What to Consider When Studying in English at Universities in France?

A lot of prospective students looking to study abroad at universities in France are put off by the fact that there may be a language barrier, or they won’t be able to study their desired course in English. Not only this, but there are a range of things to consider when you look to study in English at universities in France.

Whether you are a fan of the language, the French way of life, or the rich culture that is so rife throughout the country, there is a lot to love about the idea of studying abroad at universities in France. That said, we’ve put together a few things for you to consider if you are an English student looking to study abroad.

Consider the Language of the Course

One massively important aspect to consider when looking to study in English at universities in France is the language of instruction that the course is taught in. This will impact the lectures and ultimately the language you will submit work in. If you are looking to study abroad in France, you will most likely need to consider taking a course that is taught in English, especially if you aren’t the best a speaking French as many universities will ensure international students take a language test to enter the course. Many of the best universities in France offer to teach their courses in English, which is ideal for students in the UK or US who want to study abroad at a university in France.

There is also the option to explore taking a beginners' language class before you study your course, so that when you go to France you’ll be able to interact confidently with the locals.

Location of the Course

As there is an option for UK students to study abroad in English at a university in France, another important factor to consider is the location of the program. You may not be as likely to find many English-speaking French locals outside the major cities. While you are still likely to be able to study in English at universities across France, the nightlife and getting around town outside of university lectures might be a bit harder.

So, outside of university time, if you are an English-speaking student looking to study at a university in France, and your French skills aren’t too ‘bien’, then studying a course in a major city such as Paris or Nice might be the best option for you.

Residential Options when Studying at a University in France

As with all universities in France and actually everywhere else in the world, there are a lot of options to consider when choosing accommodation. Sometimes university halls may not be the best option for you, especially if you're studying in English. However, there are so many alternatives that you can explore, for example, appartager.fr and leboncoin.fr are great for students looking for alternatives to university campus accommodation.

We need to warn you, that you will need to start searching for accommodation as soon as possible, as the best places and prices for accommodation are taken up very quickly. LivinFrance is a great tool to use for international students looking for student accommodation. If you have any questions, concerns or need anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us.