What are French colleges like for international students?

I'm really curious about studying in France! Are there any specific French colleges that are welcoming to international students, particularly those from the U.S.? How does the application process work, and are there programs taught in English?

Studying in France can truly be a unique educational and cultural experience! France is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and unique educational system. It's also known for being quite open to international students.

Notably, French universities tend to have a more specialized focus compared to U.S. institutions, so you typically need to know what you want to study before you apply. You might want to look into universities such as The American University of Paris, which, although in France, uses American-style education. Sciences Po is also internationally oriented and offers programs in English.

France also has one of the largest networks of schools specializing in art, fashion, and design, such as École Nationale Supérieure de la Mode (ENSMOD) and L’École de design Nantes Atlantique, which might be of your interest.

The application process itself involves submitting a similar bundle of materials you'd provide for a U.S school, like an application form, high school transcripts, and sometimes standardized test scores or letters of recommendation. For most universities, the applications are managed through an online process called Admission Post-Bac (APB).

As far as English-taught programs, France has been expanding its offering of these. You'll find a wide variety of such programs especially at the graduate level, but there are still undergraduate programs conducted in English, particularly in fields like business, social sciences, and fine arts. However, living and studying in France will be a lot easier if you can learn or pick up some level of French language.

Fees can vary widely for international students, but French tuition is generally more affordable compared to U.S. colleges. It's best to check the specific tuition fees for international students at every university you're interested in.

Nevertheless, remember to consider the living costs. Cities like Paris can be quite expensive. Additionally, just as in the U.S., make sure to check out scholarship opportunities offered by French universities for international students. Also, consider using a service like Appily to search for scholarships for studying abroad.

With all the variety and cultural offerings in France, you'll have a lot to explore and experience during your studies!