Can You Study In France Without Speaking French?

 

You want to study in France, but you do not speak French and of course, you are wondering if it is possible.

Many students are of the belief that living and studying in France means being totally fluent in the language but it is not exactly that. At present, thousands of foreign students study also totally in French.

In fact, there are more than 1,600 English taught degrees in the top French universities. While it is useful to know French when you are living your day-to-day life, it does not mean that you will not be able to study in France without speaking the language.

In this guide, you will know how to study in France without learning French, best universities offering English in France, language requirements, visa requirements, application requirements and tips to make your student life easier.

Why Study in France?

Besides being a beautiful country, France, as stereotyped, is one of the best places in Europe to study. More than 2.5 million students are enrolled in French establishments, of which more than 12% are foreigners. Reasons for France being one of the popular countries to study in:

1. Multicultural Experience

France is a crossroad of cultures from all over the world. Whatever city you are in you will experience a great mixture of international students, cultural festivals and social activities.

2. High -standards of Academic Excellence & International Reputation

French universities are known for world class research, modern facilities and good academic programs. There is a large selection of courses which range from engineering to humanities, many of which are taught completely in English.

3.Climate and Lifestyle that is comfortable

France has a temperate climate for most of the year, which is ideal for those students who don’t enjoy extreme weather. Whether you like warm summers or snowy winters, you will love the great education as well as the beautiful environment you will be surrounded with.

4.Opportunities After the Three Year Degree

Obtaining a degree in France will give you the capacity to stay back much longer by making use of the Temporary Residence Permit. The visa is valid for a period of one year and is ideal for graduates who are looking for employment or starting their own business.

Can You Really Study in France without Speaking French?

Yes, you can. Many universities have courses 100% in English, especially at master level.

However, it is important to be aware of the fact that life in France without being able to speak French is difficult. Some basics will make it easier to deal with the day-to-day activities like shopping, internships, part-time jobs and networking.

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Best Universities That Offer English Taught Courses in France

While most of the courses are conducted in French, many universities across the country promote courses in English.

As per the official Campus France website, more than 1600 degree programs are available 100% in English in famous institutions. Some of the best recommendations are the following:

• Sciences Po: the best university in France for undergraduates only You must possess an excellent command over English to be able to be admitted.
• American University of Paris: This is an American American University of Paris based in Paris. It is a great place to study in France without having any French language because the entire program is carried out in English.
• Sorbonne University: One of the great universities in France thanks to its history that dates back to the Middle Ages, the University is very research-oriented, especially in the fields of humanities, sciences and engineering.
• Paris Sciences & Lettres University of Paris (PLS):This university in Paris is well known for a great diversity of English-taught courses, primarily at Master level. Among them, a number of Bachelor’s and PhD programs are also offered in the English language.
• CentraleSupelec: This school offers English-taught programs, and even has courses that are specifically designed for students from other countries that do not speak French yet.

Courses Taught Most Popularly in the English Language

Depending on the school there will be a wide variety of programs that are conducted entirely in English. The best courses available on the website of France’s campus are:

• Business & Management
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Sciences & Health
• Agriculture & Agroindustry
• Mathematics & Technology
• Law, Economics & International Relations
• Humanities and Literatures and Languages
• Arts, Design, Fashion and Architecture

Most of these courses are centred in large student cities like Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Toulouse where you will also have good support networks for international students.

How to study and apply for English taught courses in France

So now that you know that you can study in France without being able to speak French, how do you get these courses in France?

We have already outlined above the process to get English-taught courses in France:

Step 1: Research & Shortlist

Go to the official website of Campus France and use the filter of “Taught in English”. Select five or more programs, based on such factors as location, fees, housing and career options.

Step 2: Validation of Requirements & Apply online

Admission process in each university is different. Most will require transcripts, recommendation letters and proof of English language competence (TOEFL/ IELTS), but some are exceptions and don’t require it if you have studied English before.

Step 3: Get Your Student Visa

If you are staying for more than 90 days which you will do if the minimum period of study at university in France is three years, apply for a VLS-TS long stay student visa. You will need:

• Proof of admission
• Proof of funds
• Health insurance
• International passport

Do not forget to apply well in advance either via the official France-Visas portal, or via Campus France in your country.

Language Requirements & Tests to Live in France

• If you are in an English taught program, you’ll have to take either IELTS or TOEFL unless you’re a native English speaker or your previous education was in English.
• For the French-speaking programs: the student should be able to demonstrate his/her DELF, DALF or TCF certificate (usually B2 level).

Remember: French is not required to obtain the visa per se but some of the scholarships/programs may require it.

How to Survive in France as an English Speaker Student

As we pointed out above, it’s possible to study in France without speaking French, but it may be hard to live there. In an effort to be successful, the following tips are offered:

• Use Translation Apps: Download the offline version of Google Translate to get quick help with signs, menus and conversations.
• Basic Phrases: Basic phrases such as “Bonjour”, “Merci” and “Ou sont les toilettes?” This will save in a number of cases.
• Stay in Major Cities: Cities such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon have a higher rate of English fluency and expats.
• Join International Student Groups: If you are a scholar, you can form fast friends with similar backgrounds joining Erasmus networks and WhatsApp Groups, which also can help you draw knowledge and experience from their own social circles.

Yes, it is possible to study in France without being able to speak the French language. Columbus program, “With the proper English taught program, proper planning and being willing to learn a little French along the way, you will have an incredible academic and cultural experience.”