Studying
in Paris
French Universities
French universities must admit anyone holding a baccalaureat (French
high-school diploma) or a recognized equivalent to their first year of
courses. Non native french speakers must also pass a written and oral
language test. At the end of the first year, exams separate the wheat
from the chaff. The best of the best go on to the elite Grandes Ecoles
after passing notoriously difficult entrance exams that require a year
of preparatory schooling in themselves.
French universities
are far, far
cheaper than American equivalents, including programs offered by US
universities in france. However, students should expect to pay at least
381 Euros per month in living expenses. EU citizens studying in france
can take advantages of the SOCRATES program, which offers grants
to support inter-european educational exchanges. Most UK and Irish
universities will have details on the grants on the application
procedure. The listings below can supply further information and help
organize an academic program in france.
For those who are
fluent in French, direct enrollment in a french university can be more
rewarding than a class filled with Americans. It can also be up to four
times cheaper, although academic credit at home is not a guarantee. In
1968, the Université de Paris split into 10 independent
universities, each at a different sit and offering a different program.
The Sorbonne,
now the Universite de Paris IV, devotes itself to the humanities.
The cultural services office at your nearest french consulate can
provide more information. As a student at a french university, you will
receive a student card (carte d'etudiant) upon presentation of a
residency permit and a receipt for your university fees. In addition to
standard student benefits, many additional benefits are administered by
the Centre Regional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CROUS).
Founded in 1955 to improve the living and working conditions of
students, CROUS welcomes foreign students. The brochure LE CROUS et MOI
lists addresses and info on student life. Pick up their guidebook Je
VAIS en FRANCE , in french or english, from any french embassy. A good
ressource for finding programs that cater to your particular interests
in www.studyabroad.com, which has links to various semester abroad
programs based on a variety of criteria, including desired location and
focus to study. The following are established study abroad
programs based in the United States and in France.
Students who apply
directly to french universities will face the challenge of earlier
application dates (fall or early spring) and a required French language
exam. Higher education in france is divided into three categories :
premier cycle, deuxième cycle, and troisième cycle. For
information on programs of study, requirements and grants of
scholarships, visit www.egide.ass.fr.
Study and works
Permits in Paris
American
programs
Language
schools
