Parismus: 18 years of truly unique experiences
The association “Parismus” has been welcoming and supporting international students at Sorbonne University since 2007. This dynamic association promotes exchange, discovery and integration through cultural outings, trips, social evenings and editorial projects.
Being part of Parismus means learning from others and sharing what you know in return.
A conversation with Parismus
Could you introduce Parismus and explain how the association came about?
Parismus is a student association at Sorbonne University. Its main goal is to help international students settle in, both within the university and also into life in Paris. We organise numerous events throughout the year including cultural outings every Saturday, regular social gatherings, and trips within France and abroad.
The association currently has forty active members, whose level of involvement varies depending on the time of the academic year. We mainly use Instagram to promote our activities, as well as WhatsApp groups to facilitate mutual support and exchanges between students. We are also on TikTok.
Founded in 2007 by two Master’s students at the Sorbonne, Parismus initially aimed to help French students prepare for their Erasmus placements. Over time, the association has evolved to offer broader support for international student integration, while maintaining its core commitment to cultural exchange and openness.
What activities or projects do you offer to students, and what would you like to develop in the future?
Parismus currently offers a range of activities for students at Sorbonne University. Every weekend, we host walking tours to help students discover different neighbourhoods in Paris. Get-togethers called “Apérismus” are held every other Wednesday to provide an opportunity to socialise and meet new people. Some evenings have a theme to encourage interaction and build connections. For example, at one party, the participants had to find and chat with their “other half”.
The association also organises several trips during the school holidays, both in France (Toulouse, Lyon, the Côte d’Azur…) and abroad, to enable students to discover new places and cultures.
Looking ahead, Parismus plans to relaunch its student newspaper with the support of our innovation team. Building on a past initiative, the publication will feature various sections on student and cultural life to better inform and engage not only our members but also the broader student community.
What does Parismus offer the students who join?
Joining Parismus is an invitation to an enriching personal and cultural journey. We operate like a close-knit family where mutual support and flexibility are paramount; we adapt to everyone’s schedules, making it easy to balance studies with voluntary work.
Membership opens doors to diverse cultures, offering daily learning experiences through exchanges with our team and the international students we host. Beyond just meeting people, getting involved means making a tangible impact on student life and helping others thrive!
It’s also a unique opportunity to rapidly develop new skills, understand university dynamics, and broaden your horizons on both a personal and global scale.
How do you envisage Parismus developing over the coming years?
Looking ahead, we see Parismus continuing to grow and deepening its impact. Building on nearly 18 years of experience, the association has seen a steady rise in participants, subscribers, and engagement, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum.
Our goal is to expand our projects and strengthen cultural exchanges while staying true to our core values: culture and sharing. Parismus will remain a pillar of support for international students - a vibrant space where everyone can meet, learn, and flourish!