France is the fourth most popular destination for Americans studying overseas. French is the second most popular language studied in the united states. While studying in the country; sample some of the best cuisine in the world, visit the Eiffel tower, spend a weekend browsing through the thousands of pieces of art in the Louvre, tour the beaches of the French Riviera, and even ski the mountain slopes along the Swiss and Spanish borders. The culture and beautiful countryside are truly some of the greatest jewels that Europe has to offer.\
I traveled through France several times and have seen the country from the English Channel on the west coast to the border of Switzerland in the east and all along the French Riviera in the south. One trip, during a Graduate program in Europe, my school group spent three amazing weeks in Paris. I’ve fallen in love with the beauty that the countryside holds and the friendliness of 海外升學 the French people. The secret to finding open arms and a friendly smile is to learn and use some of the French language while shopping, strolling down the street, and eating in the restaurants. I’ve had a lot of great conversations with the locals in small outdoor cafes while sipping an espresso.
There are programs for everyone; the casual traveler that wishes to learn more about a specific subject, summer sessions, college credit sessions, high school programs, and, Graduate programs. Research these locations, which offer a wide variety of appeals, when searching for a place to study; Paris, Bordeaux, the French Riviera, Grenoble, and Strasbourg. Paris is such an obvious favorite for most Americans wishing to study in France that it might be hard to look through the other suggested destinations. The city is filled with historic sites that make most dreamers swoon. Aside from its famous cultural sites, that would greatly add to any study abroad experience, the city is centrally located and offers a great home base to explore the other parts of France.
Bordeaux is in the region made famous for its internationally distributed wines. The city is also home to several Universities that would make it easy to meet other French students. The French Riviera stretches from the small University town of Aix-en-Provence, which is located near the city of Marseilles, all the way along the Mediterranean coast to the city of Nice. Studying in this area will give you access to the most beautiful beaches in France as well as the opportunity, if your program takes place during May, to visit the world renowned Cannes Film Festival (be sure to book your hotel reservations well in advance as the rooms in the entire area completely sell out during the festival). Grenoble is located in the mountainous region of France, which offers a winter wonderland for enthusiasts of any snow related activities.
Being a small city and surrounded by scenery that is both awe-inspiring and romantic, Grenoble is one of my favorite places to visit. If you are interested in studying and networking for an internship with a large European based organization, then you should choose to live in Strasbourg. Among other large organizations, the city is home to the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the International Institute of Human Rights. Another great benefit, of studying in Strasbourg, is its central location on the Rhine bordering Germany, which allows you to use this city as a base to easily explore deep into the central parts of Germany.
Many people choose to study overseas. It is a great way to combine both study and travel, experience personal growth and undertake new challenges. Australian universities offer many great courses and degrees that are recognised world wide, and these universities are found all over the country. Once you have decided that studying overseas is for you then there are some things you should know.
Before you go make sure you find out exactly what documents you need to take with you. Contact the university before you go and check if there is anything you need to bring over with you, such as any recognition of prior learning, resumes or evidence of any work experience. You will need to have up to date travel documents, so ask the travel agent exactly what you will need. A current passport will be needed and you will also have to apply for the right visas well before you intend on travelling. Make sure that you have all the paperwork in order regarding your flights and itinerary. Give copies of these to family or friends at home. Make sure you carry with you information as to exactly where you are going once you arrive and how you get there.
Before you travel it can be a good idea to let the authorities know where you are going. You can register that you are travelling, and you include information as to where you are going and between what dates. This way if there is some sort of emergency, such as a natural disaster, or you are injured, then the right people can be notified. Your home country will also know you are in that particular country if some catastrophic event does occur.
Before you leave keep an eye on the currency exchange and try to change your money over when it is most beneficial to you. You will find that you won’t be studying all the time, and you may even choose to do some travelling while you are on university holidays. Do some research before you go and have some idea what things are going to cost you, that way you have some idea of a budget and how much money you need to save before you go. You may be able to work while you are overseas as well as study. Find out before you go which bank you will be able to access your money from.
It is important to check before you leave that any credits you have will be accepted by the university you will be attending. You want to make sure you enrol in all the necessary subjects to complete the course. You don’t want to discover that you are a unit or two short and have to come back the following year. This also refers to when you go back home, check that the course you study overseas is going to be recognised by your home university.