10 of the Best High School Programs in France

7High school programs in France are a no-brainer. We’ve got some top contenders for you! ☆ Studying abroad in high school is one of the most incredible ways to see the world. You’ll get a jump start on traveling, and you’ll learn a ton about yourself while you do it. Study abroad will look amazing on your college applications, and you might even make some life-long friendships and connections. High school study abroad is an incredible opportunity that all teens should consider.

Is Paris seeming a little bit overrated right now? Your France high school could be anywhere!

While considering high school study abroad programs, France should definitely be on the short list for destinations. It’s got awe-inspiring architecture, incredible history, amazing beauty, and mouth-watering food. Plus, there are tons of awesome high school programs in France. It can definitely feel overwhelming to sort through all of the different options out there, so we’ve listed a few of our favorites here! Read on for the scoop about the best programs to help you study abroad in France, high school-style.

Here’s a sneak preview of the best high school programs in France:

• High School Exchange in France with Nacel International
• French Language Immersion & Culture France with SPI
• Paris Travel Photography Workshop with Travel For Teens
• High School in France with AFS
• French Immersion Summer Program with Abbey Road Programs
• France: Language & Leadership with Global Works
• High School French Language and Culture Immersion Program with API
• High School in France Cultural Experience with Study Abroad Campus Education
• France: Cultural Discovery with The Experiment in International Living
• Summer in Nice - French, Art, Fashion and Cuisine with Summerfuel

The best programs for high school study abroad in France this year

1. High School Exchange in France with Nacel International—9.8  

“When I started the application process I really didn't have any idea of the incredible experience I was about to live. My main goal at the beginning was to improve my French level within a short period of time, but since the very first moment I started this adventure I understood there was a lot behind my premise …. This experience was a great gift from my old and afraid me to my new and fearless me.“—Read more Nacel International reviews here

• Where? Paris and other cities across France
• Duration? 4-10 months
• Why? Nacel International goes the extra mile to place students with a host family that will help support them during their time studying abroad in France. Staying with a host family provides students with an up-close look at the French culture, food, and people. They’ll have tons of opportunities to practice their French as well! Nacel International offers great 24-support to students, so parents can rest easy knowing their kids are in good hands.
• More info on Nacel International

2. French Language Immersion & Culture France with SPI Study Abroad—9.4

“My SPI experience was phenomenal. I had so much fun and learned so much French. I made friends from all around the world and had a really great time. I was able to see what life in France is really like. My homestay family was so loving and welcoming. My teacher was also very good and I felt the improvement in my speaking and writing ability. Overall excellent experience.“—Read more SPI reviews here

• Where? Biarritz, France
• Duration? 2-4 weeks in the summer
• Why? Study abroad in France during high school with SPI means a huge focus on language immersion—perfect for our travelers who are hoping to learn a ton of French. From arranging a homestay to intense language programs, SPI ensures all students are immersed in the French language. You’ll come away from the program with a deeper understanding of the French language and culture as a whole. Plus you might eat some amazing croissants while you’re at it!
• More info on SPI

3. Paris Travel Photography Workshop with Travel For Teens—10.0   

“When I first signed up for this trip, I had my doubts that it was the right trip for me, seeing as I was a beginner in photography. I was also kind of nervous about leaving the country without my parents, because it would be my first time doing so. I was wrong to doubt them. As soon I met with the staff at the airport, I knew I was in good hands. I felt comfortable around them, and they were all so funny and fun to be around …. I will always remember this summer because it was, without a doubt, the best summer I've ever had :)“—Read more Travel for Teens reviews here

• Where? Paris, France
• Duration? 2 weeks
• Why? Travel for Teens designs high school programs in France that are extra personalized for teenagers. They give enough freedom to teens while still keeping parents informed and happy. This program focuses on photography, but also on leadership and self-development, teaching teenagers skills that can help them for years to come. High school in France will be a wonderful adventure with this awesome program.
• More info on Travel for Teens

4. High School Abroad in France with AFS—8.7

“AFS is a supportive program that puts an emphasis on safety. I appreciate that I felt well-cared-for throughout my time in France. They have a network of volunteers, and they make sure that there are plenty of people you can talk to …. If you're the only foreign student at a high school, it's good to know that you aren't the only one who finds certain aspects of French culture strange. I made friends with AFS-ers from different states of the U.S., Thailand, Colombia, and Japan, as well as many other countries!“—Read more AFS reviews here

• Where? Many different cities throughout France
• Duration? 4-10 months
• Why? AFS is all about students exploring areas other than Paris. As wonderful as Paris is, France high school programs can take place in tons of other amazing cities and areas that showcase French culture in a wonderful way. AFS helps by placing students in a variety of cities, from snow-capped Alps to the sparkling Mediterannean. You’ll get a taste of all the incredible architecture, food, and art that France has to offer!
• More info on AFS

5. Nice, France: French Immersion Summer Program with Abbey Road Programs—9.2  

“I went on this program in the summer of 2018. I would definitely make the same choice if I had to again. I had a really great experience, Nice is a lovely city. I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of free time the students were allowed, it gave me the opportunity to be independent and responsible and spend my time in Nice exactly as I wanted. The food there was spectacular, and the beach is by far one of the best parts of the city …. This trip helped me grow as a person and a French speaker and was overall a life-altering experience.“—Read more Abbey Road Program reviews here

• Where? Nice, France
• Duration? 2-4 weeks in the summer
• Why? Experiential learning plays a huge role in Abbey Road Programs. Students will have the opportunity to taste and create French cuisine, as well as practice conversational French language over coffee and croissants. Teens get a few hours of free time every day, but Abbey Road takes precautions to keep teens safe, such as keeping a 1:8 staff to student ratio. Teens will be safe and have a great time.
• More info on Abbey Road Programs

