STUDY ABROAD FRANCE

France is known across the world for its fashion, food, art and culture. But one aspect that has not gained as much popularity as it deserves is the fact that France gets a large share of the study abroad students every year.

The reason why France is the preferred choice by many is because it provides a choice of many high quality universities, curriculums that have depth and coverage and the opportunity to obtain higher education in the French language or the culture. The richness of the French culture, art and theatre is an added advantage for the study abroad student who opts for this country to study in.

The French education system is so robust because they take their own education very seriously and therefore have rigorous curriculums that the students are expected to follow. A typical high school study abroad involves subjects like French literature, English, a foreign language (German, Spanish or Italian), physical education, history, geography, mathematics and science. Schools also ensure that there is time set aside for extra-curricular activities like music theatre and art since the French believe that an appreciation of one or more of these is essential.

For higher studies the French study abroad programs in universities offer technical and professional courses in various disciplines that prepare students for an international career. The public and private specialized schools offer courses in engineering, management and art to mention some of the curriculums that are offered.

France has about 240 schools of engineering and they offer a diplôme d'ingénieur, which is a French national diploma earned at the end of the study abroad program. This engineering degree is reviewed and accredited by the national committee on engineering degrees. Separate schools differ in their schedules, sequence and timing of the individual courses and one needs to posses a minimum of a secondary school diploma or an equivalent in their country to apply.

Most of the approximately 230 schools for business management are affiliated to the chamber of commerce and industry in France. Most of these curriculums have a mandatory internship and offer exchange study abroad programs for their students. To apply one needs to have completed 2 years of post secondary school education or its equivalent. Some of the best known schools of management in France are Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC), Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP-EAP) and Ecole de Management de Lyon (EMLyon) and all of them are members of EduFrance. Some of them are accredited by the EQUIS and AMBA.

For those who do not want to pursue their academics in France but want a taste of the culture, the short-term courses are a good option to choose. Therefore, if you are looking at a summer study abroad option, this is what you should choose. The degree offered is called degree of brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS) and is offered in about 86 different fields. These include courses in trade, services, hotel management, agriculture and manufacturing. Some of them offer a short course in art or architecture as well.

The academic year of a study abroad program starts sometime in September or October and ends in May or June. If the reason why you are keeping away from studying in France is due to the language, then you need not worry since many engineering and management courses are conducted in English and this is especially true for the study abroad programs that are designed.

Getting a visa is easy though tourist visas cannot be converted to student visas. Please note that a visa can not be extended while you are in France and therefore make sure that the visa that you get covers you for the period of your course and more. If you are planning to stay in France for more than 3 months, you must obtain a student residency permit once you are in the country. Medical insurance is also required for those who are in the country for a study abroad program. If you are on a study abroad scholarship, then you need to obtain proper documentation for that while applying for the visa.

Once you made the wise decision of studying in France, you should ensure that you make full use of your time there and visit all the places that are so talked about in the country. The ‘City of Light’ has more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower. The museums include the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. The Notre Dame cathedral has been made even more popular by the famous work Da Vinci Code. Other than the historical museums and churches, there are the beaches of Brittany to explore. You can also visit the city of Epernay in the Champagne region from where the original renowned Champagne is sourced.

The people of France shall be more than willing to help you to find the various tourist locations since they are friendly people. They love socializing with friends and family and it would be a culturally enriching experience if you can get yourself invited to a family dinner where delectable delights are tried and served. Anyone who is a sports fan will know that the French are keen followers of sports. The country also hosts the French pen Tennis Tournament and the annual Tour de France cycling race.