Studying abroad in France in the summertime is popular, and for good reason. European history and culture thrives in Paris and beyond, where the French have invested a ton of time, resources, and energy in preserving French culture and the French lifestyle. The area's rich tradition is evident almost everywhere: it can be seen in the turrets of the Versailles, the pillars of its many bridges and museums, and everywhere in between.

Those who choose to study abroad in France will gain insight into this colorful cultural as they explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The vibrancy of local citizens provides a welcome environment to those studying abroad over the summer in France. Consider learning French abroad to further enhance your ability to navigate the country and appreciate the local culture.

Photo credit: Kristoffer Trolle.

Top Locations

Studying abroad in Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, or other popular French cities provides access to a variety of universities renowned for their academic prowess. Whatever your interests, there is a program that focuses upon the topics you love. Delve into politics, discover European culture, or explore Jewish studies, gender studies, or business policy. Studying in France is ideal for the student hoping to explore other countries within Europe (or for the student who's hoping to have a summer unlike any other!).

The city continues to be a hub for all sorts of international travel, connecting students with the rest of the region. Take a look at our programs listed to the right to begin your adventure studying abroad in France/your summer of a lifetime.

Summer Study Abroad in France

The country of love, France rarely fails to woo its visitors. Whether it’s a midnight stroll around the Eiffel Tower, a relaxing, sunny day at Marseille’s beaches, studying in a café terrace, or some delicious wine tasting (fun fact: champagne is only champagne if it’s from the Champagne region, which is in France), France certainly has much to seduce those who visit.

Food, culture and landscape are France’s three main appeals. Grab a crepe or a croissant in the morning and wash it down with some delicious French wine. Visit the Palace of Versailles to experience life as a French king. Surf in Biarritz and hike the Alps. If there’s one thing I can say about France, is that you will never run out of things to do during your study abroad in France.

Benefits of Summer Study Abroad

Summertime is probably the best time to study abroad for students. Often, commitment to school and desire to graduate on time prevent students from studying abroad during their years in college. During the summer, you can still earn college credits while avoiding losing a semester from winter or spring semester study abroad. Obviously, the best part of study abroad is the chance to learn a new language, experience a different culture while becoming a part of the global community.

Study abroad is also a time for extending your own classes further. Experience the Versailles Palace you’ve been reading about in European history. See the artwork by the French Impressionists you’ve been poring over during art classes. Overall, summer study abroad provides students with the perfect opportunity: feeding your desire to go abroad and squeezing every ounce from campus life.

Why France is Best in the Summer for Study Abroad

Summer in France provides romantic evenings, relaxing walks and days along its beautiful beaches and holidays for the French. While studying is of course important, having your summer holidays align with the French’s vacation time ensures you experience the French culture to its fullest.

The beaches begin to warm up and provide a fantastic way to spend your days. In addition, three major events in France occur during the summer: the Tour de France (a multiple stage bicycle race), Festival d’Avignon (one of world’s oldest and greatest art festivals) and Bastille Day (La Fete Nationale in French, it features a huge military parade and celebrations all over France). Lastly, summer in France seems to be the time everyone gets married. As such, you can expect summertime in France to be an extremely happy time.

Some Packing Tips

It’ll be warm. Grab some sunscreen and try to pack light. Two months may seem like a long time now, but it’ll fly right by and you’ll be, more often than not, regretful that you packed those 5 extra jackets. That said, rain is a possibility (moderate though), so bring at least 1 jacket and at most 2. An umbrella wouldn’t hurt either. Other than that, be sure you have all your essentials, phone, wallet and passport, as other things can be bought when you get there if you forget to pack anything.

France did not earn a reputation of luxury by accident. While being known for its culturally signifant sights, it is also known for its high costs. Regardless, many study abroad providers have program-specific scholarships that can help offset the costs of your study abroad experience. If you are choosing the more independent route, these scholarships (plus more!) are available for you to apply to.

Contributed by Albert Ji


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