Why Study Abroad in France?

You: "I want to study abroad in France!" Us: "Here's just *some* of the fun stuff you can look forward to." ☆ Who can seriously admit they haven’t daydreamed about sipping a café au lait among Paris’ budding cherry blossoms, strolling through medieval winery towns, or relaxing on the shores of the French Riviera? Only if you live under a rock!

One of the benefits of studying abroad in France = dreamy sunsets behind architectural wonders

Despite the amazing things that make up France’s joie de vivre, there can still be hesitations about actually living and studying here, not just vacationing. We get it...why study abroad in France when there are a bajillion other places to go? Ones that maybe aren’t “overrated” or “touristy”, right? Before you’re quick to brush this top tourist destination off, let’s take a deeper dive into what actually makes studying abroad in France the best!

10 reasons to study abroad in France

This should really go without saying, but France is so much more than just a vacation spot. While lounging under the Eiffel Tower is fun for a few hours, what really makes France stand out as a study abroad location is its quality of life and education. Really, you shouldn’t be wondering why study abroad in France, but rather why not?!

1. It’s not all Paris

Just like with most major cities around the world, they become synonymous with the country itself. Even though Paris is a big city with a lot to offer, in all reality it’s just a teenie tiny portion of France. Consider one of France’s other college-oriented areas, such as Tours, Toulouse, Aix-en-Provence, Lyon, or Grenoble for a vibrant city environment with a much more authentic French flare. Not to mention, too, some of these places can be great springboards for outside-the-classroom fun. Is there a better place to go to school than surrounded by Provence’s luscious lavender fields or Grenoble’s larger-than-life mountains? 

Who wouldn’t want to study by these amazing mountains in Grenoble, France?

2. But Paris though...

We get it, it really is hard to separate Paris from the rest of France, but luckily you don’t have to! If you’ve been dreaming of strolling down the romantic, café-lined streets of the City of Love since you were a kid, then go for it! Paris is one of the top five study abroad locations for many, many reasons, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to consider other French cities unless you want to. With some of the best universities in the world and an incredibly diverse student population, Paris is home to every type of international student and can offer you basically the world. Most visitors agree that Paris alone is a good enough reason to study abroad in France!

[9 Wonderfully Cheap Study Abroad Programs in Paris]

3. Variety of programs and universities

It’s easy to say “I want to study in France!” without really thinking about the study part. Never fear! Being one of the top study abroad countries means that France offers a ton of academic routes. There are over 3,500 institutions of higher education throughout the country, so you’ll definitely have your pick of location and school. With so many options, you can get seriously creative with your program and classes. Where else in the world could you study fine cooking and biology? Or international business and music? Only in France!

4. True academics

The French have been killing it in the innovation world for quite some time...and no, we’re not talking about French Fries! From science and engineering feats like the stethoscope, pasteurization, and the hot air balloon to crucial parts of our lifestyles like hairdryers, Braille, canned foods, photography, and Etch-a-Sketches, France has been changing the way the world works since day one. Instead of studying in a boring classroom about the history of cinema, come to France and experience first-hand how the Lumière brothers paved the way for our obsession with Hollywood!

Top notch academics await your international studies in France

5. You get to learn French

One of the best reasons to study abroad in France is that you get an opportunity to study the language of love! Even though there are over 40 countries and territories with French as an official language, you can’t beat coming right to the source. French is the 19th most spoken language in the world coming in at over 75 million native speakers alone, so having some of this in your back pocket can only help you. It’s always a good thing to be able to say more than je ne sais quoi!

[14 Ways to Learn French in France ASAP]

6. Rich in history (read: castles)

France has been dominating world history for as long as pretty much anyone can remember. From its glamorous royal families to colonization, wars, and revolutions, this relatively small country has covered a lot of ground. Every country has ways of engaging with its history, but France is particularly up-front. Throughout the entire country, there are more museums, memorials, galleries, and cultural centers than anyone has time for...the Louvre is just one! Every region has a storied past, but what sets France apart is that it’s living history. Behind every chic office building is a quaint 16th century cobblestone alley. Around every bustling corner is a 600-year-old cathedral or former royal residence. When you’re talking about history (both good and bad…), France is the real deal.

7. Rich in culture

When it comes to France, “culture” isn’t just a catch-all word for “different”. Here, it means sophistication. While practically every country in central and western Europe can boast their medieval fortresses, glittering palaces, and the finest art, food, and shopping around, France was one of the regions that brought true culture to our world. 

Have you ever counted how many Palace of Versailles-inspired buildings or gardens there are around the world today? Or considered the countless fashion designers and early trendsetters like Marie Antoinette who influenced how millions of people dress? Or thought about how everyone in the western world drinks champagne at literally every fancy or happy occasion? We basically wouldn’t be the classy people we are without France!

We know everybody dreams of visiting the Louvre!

8. Center of the universe

Not really, but when it comes to budget airlines and cheap train tickets, France is definitely the center of that universe! Being smack dab in central Europe is one of the biggest benefits of studying in France because it means you can travel to pretty much anywhere within a short period of time. You’ll for sure have time off during weekends and school breaks to adventure, so make the most of them by starting in a well-connected and heavily-neighbored country like France!

[8 Best Study Abroad Programs in France in 2019]

9. Four season experience

France’s location is definitely ideal for easy international travel, but it’s also perfect for local adventures! France stretches from the warm and sunny Mediterranean up to the snowy Alps, making it an awesome choice for students looking for some diversity in their climates. Spend one weekend relaxing après-ski style on Mont Blanc and the next sipping a café glacé on the French Riviera. Just don’t forget to study in between!

10. Chocolate croissants

We obviously saved the best for last, and France’s food is definitely the best. Why would anyone walk away from an opportunity to start every day with a fresh-baked, judgment-free chocolate croissant? Or continue every day with both a sweet and a savory crepe? Or round out every day with more fresh cheese, meats, and baguettes than you can ever imagined? Food is something that everyone can agree should be the deciding factor in where to study abroad, so make the right decision and study abroad in France!

You'll love acquainting yourself with all of the delicious pastries that await you in France!

Next steps to study abroad in France

Don't pack your stretchy pants juuuust yet (even though, yes we agree—there is a lot of butter in your future). There are a few items on your study abroad to do list you should check off first.

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where to study abroad in France isn’t easy. The gorgeous mountains? Somewhere in Paris? Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun-or-because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!
• Choose from the best study abroad programs in France. 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 study abroad programs.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge in travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out scholarships for study abroad in France too!
• Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Confer with your study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you.

[Browse Programs for Studying Abroad in France]

The benefits of studying in France are endless!

Excuse us while we drool over the Château de Chambord *immediately signs up for study abroad program in France*

So, why study abroad in France? From studying at a top university to being fully immersed in a world-dominating culture and language, there are so many reasons to study abroad in France. Not only will you give your education a boost, but you’ll definitely expand your horizons by living in such a globally-minded society. We know these are just the beginning of the benefits of studying in France, though...let’s not forget about those croissants. If that doesn’t have you jumping and screaming “I want to study in France!”, we don’t know what will. Do your future (and your stomach!) a favor by studying abroad in France today!

Get Matched with 5 Study Abroad Programs in France for FREE