What makes a city nice? Fresh mediterranean breezes, sunny weather, belle epoch architecture, and beautiful people definitely make Nice “nice.” French by name, international by nature, there are more reasons to study abroad in this riviera paradise than there are blue umbrellas on the Promenade des Anglais. By choosing to study abroad in Nice, you will be following in the footsteps of intellectuals like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald; plus, you’ll get to enjoy some of the finest cuisine on the planet, bathe in year-round sunshine, and discover the true meaning of the words la vie est belle.
How to Study Abroad in Nice
Nice is more than just a pretty face (and beach). A cultural and historical center, there is a vast array of academic institutions that call Nice home. These include French universities, international schools, and language schools, all of which offer flexible study abroad programs in Nice.
Popular Subjects to Study. Some of the subjects popular among international students in Nice are French, business, arts, and European studies. With a strong culinary tradition that Niçoise people are fiercely proud of, Nice is also the perfect place to study culinary arts. These courses are based on practical experience, and many will offer internships to their students, which will set you up with invaluable real-world experience.
Short Term vs. Summer, vs. Long Term Programs. Whether you want to stay for a few weeks or for several months, you’ll have plenty of program length options. If you’re concerned for your budget, you can opt to study in Nice during spring break, a May term, or the summer. If you want to become fluent in French, then staying for a trimester, a fall or spring semester, or a full academic year is recommended.
Attending Universities vs. Other Program Types. Some students might choose to directly enroll in University of Nice Sophia Antipolis or one of its Nice’s other higher institutions. You might also opt to study abroad through your own university or through a program provider. Consult a study abroad advisor at your university to help you determine your goals and credit needs before choosing a study abroad Nice program that will be the right fit for you.
Student Life in Nice
Nice is set between the beach and the mountains, and it makes the most of both with plenty of activities available for outdoor lovers. The town itself has more fine dining options than you can shake a baguette at, and simply roaming the streets and admiring the exquisite architecture can keep you busy for days. Nice is a town fatal to boredom and ideal for study abroad students with an appetite for discovery.
Nice has one of the longest running street carnivals in history. If you’re spending your spring semester abroad in Nice, prepare for outrageous fun. Originally starting and ending right before Lent, these days the street carnival goes for two full weeks. Light shows, flower battles, fireworks, street vendors, and more are all here. Another fantastic event is the Nice Jazz Festival during the summer months. These weeks are filled with stunning outdoor venues amid Roman ruins, where international musical superstars take the stage. The city of Nice is very concentrated, making it very easy for international students to get around town.
GoAbroad's Insider Tips
France has a strong intellectual tradition, so students are expected to put a lot of effort into their studies. When you’re studying in Nice, in addition to your class hours, you can expect plenty of homework, along with regular written and oral examinations. Grades can be confusing for international students as there are no letters in sight; all assignments and exams are graded on a zero to 20 scale.
Your language skills will flourish. Although it is an international and cosmopolitan city, the French are notorious for refusing to speak English. This is a blessing for international students, who will be forced to dust off their classroom French and polish up their accents. One of the most widely spoken languages in the world, the French skills you pick up while studying in Nice will be an asset in both your career and travel endeavours.
There are opportunities to take courses in both English and French, for most majors. While French isn’t strictly necessary for studying abroad in Nice, getting a good grasp of this romance language will greatly enhance your time living and studying in France.
No matter how far you go, or where you have been, nobody can argue that the natural landscapes and architecture of Nice are among the loveliest in the world. Regardless of how much the city has grown, developed, or altered throughout history, Nice remains unchanged in its ability to captivate, inspire, and charm. Trying to resist Nice’s spell is pointless: just give in to the magic and sign up for a study abroad experience you will never forget.
Read our comprehensive guide about studying abroad in France.
