6 Tips For Studying Abroad In France

Studying abroad in France is the best way to immerse yourself in the French culture and lifestyle, while also improving your French language skills.

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages is the high quality of education.

France has a lot to offer international students, from iconic cultural sites to buzzing nightspots to top-class educational institutions.

If you’re aiming to make the leap and settle in France to study, there are several factors to take into account – from obtaining the right visa to sorting out where to live.

These Are The 6 Tips For Studying Abroad In France

Getting international experience, improving language skills, and acquiring soft skills are among the reasons why many students wish to study abroad. Welcome to France!

1. Enjoy Activities Outside Of Your Host University

Your academic stay in France will be an adventure, a dream opportunity to discover France and enjoy French student life.

Joining clubs and organizations that align with your interests offers a unique opportunity to meet and interact with local students.

Most French students go to their university just for their studies. Please make plans to enjoy the same activities that you like back home.

Like dancing? If you’re at a lower level in French, any class in dance, yoga, rock climbing, etc. is a great way to hear and use simpler vocabulary while meeting people who by definition share at least one of your interests.

2. Go On Dates

French men and women prefer to meet people through their social circles, they rarely go on blind dates and prefer to get to know each other in person

Picking up someone at a bar, and going on a date with them is highly unlikely.

Going on dates doesn’t mean you’re dating that person. · Having dinner with someone is normal.

But in France, there’s no such thing as casual dating. So if you’ve been on a few dates with someone you like: Congrats! They probably like you too.

3. Reach Out To People Who Don’t Speak English

There is a common saying online, that French people find it rude if you speak English when you are in France.

The truth is, there are many reasons that French people don’t like speaking English with foreigners. It’s easy to say this is because they think English is rude, but there are many other reasons for it.

It’s better for your language skills if you socialize with French people who speak little to no English.

Having a group of friends that has no desire and little ability to speak English will ensure that you’re forced to make progress with your French.

4. Make Friends

One of the best ways to make friends in France is to get involved in local activities or groups. This way, you’ll be meeting people.

Make friends with students from other Francophone countries.

Most people will arrive not knowing anyone so don’t think that you’re alone. Make the first move.

French people can be awful at starting up conversations, even when they might really like to, since French culture mandates a certain amount of inhibition about chatting up people without an introduction.

If you take that first step yourself, you might meet some lovely people who are quite excited to talk to a foreign student.

5. Practice Your Language Skills As Often As Possible And Eat French Food

It’s easy to practice French while studying abroad in France.

Speaking the language is a good idea when journeying in general, but when you study abroad in France it’s a must.

The French are very proud of their culture and their language and have been known to pretend to not know English when tourists don’t try to speak French.

The more you practice, the quicker you’ll become comfortable in a foreign country, so why not speak the language while you study abroad?

France will be more exciting if you get to know it through language. Every word uttered in French = pure magic.

Order food and drinks in French
Ask for directions to a museum — in French
Make friends with local students and start a little language exchange
Live with a host family
Watch TV and movies in French

6. Know What It Cost To Study At French Universities And Their Cost Of Living

Before applying to study in France, one important thing you must know is how much it cost to live there and how much it cost to study there, so you don’t end up hanging your shoes above your shoulders.

Registration via Parcoursup is free. Public universities only charge an enrollment fee that is quite low.

The enrollment fee for studying a Licence at a public university was EUR 184 per year in 2017-2018. However, at private universities, the tuition fee is usually significantly higher. See the university’s website for more information and to ask for possible scholarships!

License (bachelor): € 184 (for one year)

Master: € 256 (for one year)

Engineering program: € 610 (for one year at Ecole d’ingenieur)

Doctorate: € 391 (for one year)

When it comes to cost of living, let’s give you an idea of how much you might spend in a month in US dollar, here are the costs for running an apartment for two people:

Rent — $800 to $1,200
Electricity — $48
Groceries (incl. wine) — $600
Landline rental fee (excluding call costs) — $21
Gas for heating/stove — $59
Internet — $32
Transportation (car maintenance plus diesel/petrol) — $175
Cell Phone plan (excl. phone handset itself) — $20
Regular purchases of coffee/croissants/baguettes — $80
Ticket for the movies — $19
Health insurance top up (hospital-only plan) — $29
Lunch for two with wine five times a month — $200

Monthly Total:

$2,083 to $2,483

Conclusion

In conclusion, everyone will have a little different adventure abroad, which is part of what makes it so unique.

You get to choose a program and a country that speaks to you and your passions, and what better place to find that passion than France?

The country has a lofty reputation, so you just have to find out if it’s worth all the hype. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed in what you find.

Good luck!