France is one of Europe's largest countries. It is bordered by six countries other nations: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the southeast and Spain to the southwest. The United Kingdom borders France via the English Channel. The country is considered to be the gateway to Europe as there are several large international airports (two of these can be found in Paris), ferry terminals and the French rail service.

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world. There are many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting the diverse country, including the natural beauty, the amazing climate, outdoor recreational activities such as golf courses, art museums and galleries and so much more. There are many different activities that outline the history of the country which are enjoyable to visitors, especially considering its turbulent past.

France has one of the most prestigious education systems in the world, as well? Whether you are an individual seeking undergraduate studies, postgraduate schooling or something else, an amazing education can easily be found in the country. No matter what region that you go to there are numerous universities and educational institutions offering world-class education for people far and wide. There is a reason that so many people choose to come to France to receive their education and when it is the best education that you require, it is well worth your time to look at the colleges and universities that are available throughout the country.

As a student at one of these institutions you can rest assured that you will receive an amazing education, while also enjoying the many other things that are to be loved in the country. The universities in France offer students the chance to attend their institutions on a full and part time basis, with a number of class schedules and courses available. These courses will all vary by the college, as will the times that you can attend. However, it is quite easy to find something that accommodates your schedule and allows you to go to university in your own time.

Location and Geography

Metropolitan France is the largest nation in Western Europe, with a total area of 674,843 square kilometres. It is surrounded by Belgium and Luxembourg, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and by water bodies the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean.

France is a land of flat plains or gently rolling hills in the north and west, forests and mountainous areas in the Pyrenees (south), Alps (east), and lower Vosges mountains (north east). The capital city is Paris.

Climate

Mainland France has cool winters and mild summers, with the occasional Mistral wind. The Mediterranean coast has mild winters and hot summers.

Economy

France's economy is the fifth-largest in the world in nominal terms and is a member of the G8 and G20 groups of leading industrialised countries. It has transitioned from an interventionist to a free market economy, with gradual privatisation of public assets and labour reforms; still, the government continues to play a significant role in some areas of the economy, particularly with regard to infrastructural industries. It has a mixed industrial and agricultural export-oriented economy, and is also prioritising its knowledge economy. France has an international reputation for excellence in the fields of space, transportation, sciences, biotechnology, health, and electronics, which many people attribute to its excellent higher education system.

With 82 million foreign tourists per year, France is the world's most visited country and has the third- largest income from tourism in the world. The currency is the Euro.

French Education System

Individuals choose France for their educational needs for a number of very good reasons. Because the French are so adamant of being able to offer students the highest in educational standards, you can always count on your chosen college and program to be among the best that you can find anywhere in the world. The people of France take their education exceptionally seriously, and it shows in the education that you can find across the country. Plenty of money is spent on education in France, and if getting the prime education that you want and need is important to you, studying in France is definitely the perfect option.

It is often said that the who's who of elite futures choose France to attain their education. Engineers, military leaders and many others all turn to the prime education system in France to acquire their knowledge of the industry. They turn to the colleges in the country because they know the fantastic learning opportunities that await them when they do.

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate programs in France can be found at many of the colleges and universities. Many people who attend college in the country attend for these courses. In order to attend an undergraduate program in France, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, as well as meet additional requirements.

The academic year in a French college runs from mid-September until the end of June the following year. Some institutions may also have enrolments throughout the year as well. If you wish to attend an institution in France you should make your requirements known well ahead of time and submit an application no less than two months in advance of the start date for your desired courses. Students wishing to acquire their Undergraduate degree have the opportunity to earn that degree in a vast range of programs. Students can earn a Bachelor degree in any of the following:

• Medicine
• Geography
• Pharmacology
• Art History
• Linguistics
• Sociology
• European and Mediterranean Cultures
• Communication technology
• Information Technology
• French Studies
• International Business Administration
• Film Studies
• Global Communications
• Finance
• International Finance
• Literary Studies
• Creative Arts
• Psychology
• International Economics
• International and Comparative Politics

There are a number of other college programs that you can select from and earn your Bachelor's degree, although those listed above are among the most popular degrees attained by international students.

