Study and Work in France: Opportunities for Canadian Students
Studying in Canada is a one life opportunity for French students. You will get to meet new people, taste new foods, and perfect your English while you’re at it. You should know, however, that the Canadian educational system works differently than the European one. French institutions offer three types of education: university education, Grandes Ecoles, and Specialized Schools. Let’s see what they’re all about and how you can find the right opportunities for you.
Types of Canadian Universities
As I mentioned above, there are three types of educational systems you should be aware of. Let’s look at each one of them separately. This will help you understand the application process better and apply in no time.
French Universities
In France, about 70% of students attend university. Here, they can get a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a PhD diploma. French universities are usually accredited by the government and are subsidized by the same entity. As an international student, you will be looking at a higher cost, however. While it’s true that some non-EU international students could pay the same fee as French students, most programs require a higher tuition fee. The application fee will be somewhere around 175 euros, to begin with. Depending on your program, you could later be looking at a 5,000-euro yearly tuition fee.
The types of programs offered by French universities are recognized internationally and can be part of different areas, such as vocational, administration, technology, literature, health, social sciences, etc. You must find out what your desired program is and then start doing your research (well in advance).
Grandes Ecoles
This system is very selective for international students. You must have a perfect GPA, so if you’re going for this one, you must know that the entrance requirements are more difficult. Schools that are part of the ‘Grandes Ecoles’ system are usually in the business or engineering area. Attending one of these schools will help you get a better-paid job once you graduate – but as I said, getting into these schools can be more difficult.
Specialized Schools
Your third option is applying for French specialized schools. These usually include art, architecture, and other culinary schools. If you’re looking to study journalism or social services, a specialized school would be your go-to. After graduation, you will receive either a French diploma or a French certificate.
How to Find a Study Abroad Opportunity
Now that you know how the French educational system works, here are some of the ways in which you can get in.
You could be an exchange student for one semester or year.
Since most Canadian universities offer study-abroad programs, you could easily choose to study abroad in France. You must, however, wait at least 2 years before you can apply for such a program. Most Canadian universities won’t allow you to do it before your junior year, but it’s always worth asking. Once you get into the school of your choice, prepare to spend anywhere between 6-12 months in France. Your costs will most likely be covered by your Canadian institution, so this is a good way to get the French educational experience without having to spend a lot of money.
You could become an undergraduate student at a French university and spend four years in France.
If you choose this option, you must ensure that your application letter and recommendation letters are outstanding. Otherwise, you might not get in since the stakes are so high. You will also need a high GPA, so if you’re out of time and are looking for a helping hand, you can always work with a legit Canadian term paper writing service. Essay writers working here will help you get your writing done in no time or edit your term-paper if necessary. In any case, make sure that you’re getting mostly A’s if you want to get into a French university or Grande Ecole.
You could apply to be a graduate student.
You can finish your undergraduate degree in Canada and then apply for a Master’s degree in France. The 2-year Master’s programs in France are numerous, and they can be quite amazing.
You could apply for a summer program.
For those of you who want to spend less time in France (but still, get the experience), you could study in France during the summer. All you must do is pick your field of interest and apply on the program’s website. While these programs might not be as hard to get into, you might be looking at higher costs.
Enrolling in a French Institution
- Find your desired program and sign up for it as soon as possible.
- Register to study at your desired program and look for opportunities outside of the academic field.
- Contact your Canadian international office and find out what paperwork you must submit.
- Find a job in France if you’re not able to support yourself financially throughout your studies.
- Travel to France and have fun!
