Study abroad in France for the experience of a lifetime, such as:
- Wandering through the vineyards and chateaux.
- Strolling along the sidewalk cafes and art galleries.
- Staying on the cutting edge of fashion.
- Seeing famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower.
- Falling in love in the city known for it.
Study abroad in France and you’ll find the French way of life will make any summer study abroad program or semester abroad tres bien!
Vive La Study Abroad France
Although there are schools where you can study abroad in France throughout its 22 regions, most American students find themselves in Paris.
Not only does Paris offer the benefit of having an abundance of different schools to choose from, it also comes with the added benefit of being one of the most exciting cities in the world.
As with most study abroad programs, a healthy understanding of the native language is helpful, but certainly not required.
- One of the most popular universities for exchange students, and one of the best in all the world, is the University of Paris-Sorbonne. Here they are known for their diversity of subjects and dedication to research.
- Another study abroad Paris opportunity is at the Catholic University of Paris. At this university students can get a unique global experience because the student body is comprised of students from over 120 countries.
For more study abroad France information, see the Universities section of Study Abroad Domain. And for ideas to finance your experience studying abroad in France see Financial Aid for Study Abroad.
France by Train, Car and Bus
From trains to taxis, if you study abroad in Paris there are plenty of ways to get around.
- When you move outside the city limits, trains can get you to the major areas of France and easily connect to nearby European countries, like England, in a matter of hours. And with the help of a service like RailPass.com you can find great deals on Eurail and other train passes.
These passes are an economical way to see Europe, especially if you’re under 26, because you’ll be eligible to purchase a Eurail youthpass - which is substantially cheaper than an adult pass.
- If you want to see the French countryside, a car rental might be your best bet. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to check with an American car rental company to find out what the rules and regulations are for driving in France.
Just remember to protect yourself by knowing study abroad health and safety precautions before you initiate any road trip.
What You Need to Know About French Currency
France converted to the Euro in 2002, along with a number of other European nations. That being said, it’s important to know how the Euro system works before you embark for any study abroad France experience. What you need to know:
- One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50
- There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500
As you plan to study abroad in France, it’s a good idea to check in with an exchange rate site such as XE.com to see how the U.S. dollar is holding up against the Euro. And be sure to have a plan for converting money before you leave. It’s a smart idea to bring a stash of Euro cash with you when you leave the States.
French Sites to Be Seen
When you study abroad in Paris, or anywhere else in France, you’ll never have a shortage of things to do.
From eating your way across the regions to exploring vineyards, France is a food-lover’s dream. But it only starts with food.
- History buffs can visit Napoleon’s tomb beneath Les Invalides or pay tribute to American soldiers lost on Omaha Beach in WWII at the American Cemetery at Normandy.
- Art lovers can see the Mona Lisa and other works of art housed at the Louvre.
Also, as you travel through France, be sure to stay in touch with your family and friends at home using a prepaid international calling card company like Communications Fidelity. You can also find great telephony deals through voice over IP services.
Important Information for Studying Abroad in France
When you study abroad in France be sure to keep these important numbers handy. And don’t forget to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need:
