Anonymous asked :
Salut. I was wondering what's a good way to make friends in Paris? I know it may be hard, but I'm hoping not impossible. I'm a 19 year old girl who is going to live in Paris from October 15 to March of next year. Any suggestions? Also, I speak French well, but I'm by no means fluent. I understand more than I can speak. Merci.
Go out as much as possible and try to avoid other Anglophone people. I’m saying this ‘cause foreign students tend to team up and they end up staying together without meeting anyone. So go to concerts, movies, exhibitions… Do that alone if you feel like you can do it, it’s the best way. Don’t hesitate to start the conversation with a French person, try to impose yourself (kindly of course) since French won’t make any effort to get in contact with you.
Also, you can use that website http://www.meetup.com/ to find stuff to do with people you don’t know. There are many groups available, many activities so many chances to get to meet a bunch of cool people!
Try to find info at your French school or university about students groups or associations you could join. That’s a great way to get yourself introduced!
Hope this helps :)
PS : the fact that you’re not completely fluent is not a problem at all. French really don’t care about that: or they’ll try to help you find your words in French or they’ll offer to speak in English. The only “problem” with French is that they stay in their group and they don’t necessarily try to find new friends or to stay in touch with people they meet. It’s your job to maintain the friendships you get by suggesting meetings like movies, cafés, exhibitions, concerts, whatever you’re into. But really, don’t worry about your level in French, it’s more than fine :)
