Rome vs. Paris: Which is Better for Study Abroad?

You may know them by their colloquial names, the Eternal City and the City of Light, two iconic European capital cities packed with history, art, breathtaking architecture, out-of-this-world cuisine, fascinating cultures, languages, and so much more. That’s right – we’re diving into studying abroad in Rome vs. Paris.  

Follow along as we detail some interesting fast facts about these two cities and what a CIEE Study Abroad program in either location entails. And heads up, they both guarantee incredible adventures. Off we go!  

Rome vs. Paris: An Overview   

When evaluating Paris vs. Rome for your study abroad program of choice, keep in mind that these cities share some striking similarities.  

For one, when looking at Rome vs. Paris population, as the capitals of their respective countries, Italy and France, Rome is home to nearly 2.9 million people, whereas approximately 2.2 million people reside in Paris. Rome vs. Paris size is another story, with Rome being much larger than Paris at 496 square miles compared to Paris’ 41 square miles. But don’t dwell on that detail – that doesn’t mean there’s less to do in Paris based on the city’s square mileage alone!  

Most people in Rome speak Italian, and unsurprisingly, French is the primary language used in Paris. However, English is commonly used in both cities, so while you may be interested in brushing up on either language, you’ll be just fine navigating Rome vs. Paris as an English speaker. Important to note: Rome is commonly referred to by its Italian name, Roma, which we’ll try to use here to be as authentic as possible (wink-wink).  

One of the most fun facts about both capital cities – the cuisine! Both Paris and Roma are known for their delectable dishes and legendary restaurants. A few must-try meals in these fabulous cities:  

Rome:  

• Pizza Napoletana: Pizza originated in Italy – this is an essential dish to try in the country’s capital 
• Polenta: A creamy corn dish that’s delightful 
• Risotto alla Milanese: A tasty rice meal with saffron and other rich spices 
• Ragù all Bolognese: Pasta and a delicious array of meats and vegetables 
• Arancini: Fried cheese and rice balls – it’s as good as it sounds 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Italy 

Paris:  

• Croissants: This tasty baked treat originated from France – enjoy one at a local café and be blown away 
• Macarons: A delightful and charming dessert 
• Jambon-beurre: A ham sandwich that’s so much more than a ham sandwich 
• Onion Soup: A comforting and delectable French dish 
• Entrecôte Steak and Chips: A traditional French meal 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in France 

And so much more. Your tastebuds will also happily experience your study abroad adventure!  

One last general question you may have as you weigh your study abroad possibilities: Which is safer, Rome or Paris? Both cities are considered generally safe, meaning you can freely enjoy much of what Rome and Paris offer, but it’s a smart idea to exercise a reasonable degree of caution, as you would when visiting any city.  

Think of it like visiting New York City or Los Angeles: You’ll have tons of fun, but you’ll want to keep your personal possessions on your person and avoid certain areas or people who may approach you.  

You’ll be just fine studying abroad in either Roma vs. Paris; just use common sense precautions when you’re there! 

Study Abroad in Rome  

Now, onto the good stuff! What’s it like to study abroad in Rome? Picture it: Thousands of years of art, history, world-famous churches, museums and monuments, like the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, the Colosseum, and so much more. While diving into the old, you’ll also immerse yourself in local, contemporary Italian culture, take fascinating courses in Roman institutions, dine on some of the best foods around the world, and more.  

Studying abroad in Rome is an absolute dream!  

Read More: Why Study Abroad in Rome? Top 5 Reasons  

Fast Facts About Rome  

Take a look at some of fast facts about the Eternal City: 

• Climate: Rome has a Mediterranean climate with warm and hot summers and cool winters (but rarely snow)  
• Location: Rome is located in the middle of Italy, near the Tyrrhenian Sea 
• Currency: The Euro 
• Airport: Rome has two main international airports, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport 
• Local Attraction: Visit the Pantheon. Constructed in 113 – 125 AD, it is the only ancient, intact Roman building 
• Bonus Fact: You’ll see a lot of stray cats in Rome due to a law enacted in the 1990s that makes it illegal to harm or relocate them 

Pretty incredible city, right? 

Best Study Abroad Programs in Rome 

Each of our study abroad programs in Rome are incredible. You have a few institution options depending on the study abroad program of your choice, including CIEE Rome, Roma Tre University, or Libera Università Internazionale degli Sociali “Guido Carli” (LUISS). You’ll dive into courses on virtually endless subjects, study alongside other international students, and have the chance to explore fabulous Rome! Check out our programs below:  

• Summer Global Internships 
• January in Rome  
• Business + Culture  
• Semester in Rome 
• Summer in Rome 
• Open Campus Block 

Read More: The Ultimate Study Abroad Guide to Rome  

EXPLORE ROME PROGRAMS

Study Abroad in Paris   

We’re getting further along in our Roma vs. Paris debate! Now that we’ve discussed Rome, let’s take a closer look at what studying abroad in Paris is like.  

Like Rome, Paris has much to offer; the City of Lights is pure magic. From world-renowned restaurants and boutiques to landmark museums, architecture, and history, Paris is a global cultural epicenter, full of charm, the arts, beauty, and much more. While you journey through this enchanting city, you’ll meet the locals, learn more about Parisian culture, and dive into course materials that will spark your own academic journey.  

Studying abroad in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!  

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Paris  

Fast Facts About Paris 

What better way to learn more about Paris than with a few fun facts?  

• Climate: Paris experiences mostly mild weather throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 45° to 77° 
• Location: Paris is located in the north-central part of France, right along the Seine River 
• Currency: The Euro  
• Airport: Paris has two main international airports, the Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Orly Airport 
• Local Attraction: Feast your eyes on the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and more in one of the world’s most famous museums, the Louvre  
• Bonus Fact: Paris earned the nickname, City of Light, after becoming one of the first cities in Europe to use gas lighting; it’s also a term used to describe its cultural and artistic history 

Paris is a pretty exciting city – to say the least!  

Best Study Abroad Programs in Paris  

You can’t go wrong with any CIEE study abroad program in Paris – they’re all excellent. Each program includes fantastic cultural excursions and the opportunity to study at either CIEE Paris or the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle. Your Paris study abroad program will have you exploring exciting topics in the classroom and beyond! Plus, a view of the Eiffel Tower – does it get any better than that?  

Note some of our programs here:  

• Liberal Arts 
• Summer Contemporary Music Creation + Critique  
• Summer Global Internship  
• January in Paris 
• Summer in Paris 
• Semester in Paris 
• Business + Culture 
• Open Campus Block 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Paris  

EXPLORE PARIS PROGRAMS 

Which is Better for You? Rome or Paris?  

When weighing your Rome vs. Paris study abroad options, you can see there’s a lot to love about both cities. The good news is you can’t go wrong with either option. The less good news is that it makes your choice between the two iconic capitals even more challenging.  

Try choosing a program in Paris vs. Rome based on your goals – if you’ve always wanted to learn French, studying abroad in Paris is the obvious choice. Rome is your best bet if you’re an enthusiastic historian and have always wanted to feast your eyes on ancient ruins.   

Peruse our course options and cultural excursion opportunities in each study abroad program in Rome and Paris to help you decide. And remember, you’re going to have the time of your life in either city! We can’t wait for you to get started.  

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