Where is it safe for an american student to live in il de france (beside paris)?

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Rillifane

I suggest you consult CROUS (Centre rÃ©gional des oeuvres universitaires et scolaires), the organization which assists students in various ways including advising as to lodging.The website for the Paris branch is http://www.crous-paris.fr/

I also second the remarks made by Wise Owl. The French are far more formal about language than Americans. Don't make yourself look foolish.

WISE OWL

My daughter rented a two room flat in Rosny-sous-bois for three years as an undergraduate, then for another two in Le Perreux whilst doing her PhD. Both were ordinary areas with a cross section of population. My nieces and nephews did likewise in northern Saint-Denis and western Aulnay-sous-bois. She NEVER had any problems and neither did they.
Except in the high rise council-flat cities where there are many unemployed youngsters who indulge in gang warfare, Paris is as safe, if not much safer than New York. There is some petty thieving and you have to watch your bag in the underground and at tourist spots, mostly because of gypsies from Eastern Europe or immigrants from Arabic or African countries who are light fingered, but this is very much like in all other capitals.

The ÃŽIe de France is a very wide area but there are some peaceful villages and towns within close commuting distance of Paris. You have to bear in mind that many of these are lived in by wealthier people who like the proximity of Paris whilst enjoying the peace of the country, so rented accomodation there is scarce and at a premium. I do not know where you got the idea that Paris and Parisian suburbia are "unsafe". To a large extent any youngster who mixes with the wrong sort of people can be at risk anywhere, witness what happened at the peaceful University of Perugia in Italy last year.

There are numerous "Foyers de jeunesse" that offer very decent and safe accomodation to students and are doted all around Paris too.
As an exchange University lecturer, I am more concerned about how you will cope with your studies, judging by the English which you have used in your question, than for your personal safety. If your French is of the same quality, you will have severe problems as French studies are rigourous, and correct punctuation, terminology and spelling are demanded from all students whatever their nationality.

AndreasD72

Comparing France with USA, France is really save for anyone, equal if American or other foreigner. Perhaps east of Paris there are more white French then in north or south. Areas dominated by arabs, blacks or jewish are cheaper.

Mattea

As a young american traveler, I have found that people way over-do it on the whole safety thing. I was warned so many times about traveling alone because i am A. under 20, B, American, and C. a woman. People are actually way easier to deal with. Most places will bargain with you for a cheaper price. Avoid major touristy places, they are more expensive, and you don't get as much of a true experience.

volcanicbasement

call Jacques. He give you goood rate. THe price is always right.

Katie

Bonjourrrrrrrrr, yah cheese-eatin' surrender monkeys!

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