While France is an expensive study abroad destination, you can still have a meaningful student experience on a budget with these simple tips and tricks.
It’s no secret: France is one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students, but it isn’t exactly known for being a budget-friendly country.
While studying abroad in France, you can try to use federal financial aid or find a study abroad program that offers scholarships, but what if that isn’t an option? Is it possible to study in one of the most expensive countries globally on a shoestring budget?
For students wanting to study overseas without breaking the bank, don’t lose hope! It is possible to do study abroad in France on a budget- and here’s how.
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Find Hidden Discounts & Budget perks like a Local
Whether you’re studying abroad with a provider, through your university, or directly enrolling at one of Frances many prestigious universities, here are a few quick tips anymore can use to save money while studying in France. Most of these methods are used by local students and residents and can work for you too!
- Consider studying in smaller cities, away from Paris, for a more authentic French experience. Cities such as Grenoble, Lyon, and Cannes are good possibilities.
- Avoid touristy areas where restaurant prices will skyrocket-for trips to these attractions, pack a baguette lunch from the corner store. Don’t be afraid of less extravagant restaurant: seek patrons speaking French and avoid English menus.
- Students and the under 25’s are eligible for quite a few discounts in France. Purchase an international youth travel card, and you’ll get discounted entry to major sights around the country.
shop Around for Inexpensive Study Abroad Programs in France
For students wanting to study in France on a tight budget, It is worth shopping around. Since France is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, the country is brimming with options.
Low Cost, All-inclusive Study Abroad Providers
France has more than a few low-cost all-inclusive studies abroad programs for those searching for a program that provides housing, tuition, Support, and sometimes even a few extras.
Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships
Students from all over the world want to go to France to Study and resultantly, French study abroad scholarships are highly competitive for non-Europeans.
Scholarship’s that include a cost of living stipend are generally reserved for students who participate in Erasmus exchange, though other financial aid options exist. The Erasmus exchange are between European countries and a small number of engineering, Business, and medical students from French-speaking former colonies.
scholarships to consider for Study Abroad in France
- The major scholarships available to American Students are the Fulbright scholarship and the chateaubriand Fellowship (though they are so competitive that they are almost exclusively reserved for advanced Ph.D. students)
- French government sponsored scholarships are available for students seeking to improve their French language skills
- Go Overseas offers a comprehensive list of international study abroad scholarships and grants.
Attend a Grande Ecole for Your Masters
Graduates of the Grandes Ecole’s are expected to become top contributors to French society. They earn highly coveted private sector jobs and top-notch appointments in all levels of the French administration once they’ve earned their diplomas. So, it’s only natural for the schools to be well funded.
If you’re dedicated, highly motivated, and speak good French (Which you’ll definitely have to do to get admitted), a graduate degree from a Grande Ecole is a strong start to an impressive international career, and a great way to afford living in France.
Most of these schools are accredited by FAFSA, meaning that even though you’ll get a scholarship to attend, you can also defer your undergrad student; loans during your studies.
Get a Teaching Side Gig
If you don’t want to go to a Grade Ecole, the best way to budget your year abroad is to take advantage of one of the many programs available to native English speakers for teaching or working in France. You’re legally able to work for up to 20 hrs per week while studying abroad in France.
The winter before you want to go to France, you can apply to the Teaching Assistant Program in France, or TAPIF, to get a job teaching 12 hrs per week in an elementary, middle, or high school somewhere in France. Take-home pay is about 800 EUR per month, and that amount will cover most of your living expenses.
If you miss the January deadline or don’t get accepted the first time around, you can go to the local Minister of Education office and ask for consideration as a local hire. with a student visa, some teaching experience, and native English skills, there’s good chance you’ll get a job in the fall, as they often have English assistants change their minds about coming to France at the last minute.
Get Your Expenses Covers as an AU Pair
If you want to study abroad to learn French but don’t want or need a degree, you may want to consider becoming an au pair in France. Au Pairs can be up to 30 years old and visit France as a sponsored worker, typically with an exchange program.
AU pairs in France must work no more than 30 hrs per week and receive a room, transit card, and a small monthly stipend-a definite help with your budget. Families are also required to pay for 10 hrs of weekly French language classes for their au pairs, who must take the classes during their stay and prove enrollment to keep their visa.
Being an au pair in France isn’t a highly paid job, but it provides a way of studying French in France in a non-degree programme at an extremely low cost.
Note: If you work as an au pair, you may not be able to switch families if things don’t work out, and you won’t be able to switch to a different kind of visa once you arrive in France- so choose wisely!
Although France isn’t exactly known for being an inexpensive country, It doesn’t have to be unattainable as a study abroad student. the country has many programs and benefits for students, low tuition if you directly enrol, and some fantastic au pair and teaching positions that will help you live in France on a reasonable student budget.
If studying in France is your dream, don’t let money stop you. Get creative and make it happen!
Housing Assistance from the CAF
One of the collect and most substantial advantages offered in France is a housing allowance known as APL, which is given to international students with a valid residency status. Caisse d’allocations Familiales (Short for CAF) is the organisation in charge of this.
Your place of residence, the amount of rent you pay, and your salary from two years ago all affect how much the allowance is (and the year before). The CAF is a very helpful source of financial support for French renters. You can make up to 200 euros per month if you live in a studio, and up to 180 euros if you live in shared housing.
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What is the Stay Back Options in France?
All those students who are enrolled in the short courses does not have the option to stay back in France. Such students are required to leave, built they can apply again for a regular student visa.
Upon the completion of the course, the master’s students can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (APS). The Temporary Resident Permit or APS allows foreign students to remain in France for 2 Year the end of their studies. In this period, they can look for a job or prepare for the creation of a company in a afield as per their training.
Why Thirdwave Overseas Education?
Do you want to continue your education in France? Do you have a preferred university or college? Thirdwave Overseas Education can assist you. Our company is the best Overseas Education Consultants in Kochi. We can help you understand your long-held dream of attending a foreign university by providing you with all of the information and guidance you require.
