Study in France
by Genevieve M. Blaber
If you're looking for an educational experience that's anything but run-of-the-mill, and continental to boot, then you might want to consider a study abroad program in France. No matter where you're from -- be it the United States, East Asia, or South America -- you could do well with the one-of-a-kind education that France has to offer.
France, a place of beauty, culture, and history, is known both for its rich urban centers and lovely countryside. In fact, France regularly welcomes a number of tourists to its various ski resorts, beaches, and seaside resorts, as well as various villages and rural areas. It's the perfect place to relax and get in touch with yourself, all while earning the education that can get you places.
A Taste for Paris
What kind of student would do well in France? Most any kind of student! If you recall the class film Sabrina, the titular character takes off to none other than Paris to study the culinary arts -- and why shouldn't she? France has been known for its delectable desserts, charming champagne, and mouth-watering main courses for decades upon decades. There's no reason to settle for a culinary arts school in your neighborhood if you have the means and the drive to study with the best in France, and that's exactly what you can do by choosing to study in France. You'll find yourself being taught by master chefs and bakers from all across the nation.
An Eye for Art
Another type of student that can benefit from studying in France is the art student. With its rich history of filled with decadence, luxury, and bright minds, France is the place to be to study different art movements, be they in the visual or written arts. Visit the best museums that France has to offer, study the language in and out, and appreciate all the centuries of artistic expression that have built up.
A Mind for Style
Of course, when we speak of art we don't only mean the kind you'll find hanging in the museum, we also refer to the art you're bound to see on the runway. Yes, France is the pinnacle of high fashion and is known for birthing many a fad and lasting fashion trend over the years. If you're into fashion design it's certainly the place to go to get an up-close-and-personal look at how the latest in style is born. You'll also have the opportunity to study with fashion designers who have worked in the thick of the industry, all while enjoying the stylish day-to-day life in France.
Why France?
Why not? Why settle for a career school nearby when France offers the same opportunities and so much more? From the culinary arts to fashion design, France is a country known for its stylish contributions to the world. Go there and study with the best in your field as well as stars of tomorrow. Give France a chance and liberate your academic future from mediocrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships available?
The French government, your country's government, and various foundations may offer scholarships or grants for foreign students in France. Sources of financial aid differ depending on your country of residence; contact your French embassy to learn about specific scholarship opportunities.
Can I stay in the country after I have finished studying?
If you want to spend more time in France, you can apply for a three-month tourist visa. If you wish to stay longer and work in France, you'll need to secure a job, obtain a work permit, obtain a long-stay visa, and then apply for a residency card.
Can I work while I am studying?
If you want to work in France, you'll need to obtain a temporary work permit (APT), which costs about 55 euros and is valid for one year. You may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during the summer and holidays. Once you arrive in France, contact the local labor office to apply.
Do I have to speak the country's native language to study there?
French universities require students to possess at least a minimum level of French language comprehension. Plus, learning French is an excellent way to prepare for living and studying in France. English may be the international lingua franca, but in France, French is king.
What are the average tuition and living expenses?
Public institutions of higher education in France ranges from 150 to 900 euros per year; tuition in private institutions ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 euros or more. French law requires foreign students to prove that they have sufficient means to live in France – at least 600 euros per month without working. You should also plan to spend about 1,500 euros during your first month in France.
What are the housing options available?
Foreign students may be able to obtain housing in a university residence hall, depending on the number of spaces available. You may also acquire housing in the private sector, though finding an apartment in the large cities can be difficult. Another option is to live with a French family or work for a French family as an au pair.
What are the visa application requirements?
The conditions for obtaining a short-stay or long-stay student visa are determined by the French consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Click here to find the French embassy nearest you. Beyond a valid passport, you will need proof of admission to a university in France, travel insurance, financial means, and a guarantee of repatriation to your country of residence.
What exams will I need to take to get into schools in this country?
Foreign students must take the "TCF for DAP," an official test of the French Ministry of Education. The three-hour exam, which costs 60 euros, tests written and oral comprehension and written expression in French. Contact the French embassy in your country of residence to find out about exam dates.
What is the application procedure to study in this country?
With the exception of students from the EU and the EEA, those who hold a foreign diploma of completion of secondary studies must submit a preliminary admission application ("dossier blanc") in order to study in France. If you've already begun higher education in your country of residence, you may apply directly to a program of higher education in France with a letter of intention and official transcripts.
