France is the obvious choice for learning French abroad due to its vast culture, which includes aesthetics, arts, food, and much more.
If you wish to take a French language course in France, there are several factors to consider. This post will help you with an insight about how to study French in France as an international student.
One of the most significant elements to consider while selecting a French language course is location. Do you want to be in the heart of Paris, or would you prefer a quiet town?
There are benefits and disadvantages to both. If you select Paris, you will be engaged in the language and have more opportunities to practice.
However, it might be more costly and overwhelming. If you choose a smaller town, it will be less expensive and more relaxing, but there may be fewer possibilities to practice your French.
Cheap French Language Courses in France for International Students
Foreign students are the primary target of language schools that provide French classes. French language schools are organized into independent institutions and broad educational networks.
The type of school chosen is determined by the student’s preferences and interests in learning French; it might be private or public.
Here’s a selection of prestigious colleges and educational institutes you might wish to consider:
- Paris: Rueil Malmaison, Accord, France Langue.
- Nice (AzurLingua and Center International d’Antibes Alpha, France Langue) Montpellier (ALC Montpellier, Langue Onze) Lyon (École de Langue Française pour Etudiants Etrangers, CELFE)
- Toulouse (Alliance Française Toulouse). Bordeaux (ESLS, École de Langue et de Culture Françaises)
There are multiple reasons to choose France as your destination for learning French. France, with its world-renowned gastronomy, fashion, art, and history, offers something for everyone.
Of course, learning French in France will allow you to practice the language in its native environment.
Programs and French for French Language Schools in France
To ensure that all students receive a high-quality education, French courses must meet the strict requirements established by both government bodies and international accreditation organizations.
Language schools provide their students with the current educational tools required for a pleasant stay and engaging study.
Cultural events like movies, plays, or music concerts are required as part of the language school experience; they also provide creative assignments to help personalize the learning experience.
Courses that necessitate studying in a foreign nation frequently have quite precise criteria and durations. For example, some French programs span 16 weeks, but some courses allow you to study abroad for 1-6 months. Certificates from these colleges will also add value to your resume.
Students of any ability can take basic spoken language courses. Advanced learners of international languages have a diverse choice of options from which to pick based on their needs and interests.
Professional skills-focused courses, such as French + medical or athletics; Specialized programs such as “French-German” for architectural students who desire an extra competence in interpreting; Preparation material for the DELF / DALF tests, so you know what to expect next.
You can also study at a school for more than one semester. This will allow you to live in several places in France and learn about the country’s diverse cultures and accents.
Some of the most popular courses among international students include:
- French Language and Culture
- French Civilization and History
- Business French
- French for specific purposes
Study French in France for International Students Free
Anyone on a budget understands that creating and adhering to a budget requires a certain plan. Meaningful travel is no exception, and no one without a limitless bank account will arrive without a plan.
Studying abroad on the cheap requires imagination and hard work, so we’re here to help you get started on the right track!
1. Apply for scholarships for studying abroad in France
The first step toward studying French in France is to apply for a scholarship! Because France is one of the most popular destinations to study abroad, you can be confident that there will be plenty of scholarships available.
Check with your home university first for general study abroad scholarship information, and then ask specifically about scholarships to study abroad in France. If you are a French major or minor, you may be eligible for departmental scholarships to study in France.
For international students, there are private and government-supported scholarships and fellowships to study in France in addition to those offered by universities. The French Ministry of Higher Education and Research is one of the most popular, but there are many others as well!
Many study abroad scholarships are not country-specific, so apply for as many generic ones as possible, in addition to any France study abroad scholarships.
2. Check out program discounts and scholarships
Meaningful travel companies do not want to bankrupt you; instead, they want you to see the world! As a result, it should come as no surprise that many organizations provide their scholarships to program participants.
Most are in the ~$500-1,000 area, but those with academic quality will offer you much more. Some program providers will also give discounts to early candidates, so keep an eye on application deadlines and apply as early as possible.
When it comes to free international student education in France, the early bird gets the worm!
3. Fundraising/crowdsourcing
With the development of meaningful travel and internet fundraising platforms, it’s no surprise that crowdsourcing travel is appealing. If you have a specific goal from studying abroad in France or a unique backstory to offer as to why someone should donate to you, do not hesitate to create a GoFundMe website or something similar.
Some platforms help with this. You can create a profile on their site to get started. They are very committed to assisting overseas students in determining how to study in France for free!
4. Register for an internal or university-sponsored program
If your university offers a study abroad program in France exclusively for students from your school, any financial aid you have received will most likely be transferred to this program. Third-party program costs, which are not covered by financial assistance since they are not affiliated with your university, typically account for the majority of the study abroad expense.
Speak with a study abroad counselor at your university to find out what programs are offered directly via your institution and whether it is possible to study in France for free…or close to it.
5. Get study abroad loans
If your financial aid does not cover the entire program or you are using an external program provider, you may want to consider taking out additional student loans to pay for your study abroad.
Your university’s financial assistance and international education departments can recommend specialized loans based on your family’s financial circumstances.
When taking out additional loans, be cautious to factor in interest; over time, you may end up spending far more than the program is genuinely worth.
6. Look for universities that do not charge tuition for overseas students
Did you know that several nations in Europe provide free public education? Some of these include overseas students as well as residents! France is sort of included in this.
They don’t offer free tuition, but it is significantly less expensive than tuition in the United States, even for overseas students.
This requires you to enroll directly at the university rather than through a third-party program provider, but if saving money and learning French are your goals, this will undoubtedly get you there.
Do your investigation, though, because it is not uncommon for study abroad programs to send students to a university that does not charge international students tuition, but the program charges as if it does.
Don’t overpay for a formal curriculum when you may just matriculate into a university for around $1,000 instead of $10,000.
7. Attend French language schools instead of a standard program
Studying abroad in France does not require enrolling in a formal program costing around $20,000 or more.
Most people believe that “studying abroad” means enrolling in a university for a semester or year and paying high tuition; however, anything academic and for any length of time is considered studying abroad!
One of the most effective strategies to keep costs down is to pay à la carte rather than all-inclusive. Instead of the regular program, enroll in a French language school, where you will often only pay for language sessions and lodging.
If you want to learn French in France for free or as close to it as possible, go straight to the source rather than enroll in an English-based program that contains questionable benefits such as an orientation, cultural guide, cooking courses, cultural excursions, and more.
Those activities are enjoyable, but programs charge to arrange everything for you, so you’re better off deciding what you want within your budget.
FAQs
Can I study French in France for free?
The BAAM’s French commission conducts free French classes in Paris. Classes are given in a variety of locations, including public libraries and cultural and social institutions.
Can international students study in France for free?
International students can study in France without paying tuition. There are numerous scholarships and financial aid alternatives available to help students financially. Attending public colleges or specialized institutes is a low-cost way to obtain an education.
Is university in France free for French students?
Tuition prices at public higher education institutions are inexpensive because the French government subsidizes higher education. The genuine expense of education is the same as it is anywhere in the world: roughly €10,000 per year. The distinction is that in France, the government bears a significant portion of that cost.
