France Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in French, although many programs offer classes in English as well as lower-level language courses. Savvy linguists may find it cheaper to enroll directly in a university abroad, although getting college credit may be more difficult. As a student at a French university, you will receive a carte d’étudiant (student card) upon presentation of a carte de séjour (residency permit). The Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires ( CROUS; www.crous-paris.fr/index.asp) offers benefits and discounts to students, including cheap meals and housing assistance. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various semester-abroad programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. If you’re a college student, your friendly neighborhood study-abroad office is often the best place to start. The following is a list of organizations that can help place students in university programs abroad or that have their own branch in France.

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), College Division, River Plaza, 9 W. Broad St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA (☎+1-866-906-2437; www.aifsabroad.com). Organizes programs for high-school and college study in universities in Cannes, Grenoble, and Paris. Program fees are around US$6000 for the summer and US$16,000 per semester. Also holds offices in Paris, 19 rue de Babylone (☎01 44 39 04 24).
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 300 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101, USA (☎+1-207-553-4000 or 800-40-STUDY/407-8839; www.ciee.org). One of the most comprehensive resources for work, academic, and internship programs around the world, including in Paris and Rennes. Summer course geared toward students with little or no background in French; semester-long programs require at least 2 years of college French. Program fees are US$3000 for the summer, US$11,600-14,250 per semester, and US$21,500-23,800 per academic year.
Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), France, 2005 W. 14th St., Ste. 113, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (☎+1-800-266-4441; www.gowithcea.com). Students can take classes in both English and French in Aix-en-Provence, Grenoble, the Riviera, and Paris. US$5000 for the summer, US$10,000-17,000 per semester.
European Institute for International Education, The Eur-Am Center, 32500 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 209, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, USA (☎+1-248-988-9341; www.euramcenter.com). Provides both educational and private-sector opportunities for people of all ages. Run by the University of Southern Mississippi. Tuition US$3800-4000 for the summer and US$9400 for a semester.
Institute for American Universities, 1830 Sherman Ave., Ste. 402, Evanston, IL 60201, USA (☎+1-800-221-2051; www.iaufrance.org). University-affiliated summer and school-year programs in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Tuition around US$5500 for the summer and US$13,000-$16,000 for a semester.
School for International Training (SIT) Study Abroad, 1 Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302, USA (☎+1-888-272-7881 or 802-258-3212; www.sit.edu/studyabroad). Semester-long programs in France run approximately US$23,000. Also runs The Experiment in International Living (☎+1-800-345-2929; www.usexperiment.org). 3- to 5-week summer programs for high-school students. Homestays, community service, ecological adventure, and language training in France (US$5300-6800).

French Programs

French universities are far cheaper than their American equivalents. However, it can be hard to receive academic credit at home for a non-approved program. Expect to pay at least €900 per month (€1200 in Paris) in living expenses. EU citizens studying in France can take advantage of the three- to 12-month Socrates-Erasmus program (www.europe-education-formation.fr), which offers grants to support inter-European educational exchanges.

French universities are segmented into three degree levels: the first level involves a basic university degree, the second is the equivalent of a master’s degree, and the third is a doctorat, or PhD. Programs at the first level—except the Grandes Écoles, described below—are two or three years long and generally focus on science, medicine, and the liberal arts. They must admit anyone holding a baccalauréat (French graduation certificate) or recognized equivalent to their first year of courses (British A-levels or two years of college in the US). The more selective and demanding Grandes Écoles cover specializations from physics to photography to veterinary medicine. These have notoriously difficult entrance examinations that require a year of preparatory schooling.

Foreign students can study throughout France at the many regional schools, although Paris is the hub of France’s best-known universities and Grandes Écoles. Many French universities offer French language and cultural programs as well as general university classes, particularly during the summer.

Agence EduFrance (www.edufrance.fr). A 1-stop resource for North Americans considering studying for a degree in France. Info on courses, costs, and grant opportunities. Housing options available in universities or with French families.
American University of Paris, 6 rue du Colonel Combes, 75007 Paris (☎01 40 62 07 20; www.aup.fr). US admissions office at 950 S. Cherry St., Ste. 210, Denver, CO 80246 (☎+1-303-757-6333). Offers US-accredited degrees and summer programs in English on its Paris campus. Intensive French language courses offered. Tuition €12,587 per semester and €24,689 per year, not including living expenses.
Université Paris-Sorbonne, 1 rue Victor Cousin, 75230 Paris (☎01 40 46 22 11; www.paris-sorbonne.fr/en). The grandfather of French universities, the Sorbonne has been going strong since 1257. Offers 3- to 9-month programs for American students. Tuition €530-2750 for summer- and semester-long French culture courses.