France – Aller à Study Abroad

So, you want to study in France. Maybe it’s been a lifelong dream. Maybe you visited and can’t wait to get back. Maybe you love the language. Maybe you love baguettes. Maybe you’re ready for something new and spontaneous, and when you spun the globe, your finger landed on France. Whatever your reason, this article will help you find your way.

Program Options

I’ve been to France several times, each visit longer than the one before.  My journeys began with a 10-day tour, which led to a summer-long immersion program, and then a full semester program at a French university. Whatever type of program you’re considering, or length of time you have right now, don’t hesitate for a moment. You will find your way, as one step leads to another. Ready to make the plunge?

Language schools are a great way to go. You can enroll directly, or through an exchange with your home university. It may be more cost effective to enroll directly, but will also require more work on your end. Some schools offer assistance with accommodation (housing), which is helpful if you’ve never been to the area before. You can find schools that run classes weekly, especially over the summer, or by semester.

If your language skills are up for it, you can also take classes directly from a French University, and immerse yourself with native students in classes taught entirely in French. Some Universities also offer classes in French for non-native speakers. 

Looking for a longer stay? If you have a background in the language, you might consider the French Assistantship Program. This program, run by the French Government, places native English speakers in French schools as teaching assistants. Applicants typically apply by January of the year they begin working, and all positions begin with the school year in September.

Language Immersion

Identifying your reasons for studying abroad will help you maximize the experience. To learn the language and really experience French culture, spend time in one of France’s smaller cities or towns. Major cities are becoming increasingly globalized and have lost some of their local flavor. In international hubs like Paris, you are more likely to run into English speakers. There are several smaller university cities, like Angers, Montpellier and Lyon. French language schools in smaller towns, such as Hyéres (ex. ELFCA), are also excellent options. 

If acquiring language skills and fluency is your goal, immersion is key. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture is to stay with a host family. Living on campus or in an apartment can be isolating, and makes it difficult to find natives to speak with on a regular basis. Note, French university life is not the same as in the US. Most university students  commute from home, and university dorms are not the social centers of campus.  

Staying with a host family, especially if you can find one that does not speak English, is the best way to get round-the-clock language practice. My host family became great friends, and offered tremendous insight into the local culture and customs. When staying with a host family, you are typically given a few meals a day and you may get laundry service as well. You should account for these services when comparing the costs of alternative housing options, like rent. 

Another way to make local connections is by volunteering within the community or participating in sports. You can find volunteer opportunities within the English department of French schools. It’s a great way to connect to the community and provides a unique look into the French education system.  You can also join local sports teams.  Keep an eye out for posters that advertise local teams looking for players. Playing introduced me to locals and allowed us to communicate through the sport when language barriers seemed to divide us.

Being in France is a unique opportunity to make significant improvements to your French skills. It can be frustrating and tiresome, but will get easier with practice. While slipping back to English, and surrounding yourself with other English-speaking students, is easy and enjoyable –  remember to make the most of the fleeting opportunity at hand. Speak with someone you know who has done the program you are interested in, and see if they can offer specific advice about getting immersed. Your study abroad office can also be a great resource. 

Geography & Regions

France is roughly the size of Texas, but her unique regions are rich and chock full of history. France’s borders stretch from the Atlantic to the Alps, from the Mediterranean to the English Channel, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ardenne forest. And in the (relative) center of it all, the Parisian Basin. You can imagine France as a massive coliseum, with high peaks around its continental borders and Paris sitting center stage.

View over Paris, at dusk, from the Maine-Montparnasse tower. Photo by Benh LIEU SONG.

Paris truly does hold center stage in French life and culture. A massive portion of the country’s population lives in Paris – roughly a sixth. It is also a truly international city, a center of commerce and a hub for travel. For travel within Europe, the airlines Ryan Air and Easy Jet make it affordable to fly from one of Paris’ many airports (CDG, Orly, Beauvais).

Paris boasts a set of gaudy attractions (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triumph) that are easily accessible to tourists. Personal favorites include catching a sunset view of the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse  Building or from the steps of the Sacre Coeur in the Montmartre region (recently famed in the movie “Amelie”), and  spooky tours of the Catacombs, underground tunnels of Paris built from human bones in the late 18th century. During my tour of the Catacombs, with a group of fellow French students, we found an interesting use for our new-found French language skills. At each panel we would quickly move from excitement at having deciphered each work, to nervous laughter at the morbid phrase we had uncovered.

Each region of France has its own charm, and will appeal uniquely to each traveler. Let me take you now on a brief tour of these regions. You can fly to different cities in these regions or travel by train (SNCF).

