Have you ever considered about studying in France? Paris offers you a unique opportunity to discover a town of great cultural richness and enjoy a different student life… definitely an exciting experience!
If you are looking for a unique and enriching experience, a good option may be to study abroad. Have you thought about France? This country offers much more than baguettes and love stories: a centuries-old history reflected in its architecture and traditions, and natural landscapes of great beauty. French people live together with various cultures. You will be able to broaden your vision of the world.
If you are interested in a career in science or business, you should know that French education in these fields enjoys international prestige. For training in fashion, jewelry or perfumes, who better than the country that gave the world brands such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Yves Saint-Laurent … And if your thing is the culinary arts, do not forget the fame of French haute cuisine. Doesn’t it look good to study a short period in France or even do the whole career? It’s easier than you think. In this article we give you the key points you need to know.
Where To Start
One of the first things you will need to investigate is which study centers may be of interest to you. The website of the National Office of Information on French Higher Education, ONISEP, offers you everything you need to know in this regard. Don’t limit yourself to choosing a single university or a single institution. Select a few to apply for enrollment. It is important that you choose several options to increase your chances of getting a place, as you will not be accepted at all of them.
The French System
In France you can study on the one hand at universities, which can be public or private. The private ones are known to offer more practical learning and are well recognized. Of course there are also some public universities that are particularly prestigious, such as the Sorbonne in Paris. In addition to universities, there are specialized private schools in France that offer practical and high quality training and give you access to very attractive studies such as haute cuisine, jewelry or cosmetics.
On the other hand, there are the Grandes Écoles, where the French intellectual elite is traditionally trained. From them have come presidents of government, ministers, heads of large companies… They are very selective schools to which only the most studious and hardest working people gain access.
The level of training is extremely high and takes at least five years in total. Among others, engineering, business or political science studies are offered. Specialized schools award specific degrees for each specialty, which are totally different from university degrees. In fact, you will come across many acronyms that may confuse you. But don’t panic, ask at the schools and they will help you.
Language
The sooner you start preparing, the better. A real knowledge of the language requires a lot of time of dedication and to attend classes at the French University you will be asked to have a high level of the language. When you are an independent student or you want to study a full degree in France, you must pass the language test imposed by the university you are interested in or you must already have the DALF diploma (Diplôme d’approfondissement en langue française). The DALF is an official diploma of the French State with international recognition. In the case of going to study for a year with a scholarship, the level of language required depends on each faculty, although an average knowledge of the language is usually sufficient.
If you do not have French classes in your school or high school, you can choose between several options to study the language. On the one hand, there are the organizations supervised by the French State itself: the French Institute or the Alliance Française. On the other hand, there are several private schools that offer you the option of learning French in Paris with greater flexibility and with a program adapted to your needs.
Scholarships
Moving abroad entails more expenses than usual in everyday life. Moreover, in some areas France is significantly more expensive than in other countries, especially in Paris. Transportation, food and clothing are the most expensive. In order for you to enjoy your stay and not have to worry about money, there are several types of financial aid. It is advisable to start looking for a scholarship at least one year before leaving, because the deadline for the acceptance of scholarship applications is usually well in advance and the paperwork cannot be done overnight.