Postgraduate Study

France has a good reputation for their excellent postgraduate study programs. Those who want to study in Europe for a postgraduate program often look to France to do this. International students really enjoy the country and the postgraduate programs that are offered in France really are the best of the best. All of the institutions in France rank highly for their education and anyone who attends such a program in the country will learn so very much, often meaning that they excel in their future endeavours.

Postgraduate programs in France fall into three main categories:

• Taught Masters (MAs/MScs/MEng)
• Research Masters (MRes/ MA by Research)
• Doctorates and PhDs

Cost of Living & Attending College

The government requires that you be able to support yourself while you attend college, so it is important that you have the money that is needed. If you are an international student, the laws in France allow you to work part-time up to 20 hours per week while you study in France. While this money can certainly help, it may not be enough to cover all of the things that you will need. There are so many extras that are required in college. You will need pens and paper, pencils and highlighters and of course, bags for your belongings. You need snacks to nibble on while you are at school, lunch to eat and breakfast and dinner, too. There are also costs of living which include rent, utilities, mobile phone and toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, soap and hair/facial care products.

It is estimated that you will need around 430 EUR per month to survive while you attend college in the country, but this is a low figure and it never hurts to have a little more. The average tuition costs for attending a college in France will vary according to the school that you wish to attend, the courses that you are taking, whether you are a resident of the EU or a foreign student and other information. The average rates for tuition vary from about 150 EUR per term to 900 EUR per term. Again this amount varies and is based on a number of factors. If you are looking to attend a college that is low cost it is in your best interest to compare your options before you begin.

Health & Medical Treatment

All international students who will be in France are required to have health insurance, either public or private. Many international students are eligible to take part in their universal health care coverage, though this is dependent upon factors such as age, country of origin, and length of their degree program.

To be eligible for the national health insurance program offered in France, students must be:

• Under the age of 28 by October 1st of the current University year
• Enrolled on a degree program for a period of 4 months or longer
• Have a home country that is outside of the European Union or Switzerland

Visa Requirement

If your are from country who need visa to study in France, you must apply to the French consular authority. There is a charge for the Visa application and you must also have a passport that is valid for a period of three months past your expiration date of the requested party. You must complete an application that you sign and must submit three photographs with the application. If you are a student under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign the application. You will also need to inform the application that you are intending to attend college in France, as it is necessary to put the desired reason for the visa.

When completing your application for a Visa it is essential that you complete the application in its entirety and also need to make sure that you have all of the documents that are needed and submit them with the application.

It can take up to two months for a Visa application to be approved so you will want to submit all of the necessary information as quickly as possible before you plan to leave. If your Visa is issued you will receive it within a short time.

If you are applying for a long-term stay visa you must do all of the above as well as hold a travel passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. Again there is an application fee to process the application and this is not refundable.

Before You Leave: Your Final Checklist

• Are Your Applications Submitted and Completely settled?
• Have You Arranged Housing?
• How Much Money do You Have?
• Will You Be Working?
• What about Transportation?
• Do you have your Passport and Visa Sorted?
• Is Your Suitcase Packed?
• Have You Checked Out the City and Area?
• Have You Said Your Goodbyes?

More Information

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr - Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs www.education.gouv.fr - Ministere de L'education Nationale : Information on the French education system

www.vosdroits.service-public.fr - DDTEFP - La Direction Departementale du Travail, de L'emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle: Assesses and issues work permits, info on social security www.oecd.org - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

www.europa.eu - the European Union (EU) www.eubusiness.com/France/econ - EU Business site: Information on French economy www.imf.org - International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports on French economy www.ceftunisie.org - A commercial portal for tertiary/higher education in France and careers www.intstudy.com/visafran.htm - The International Education Site: Information on student visas www.francetourism.com - French Tourist Office for Travel and Tourism www.justlanded.com - Just Landed - Living Abroad website: Useful information, services and links www.discover france .net - Commercial site for a range of tourist information on France www.france-voyage.com - Commercial site with easy access to information on every region in France