Château de Saumur

Western France includes the regions of Bretagne, the Loire Valley, Normandy and Poitu Charente. Along the rocky Atlantic coast, world-famous sea food (fruits de la mer) is enjoyed in Bretagne. One can see the Loire Valley’s beautiful chain of castles, or châteaux, lining the Loire River throughout the Loire Valley. For WWII history buffs, Normandy’s D-day Beaches are a chance to visit an honored and historic site.  Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny are a pleasure to behold.  Mont Saint Michel, an island castle previously accessible only at low tide, is another well known attraction of the region. Along the coast in Poitou Charente, you can visit ancient abbeys and learn about the history of religious wars in France. Western France’s climate is regulated by the effects of the Gulf Stream, which moderates the temperature year-round, never too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, and brings occasional rain, though seldom for a long duration or in great quantity.

Mont-Saint-Michel from the south

In the regions of Picardie and Nord Pas de Calais of Northern France, the physical marks and memorials of the World Wars draw tourists from around the world. There is much to be explored in this diverse topography of sandy coasts, forests and meadows. Outdoor activities are popular, such as horseback riding, water sports and golf. The weather in Northern France, like Western France, is influenced by the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream.

In Eastern France, including Lorraine-Alsace, Champagne, France Compte and Burgundy, we arrive at France’s only un-natural border, the Ardennes Forest. The natural borders of France are defined by coast line or mountain ranges. Fittingly, the Ardennes have proven themselves the weakest point against invasion and influence throughout France’s history. Strasbourg, with its German-style architecture, shows evidence of this fact. Champagne is best known for its name sake drink, believed to have been invented by French monks in the 17th century. In the town of Reims lies the site where 25 French kings were crowned. This region is too far from the coast to be effected by the Gulf Stream, resulting in a harsher climate with cooler winters and warmer summers. Nonetheless, the area is popular for outdoor sport enthusiasts, especially skiers.

Central France is famed for its porcelain, china and tapestries in Limoges. In Limousin and Auvergne, the great outdoors beckon. Visit beautiful Rocamadour, a city overlooking a gorge, for an unforgettable experience. The largest natural park in France is found in Auvergne, protecting its non-active volcanoes and pristine wilderness, home to many animal species.

Southwestern France shares a border with Spain, defined by the Pyrenees mountain range. In Aquitaine, you can explore both French and Basque culture, and visit the Basque museum in Bayonne. Take a trip to Bordeaux and taste its famous wines. In the Midi Pyrenees’ town of Lourdes, learn what made the town an important pilgrimage site. The climate in this region varies as you distance yourself from the Atlantic towards Spain and the south coast of France. The Western coast is influenced by the Gulf Stream, while the south enjoys a Mediterranean climate, hot and dry summers with temperate winters.

Overlooking the beaches in Nice, France

Southern France is a highly popular destination for travelers. The highest peak of the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,771 feet), is found in the Eastern side of this region, and is the world capital of mountain climbing. In Provence, tourists flock to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct still standing today. The Riviera is home to some of the world’s best beaches in Nice, and arguably the most famous film festival in Cannes. Medieval France is still on view in Carcassone’s old town, with a castle surrounded by a moat. In Provence, the Mediterranean sun still shines the clear, clean light that has inspired artists for centuries, most notably Impressionists like Picasso.

Getting There

Once you’ve decided you’re going, it’s time to set your dates and set up your transportation arrangements. Many airlines release new fares for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so do your searching on these days for the best deals. If your dates are flexible, Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly, but it’s good to fare-compare. Book as early as possible to secure the best deals and peace of mind.

It is worthwhile to compare flights and prices to airports other than your final destination in order to find to the best deals available. For example, if your destination is in the Languedoc Region, search flights to Barcelona’s airports and trains from Barcelona to your destination city. The voyage may cost less, but can also be more stressful. Weigh what works best for your situation. For international travel to any French city other than Paris, it may be advantageous to fly to Paris and then take a train or bus to your final destination. Major airports have more international flights at better costs than smaller airports.

The rule of thumb with packing, “Half the Stuff, Twice the Money” should be followed whenever possible. In my expirience, even if you can’t “Twice the Money”, “Half the Stuff” will do fine. Leave room in your bags for souvieners, and be aware of fees for heavy bagage on the airlines you fly with.

No matter how much planning you do, plan for the unexpected! A sense of humor and optimism are the best things you can take with you. Enjoy every minute! 

Posted by Stephanie Murdock. Stephanie holds a BA in French from SUNY
Geneseo. She has lived in Provence and Languedoc regions of France.