Dos and Don'ts for International Students in France

Published date: 09th March 2022

France is not only popular for its culture but also one of the most chosen destinations to study abroad. While studying abroad, students not only involves an academic experience. It is a whole experience of moving out, new socializing groups, and coping with the unfamiliarity with the norms of the new land. Here are some important Dos and Don'ts for International Students in France to make your study abroad journey easy.

Dos for International Students for France

1. Do learn basic French

Do not assume everyone speaks and understands English. Learn some French phrases. It will show you are making the effort to speak the language and it will impress them. Here we have mentioned some phrases:

• Hello -“Bonjour”
• Thank you - “Merci”
• Excuse me  -“Excusez-moi”
• Where are the bathrooms? -"Où sont les toilettes?”
• I am lost -“Je suis perdu”
• Please -“S’il vous plaît”
• I don’t speak French. In English please -“Je ne parle pas Francais. En Anglais, s’il vous plaît”

2. Research properly for the Courses in France

France has plenty of courses to offer for international students. Before finalizing your course, check its eligibility, requirements, and whether it fits your academic and career goals. A lot of factors determine the top courses to study in any country like research facilities, future employment opportunities, and most importantly, top-ranked universities in France. You should also tick these factors and then decide the course. Check this out: Most Employable Courses in France for International Students

3. ​Validate your residence permit

If you came to France with a long-stay visa used as a residence permit, you must validate your visa as soon as you arrive in France. The process is entirely online. You can do everything at home, on your computer. You must verify your student visa within three months of arriving in France at the very latest.

4. Check for Student accommodation

For international students in France, there are many housing options. You can choose between a publicly owned building or private housing. You can select a student residence or an apartment. You can connect with your university officers for the accommodation facilities and they will often help you out with this.

5. Work during the study in France

An international student in France has the right to work while studying. French law gives the right to international students to work part-time for 964 hours during the year which is equivalent to 60% of the legal work year. By working part-time at least you can cover some of your living expenses which will make your studies in France more affordable.

Don’ts for International Students for France

1. Don’t forget the Documents

You should be very careful with your documents. You not only need them during university admission but also in the visa process and after arrival formalities in France. So keep them safe. Some of the important documents are:

• identity card;
• passport;
• birth certificate (a translated and certified copy);
• proof of enrolment in your institute;
• proof of language ability (French, English, etc.);
• previous degrees (a translated and certified copy).
• your plane tickets;
• the printed reservation of your accommodation;

2. Don’t forget to check for international students scholarships

Whether you need a scholarship or you have gained excellent results in your previous studies, apply for the scholarships. Research scholarships in France online. The Government of France, as well as Universities, offers an abundance of scholarships to international students to encourage them to study in France. You can find Scholarships from being fully funded, partially funded towards the tuition fee support.

3. Don’t Breach your visa conditions

Follow all the conditions and rules of a Student visa in France. Do not overstay your visa by not applying for a timely visa extension. Apply for a visa extension in advance and not wait until the last minute. Work only for 20 hours per week as per the visa rules.

4. Don't be scared

Living and studying abroad involves a lot of responsibility. Sometimes it may feel like you are struggling alone with challenges. Don't get scared. Challenges will come, but don't forget you're here to make your career. So whatever you will face, will make you stronger. Join student groups and build a network over there. This will help you out with solving many of your problems. Do not miss this: 5 Things to Know about Study in France

5. Do not delay in Registering for health care

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you don't need to register with French social security. If you are a Non-European student arriving in France, You must register to the French general social security system. Registration is done online by logging in to the website of the health insurance dedicated to international students.

We hope these do's and don'ts for international students in France will help you to make your study abroad journey easy. You will find many other students coming from different corners of the world. Get along with them. Even though they are new in the country. If you face many major problems you can always contact your university and ask for guidance.

Read also

Checklist before Going to Study in France
5 Hidden Destinations to Study in France for International students
How to Solve the Problems While Study Abroad in France