Study Abroad in France

Most US colleges and universities have education abroad offices that will help connect you with a study abroad or exchange program, either facilitated by your institution or through a study abroad provider.  

You may choose to study abroad for a short program in the summer or J-Term, or spend a semester or a full academic year abroad. Some programs are taught at centers or schools managed by your university or the study abroad provider organization, and your peers may be other Americans or international students. Other programs partner directly with French institutions, and students take regular courses with other French students.

Consider your academic and career plans, language acquisition objectives, and your personal goals when choosing a program that is right for you.  

Below are several US-based study abroad providers with long-standing programs throughout France. 

AFS

CIEE

IES Abroad

AIFS

CEA

Accent

ISA 

Study abroad and exchange programs in France may range from a few weeks, to a full academic year.

If your program of study in France is 90 days or longer, you will apply for a long-stay student visa. One of the requirements of the student visa application is completing a pre-consular Campus France application on a platform called Etudes en France, there is also an application fee.

You can read about the details of this process the Application Overview.

If your program of study in France for under 90 days and you are a US citizen, you will not be required to apply for a student visa or complete the Etudes en France pre-consular application. Citizens of other countries may still be required to apply for a visa when visiting France for under 90 days, you can learn more about this at France-Visas. 

Many students who choose to study abroad may be eligible for additional funding or scholarships. We recommend seeking advice from your college or university’s education abroad office.  

Campus France USA has also compiled an extensive list of scholarships for U.S. students in France, read more about scholarships for study abroad students on our Grants, Scholarships & Fellowships page.  

The Higher Education Cooperation of the Embassy of France in the United States is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of State to offer the Gilman Scholarship, providing need-based grants to support U.S. students who study abroad in France.  

See our Life After Studying in France page for resources to help you leverage your experience in France into new opportunities for personal and professional growth.