Embracing Higher Education Abroad

France is renowned for its sophisticated "joie de vivre," vividly portrayed in popular culture, such as the TV series Emily in Paris. However, this cultural allure is just one of many facets that draw thousands of international students to its shores each year.

Higher Education In France: A World Of Opportunities

France is not just a beacon for art, cuisine, and wine enthusiasts; it stands as a global powerhouse in fashion, home to premier cosmetic brands like L’Oréal, and a central hub for European sports, notably soccer. Since my professional tenure began in France in 2016, I've witnessed a notable increase in foreign students enrolling in full English or bilingual Bachelor's and MBA programs. French institutions offer a diverse array of highly-regarded study programs with an internationally transferable ECTS credit system. Moreover, tuition fees in France are considerably lower than those in the United States, ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 annually for a Bachelor program at a private institution—typically completed in three years. MBA programs average around $15,000 to $20,000 but the tuition fees can go much higher in top-tier schools. Public universities present an even more economical option, with fees amounting to only a few hundred dollars, but with much less services. 

An exceptional alternative in France is the work-study training program, which alternates between classroom instruction and on-site company training. This program, fully government-funded, provides students with a monthly stipend. However, obtaining this status requires specific visas for non-European citizens and fluency in French, along with prior residency in France for at least a year. While ideal, many international students opt for traditional routes and explore scholarship opportunities.

Funding Opportunities

American students can access over 100 grants, though many are specific to research areas or regions, necessitating detailed online research. Some grants also offer discounts to particular schools, which can guide the students' final decisions on where to go. A valuable resource to start this exploration is the "Campus France" website, which promotes French education globally. Historically, the longstanding diplomatic ties between the United States and France foster a welcoming environment for American students and professionals, exemplified by exchange programs like the Fulbright Program or MICEFA, which collaborates with 60 North American universities and partners with 18 French universities. 

Learning French: A Catalyst For Career Advancement

Spoken by over 320 million people worldwide, French ranks as the fifth most spoken language globally behind English, Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish, but its widespread use across continents makes it a valuable asset for travel, work, and cross-cultural communication. France's strategic location at the heart of Europe, coupled with its extensive transportation network, facilitates exploration of neighboring French-speaking countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium, as well as its 13 overseas territories around the globe (many of them being tropical islands). 

In my advisory role, I emphasize France's vibrant nonprofit sector as an excellent avenue for early professional development. With 1.5 million nonprofits, opportunities abound for volunteering and internships. These organizations span diverse fields, and government support makes them accessible for gaining work experience and expanding professional networks. Documenting these experiences on platforms like LinkedIn to attract potential recruiters and securing recommendation letters from these organizations can significantly enhance employability, as the candidates already proved their motivation, loyalty, and discipline with local organizations. That is the reason why I often tell my students to spend some time in such places learning from their peers while expanding their professional network, practicing new skills,  improving their French, and acquiring work ethics to ensure a better future for themselves. 

Making Connections And Practical Tips For Life In France

For connecting with fellow Americans and organizations, the US Embassy in Paris lists numerous associations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce, The United States House, and the American University Club which gathers alumni associations from top universities like Harvard and Yale. Social groups on platforms like Facebook and Meetup also offer community networks such as “Americans in France”, “Expats move to France”, “International Expats/friends living in Paris” or “Make Friends & Blabla Language Exchange” to name a few. 

Once accepted into a French program, acquiring a student long-stay visa such as the VLS TS typically takes a few weeks. Applicants must present valid documentation, proof of sufficient resources during their stay (equivalent to 1400 dollars per month), and health insurance prior to their arrival, even though the French free healthcare system named “Ameli” becomes accessible after some time spent in France. 

To simplify your stay in France, it's advisable to procure a "Navigo Pass" for public transportation, alongside rideshare apps like Uber, Heetch, and Bolt, which often offer discounts and could be essential when public transit is unavailable.

Although initially overwhelming, international students often quickly adapt to and appreciate the French "art de vivre," while enhancing their educational background and diversifying their professional experience.