In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in France; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad.
One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in France is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.
Some Tools for Finding a Program:
U.S. Home Campus Study Abroad Office/Resource Center: The best place to look for a study abroad program in France is your U.S. home campus study abroad office (where available). The staff can help you through the process of finding a program, applying, participating, and returning home.
Websites: There are a number of websites with information about available study abroad programs in France. Some websites we recommend are: Studyabroad.com, Goabroad.com,and IIE Passport.
The following is a list of questions to ask when looking for an appropriate study abroad program in France. Along with speaking with program administrators in the United States, we suggest you speak with students who have participated in a study abroad program in France. If possible, speak directly with a program administrator in France to find out the strengths and weaknesses of their program.
Courses Available: What courses can be taken in France? Will they be taught by U.S. home campus professors or foreign university faculty or locals? What credentials do they have? Have they taught U.S. students before? Is the set-up in a traditional classroom?
Transfer Credit: Will courses taken in France count towards your U.S. degree program (major, minor, language, general education, etc.)?
Housing: Is housing provided as part of the program? Is it in an international university dorm? With a family/homestay? In an apartment? What part of the city? How far from where the courses are offered? Near public transportation?
Cost: What are the costs of the program, including tuition, administrative fees, room and board, international travel, in-country travel and excursions, extra costs, etc.?
Location: Where in the city are the program office/courses located? Is it in a modern city, a rural location, or a developing area with limited resources?
Duration: Is the program available for a year, semester, quarter, summer, short-term? How will the season and schedule compare to those at your U.S. home campus?
Language: Do you want to study in a language other than English? How much prior language training is required? What type of language training is offered? Are courses offered in English, French or other languages?
Support Services: Does your U.S. home campus provide academic advisement and counseling to students through program orientations (some campuses require that all students take a semester-long course before studying abroad)? What types of support services and administrative offices are in place in France?
Safety: Is there someone at the program's U.S. office and in France who is specifically responsible for students' health and safety? What policies and procedures do they have in place? Do they have an emergency/evacuation plan?
Program Evaluations: Can you see program evaluations from other students who participated in the past?
Application Deadline Dates: What are the deadline dates to apply for the program? If you miss a deadline, can you apply late?
Deposits: Do you need to make any initial or non-refundable deposits in order to guarantee you a place in the program, etc.?
In addition to the above, there may be other, personal matters and questions you wish to discuss with program administrators before making any final decisions. Make sure to look through the rest of the Handbook for more health and safety information on studying abroad in France.
