Go to a university that has at least two to three different study abroad options in France. Most universities have semester to year-long study abroad programs offered in Paris as well as in other regions of France. The study abroad staff at universities makes the process a lot easier by helping you with all of the administrative details that go along with studying overseas.
Apply to a master's program in France if you already have your bachelor's degree. New York University and Columbia University both offer one-year master's programs in Paris. Apply directly to a master's program at a French university such as at the Sorbonne in Paris if you are looking for a less expensive alternative to the American universities.
Research study abroad programs that are not associated with a university if you aren't satisfied with the program offerings at your own university or if you are going to France purely to study the language, culture or cuisine and not to further an academic degree. Check out the Study Abroad website or the Study Abroad Links website to view a comprehensive list of program options in France.
Keep your location preferences a priority when choosing your study abroad program. If you're interested in experiencing France through city life, then Paris is your best bet. If you'd like to be in a slightly smaller city than Paris, Lyon is a beautiful town situated just a few hours from Paris, the French Riviera and the Alps. Cities along the Côte d'Azur are also popular study abroad sites.
Choose a program based on quality, location, cost, housing options and program support. Commit to the program, book your flight and make sure you have a valid passport.
Locate the nearest French consulate on the French Embassy's website to get your student visa before you travel to France. Most study abroad programs will aid you in this process. Make sure to have all of the necessary documentation before you make the trip to the consulate to get your student visa. You can find a list of the required documents on the French consulate's website.
Go to France. Soon you'll be reading French literature at a charming outdoor café overlooking the Seine and sighing to yourself, "C'est la vie."