6. France: Language & Leadership with Global Works—9.6  

“Travelling with Global Works to France was an immensely gratifying and enjoyable experience that introduced me to French culture and helped me to improve my conversational skills. I couldn't have asked for better group leaders; both of them were responsible, very fun to be around, and genuinely cared about our well being. In the beginning of the trip, when nobody knew each other, their activities allowed us to quickly acclimate to each other and the language.“—Read more Global Works reviews here 

• Where? Versailles, Alps, Paris
• Duration? 3 weeks in the summer
• Why? Global Works is all about combining language immersion with sustainable volunteer service projects. Students will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty with projects such as trail maintenance and historical site restoration. At the same time, cultural and language immersion will have students chattering in French like pros by the end of the trip!
• More info on Global Works

7. High School French Language and Culture Immersion Program with API—9.0 

“I am so glad I found API. They are so supportive and helpful throughout the whole process. The staff was happy to answer all my questions and assist me prior to my trip to Paris and the API Paris staff is wonderful! I really appreciate all the measures API takes to make sure each student has a good experience, like the orientation at the beginning of the program and the evaluation(s) of your experience throughout …. Choosing to study in Paris through API was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”—Read more API reviews here

• Where? Paris, France
• Duration? 4 weeks in the summer
• Why? API’s program is uber-focused on learning French. Students will attend the Institut Catholique de Paris, potentially earning actual college credits in the French language. It’s not all studying though! API also organizes excursions for students to explore the country and put their language skills to the test in places like Normandy and Versailles. For high school programs in France, API is a great choice.
• More info on API

8. High School Cultural Experience in France with Study Abroad Campus Education—9.0 

“While on exchange, I met lots of great people, advanced my language skills and traveled to many places. The program offered many activities around my area with other exchange students. I became very close with my host family and made some great friendships. I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to travel and stay with another family in a different country.”—Read more Study Abroad Campus Education reviews here 

• Where? Paris and Bordeaux
• Duration? 3 weeks
• Why? Study Abroad Campus Education allows students to attend actual French high schools! This full immersion helps students learn the language and experience the culture up close. Attending this high school is interspersed with sightseeing and excursions so that students can see all of the gorgeous country of France. France high school will be super fun with Study Abroad Campus Education!
• More info on Study Abroad Campus Education

9. France: Cultural Discovery with The Experiment in International Living—9.4  

“The Experiment in International Living is a wonderful experience that provides time to explore a new environment in a country away from home …. The time I spent abroad with the Experiment was wonderful, and it was further augmented by the diverse selection of students I had the opportunity to travel through France with. I highly recommend the Experiment in International Living for high school students looking to broaden their cultural horizons and experience something truly life-changing.”—Read more Experiment in International Living reviews here 

• Where? Paris, Saint-Raphaël, Nîmes, or Nice
• Duration? 3-5 weeks
• Why? The Experiment in International Living includes all the cultural and language immersion you could want! However, their deeper focus on global issues helps students to view communities through a specific lens. Studying abroad with this organization will bring a deeper understanding of not only France, but surrounding countries and related issues. Plus, there are weekend excursions that will take you to neighboring countries such as Germany and Spain.
• More info on Experiment in International Living

10. Summer in Nice - French, Art, Fashion and Cuisine with Summerfuel—10.0 

“Awesome! This was my first ‘education’ tour and to be honest I was a bit worried at first about how much it would feel like being at ‘school’ but it was nothing like that at all! It was more like a group of strangers - who became great friends, going on an adventure together, and the ‘education’ part just added to the enjoyment. There was always something to go and see, something new to talk about.”—Read more Summerfuel reviews here 

• Where? Nice, France
• When? 3 weeks
• Why? For all our fashion-obsessed travelers out there, there is Summerfuel’s Art and Fashion French high school program! All classes are taught by real university professors, so you’ll be learning from the best! When you’re not in the classroom, Summerfuel has loads of extracurricular activities and outings prepared for you. Be prepared for weekend trips to areas of the French riviera such as Antibes, Cannes, and St. Tropez. When you’re staying in Nice, you’ll be kept busy with parasailing, museum visits, sea kayaking, food tastings, beach volleyball, guest speakers, and more!
• More info on Summerfuel

[Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare High School Programs in France]

Next steps to high school study abroad in France

Don't pack your GoPro juuuust yet. There are a few items on your teen travel abroad to-do list you should check off first.

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where to study abroad in France as a teen isn’t easy. Gorgeous Paris? Somewhere with a beach? Don't let ANYTHING hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Language classes or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your studies back home (though it never hurts to get more credits towards college). Decide if you want to use this time abroad to learn hard skills like French or to develop soft-er skills, like teamwork and communication, through something like a service project.
• Choose from the best high school study abroad programs. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of getting credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between teen travel abroad programs. 
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Be sure to check out high school travel scholarships too!
• Talk to your guidance counselor. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your school requires, if anything. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your school to see if there are more choices available to you.

You’re ready for your high school study abroad in France! 

Your French high school study abroad experience might just be straight out of Beauty and the Beast (Beauty = you, Beast = exams).

High school study abroad is great, and France is even greater! With the two combined, you’re bound to have a truly incredible adventure when you embark on high school programs in France. You’ll stroll the halls of the Louvre and marvel at the artwork. You’ll stand in front of the Eiffel tower and take some awesome selfies. You’ll cruise down the Seine River and walk along Champs Elyse. You’ll probably sample more cheese, baguettes, macaroons, and croissants than you could ever want. Basically, you’ll have a blast studying abroad in France...duh. Bon voyage!

Browse ALL High School Study Abroad Programs in France