PARIS FOR STUDY PURPOUSES

Visa and Study Authorization

Student Visa

  • International students intending to study in Paris must obtain a long-stay student visa (visa de long séjour pour études). Check with the French consulate in your home country for specific requirements.

Residence Permit

  • After your arrival in Paris, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit (titre de séjour) for the duration of your studies. The process typically involves a visit to the local préfecture or an online application.

French Language Requirement

  • Some programs may require proof of French language proficiency. Ensure you meet the language prerequisites for your chosen course.

Accommodation

University Accommodation

  • Many universities in Paris offer on-campus accommodation options for international students. These can vary from dormitories to shared apartments.

Private Housing

  • Consider private housing, such as renting an apartment or sharing a flat with other students. Websites like Leboncoin, SeLoger, and Pap.fr can help in your search.

Homestays

  • Living with a local family through a homestay program provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and language practice.

Universities and Programs

Prestigious Universities

  • Paris is home to world-renowned universities, including the University of Paris (Sorbonne), École Normale Supérieure, and Sciences Po. Research and choose the institution that aligns with your academic goals.

Programs Taught in English

  • Many universities offer programs taught in English, catering to international students. Explore your options for English-taught courses.

Scholarships

  • Investigate scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students, including those offered by the French government and individual universities.

Academic Life

Academic Calendar

  • Familiarize yourself with the French academic calendar, which typically runs from September to June, with a break in July and August.

Student ID Card

  • Obtain a student ID card (carte d’étudiant) from your university, which can grant you access to various discounts and benefits.

Library Access

  • Most universities provide access to extensive libraries and research resources, crucial for your academic pursuits.

Practical Tips

Banking

  • Open a French bank account to manage your finances during your studies.

Healthcare

  • Ensure you have appropriate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Paris.

Public Transportation

  • The city’s efficient public transportation system, including the metro and buses, makes it easy to navigate Paris.

Cultural Engagement

  • Immerse yourself in the city’s cultural offerings, from museums to theaters, to enhance your Parisian experience.

French Education System

The French education system is renowned for its rigor, structure, and emphasis on academic excellence. From early childhood to university, it provides a comprehensive and well-organized educational journey. Let’s explore the stages of the French education system, from the beginning to university.

École Maternelle (Preschool)

Ages: 3 to 6 years

Overview: The French education journey begins with école maternelle, a preschool for young children. It’s divided into three cycles: petite section, moyenne section, and grande section. The focus is on developing social skills, creativity, and language abilities.

École Élémentaire (Elementary School)

Ages: 6 to 11 years

Overview: École élémentaire comprises five levels, or cours élémentaire (CE1 to CE2) and cours moyen (CM1 to CM2). Here, students develop foundational skills in mathematics, French, science, and humanities.

Collège (Middle School)

Ages: 11 to 15 years

Overview: Collège is a four-year cycle. Students enter at the age of 11 and complete their studies at 15. This stage focuses on a well-rounded education, including subjects like mathematics, history, geography, and foreign languages.

Lycée (High School)

Ages: 15 to 18 years

Overview: Lycée is a three-year program, divided into three classes: seconde, première, and terminale. Students choose a specialization—literary, scientific, or economic and social—and study for the baccalauréat, a national exam that determines university eligibility.

Baccalauréat (High School Diploma)

Ages: 18 years

Overview: The baccalauréat, often referred to as the “bac,” is a high-stakes examination taken at the end of lycée. It is crucial for university admissions and offers three different streams: Littéraire, Scientifique, and Économique et Social.

Higher Education

Ages: 18 and above

Overview: Higher education in France is primarily divided into two main sectors:

  1. Universités (Universities): These offer a wide range of programs, and admission is typically open to students who have passed the baccalauréat. Universities provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
  2. Grandes Écoles: Grandes écoles are highly prestigious and selective institutions that offer specialized programs in fields like engineering, business, and public administration. Admission is highly competitive.

In addition to these, there are specialized institutions like art schools, technical institutes, and vocational schools that provide a diverse range of educational opportunities.

Common Degrees

  • Licence: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, usually obtained after three years of study.
  • Master: Requires two additional years of study after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
  • Doctorate: Involves several years of research and coursework beyond the master’s level.

Exchange Programs

  1. Erasmus+ Program
    • Overview: The Erasmus+ Program is a European Union initiative that supports student and staff exchanges among European universities.
    • Website: Erasmus+ Program
  2. Fulbright Program
    • Overview: The Fulbright Program offers various scholarships and exchanges for students, scholars, and professionals between the United States and other countries.
    • Website: Fulbright Program
  3. AFS Intercultural Programs
    • Overview: AFS offers international exchange programs for students to study abroad and experience new cultures.
    • Website: AFS Intercultural Programs
  4. CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange)
    • Overview: CIEE provides study abroad and exchange programs in various countries and for various age groups.
    • Website: CIEE
  5. ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs)
    • Overview: ISEP offers affordable study abroad programs at universities in over 50 countries.
    • Website: ISEP
  6. Rotary Youth Exchange
    • Overview: Rotary International offers youth exchange programs for high school students to live and study abroad.
    • Website: Rotary Youth Exchange
  7. Youth for Understanding (YFU)
    • Overview: YFU offers a wide range of international exchange programs for students, including scholarships.
    • Website: Youth for Understanding
  8. School Year Abroad (SYA)
    • Overview: SYA offers full-year, high school study abroad programs in France, Italy, China, and Spain.
    • Website: School Year Abroad
  9. Experiment in International Living
    • Overview: The Experiment offers immersive high school study abroad programs, cultural exchange, and community service opportunities.
    • Website: Experiment in International Living
  10. AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study)
    • Overview: AIFS provides study abroad and cultural exchange programs for college students in various countries.
    • Website: AIFS
  11. Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
    • Overview: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Program offers scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study in the United States.
    • Website: YES Program
  12. ISE (International Student Exchange)
    • Overview: ISE offers high school exchange programs for students to study abroad and experience new cultures.
    • Website: ISE
  13. WEP (World Education Program)
    • Overview: WEP offers cultural exchange and language immersion programs for students, including high school study abroad.
    • Website: WEP
  14. Education First (EF)
    • Overview: EF offers language courses, cultural exchange programs, and study abroad opportunities in various countries.
    • Website: Education First (EF)
  15. Experimento Educational and Cultural Exchange Program
    • Overview: Experimento offers educational and cultural exchange programs in Brazil, focusing on student and teacher exchanges.
    • Website: Experimento

TOP TRAVEL & FOOD ® team is made of tireless Expert Curators team to reveal “secret spots told by locals” just for you. They search for incredible destinations, dream accommodations, best flavors, memorable events and excellence services, to offer the target audience of readers and partners the greatest coverage and the best achievement of results, using the most modern technologies and expertise in the sector.

All our Review´s standards are covered with the go through careful selection for evaluation,
making a Exclusive selection list that caters to criteria used internationally. Articles and Exclusive Spot Reviews are conceptualized to transmit readers how was each experience with a brand, product or service. We cover the segments related to Tourism, Lifestyle, Gastronomy and Services, besides any others related to the city that we consider relevant for broadcast. We permanently stay connected to the ecosystem of Local Hubs. adding direct value to the Business Market.