people will start speaking English the minute they hear your accent. This happens less in other cities.</p>
<p>Plus it’s great to have a unique city to “call your own.”</p>
<p>Furthermore - you can visit Paris all you like. It’s not so far from Lyon by train.</p>
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<p>What does this mean? To one-up others in the study abroad anecdote stakes?</p>
<p>I can see it now… “oh you stayed in Paris? Yeah shame you should have gotten out to the real France, like where I was … you know, get away from the tourists and really immerse yourself …”</p>