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Student exchange program in France for Americans
Study abroad in France from the U.S.: programs, requirements, actual costs, and scholarships. Everything you need to know before you leave.
France is more than just croissants and the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of the most popular study abroad destinations for U.S. students because it offers great universities, a life-changing culture, and a high quality of life. Every year, more than 17,000 American students choose France for their studies, and many describe the experience as one of the highlights of their college years.
But getting there isn’t just buying a ticket. You’ll need to choose a program, meet admission requirements, plan your budget, and handle plenty of practical details before you go. This guide takes you through it step by step.
Exchange programs between the U.S. and France
The good news is that there are several ways to go to France as an exchange student. The best option for you depends on your academic level, your budget, and how long you want to stay there.
University exchange programs
The most common option if you’re in college. Your U.S. school may have partnerships with French universities like the Sorbonne, Sciences Po, or Université de Lyon. You keep paying tuition at your home school, study in France, and transfer the credits back. It’s the smoothest option and helps you stay on track with your degree.
The first thing you should do is talk to your university’s international studies office. That’s where you’ll find all the active exchange agreements and application deadlines.
High school exchange programs
If you’re still in high school, organizations like AFS, Rotary Youth Exchange, and CIEE offer semester- or year-long exchange programs in France. You’ll live with a host family, attend classes alongside French students, and get a firsthand look at everyday life in France.
International mobility programs with external providers
If your school doesn’t have a program with France, you can go through exchange organizations. The most popular ones for U.S. students are:
- CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): Offers programs in Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, and other cities.
- IES Abroad: Offers options in Paris, Nantes, and Lyon, including programs taught in English for students who are not yet fluent in French.
- EF Education First: Full-semester programs with costs that include housing, classes, and activities.
Most of these organizations help with visas, housing, and academic advising, which can make the process much easier if it’s your first time studying abroad.
Organizations that manage exchanges
In addition to those mentioned above, there are key players you should be aware of:
- Campus France USA (usa.campusfrance.org): The official French government agency that helps international students. It offers a database of programs, costs, and scholarships filtered by nationality.
- Fulbright France: One of the most prestigious programs for graduates and graduate students.
- ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs): Ideal for direct exchanges between universities.
Typical program duration
The most common programs have the following durations:
- Summer (J-Term or Summer): 3 to 6 weeks. A good option if you want to experience studying in France without committing to a semester-long program.
- One semester: 4 to 5 months. The most popular option among college students.
- Full academic year: 9 to 10 months. The most transformative, and also the one that requires the most financial planning.
Requirements for an exchange program in France from the U.S.
Each program has its own rules, but there are a number of requirements that apply to almost all of them. It’s best to familiarize yourself with them now.
Academic requirements
Most university programs require a minimum GPA of around 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. More competitive programs, like Sciences Po or Fulbright, may require a 3.5 or higher. They also usually expect you to have completed at least one year of college before applying.
Language proficiency
One of the most common questions American students ask is: Do I need to speak French?
It depends on the program. If you study at a French university with local students, you usually need an upper-intermediate level of French (B2). Some programs ask for official proof, like the DELF or DALF exams.
But if you go through international programs like IES Abroad or CIEE, you can study in English or start with a French immersion semester. So it’s not a strict limitation, you just need to pick the right program for you.
Required documentation
To apply for the program, you are usually asked to provide:
- Official academic transcript
- Statement of purpose (why you want to go to France, what you hope to gain from the exchange)
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor
- Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return)
- Language proficiency test, if applicable
For stays longer than 90 days, you must also apply for a French student visa before leaving the U.S.
Health insurance
France has a great public healthcare system, but as an international student you still need to make sure you’re covered. Many programs include basic health insurance, but additional international coverage that includes repatriation, emergency assistance, and dental care can provide extra peace of mind.
Other program requirements
Some programs require an interview (in person or online) before accepting you. Others want you to have housing arranged before they give you your visa. Missing a deadline can delay your application, so it’s important to keep track of all administrative dates and requirements.
Cost of studying abroad in France from the U.S.
Let’s look at the costs. France isn’t the cheapest place in Europe to study, but it’s not the most expensive either. How much you spend mostly depends on whether you live in Paris or a smaller city.
Expenses before traveling
Before you leave for France, you’ll need to budget for:
- Program tuition or fees: One semester with a provider such as IES Abroad or CIEE can cost between $8,000 and $20,000, including housing and classes.
- Student visa: The application process costs approximately $50–100 and requires documentation to be prepared months in advance.
- Round-trip flight: Between $600 and $1,200, depending on the city of origin and the season.
International transport
If you book early and avoid peak season (July–August), you can get cheaper flights. From New York or Miami, direct flights to Paris usually cost about $600–800 with airlines like Air France or Delta.
Accommodation
This is the most variable expense. The main options are:
- CROUS University Housing: $215 to $430 per month. They’re affordable, in good locations, and you can meet other students. Demand is high, so apply early. Shared apartments cost $430 to $755 per month in smaller cities, and up to $865+ in Paris.
- Host family: Between $540 and $865 per month, with meals included in some cases.
Food
If you cook at home, budget between $175 and $290 per month. France has excellent local markets and affordable supermarkets such as Lidl, Auchan, and Monoprix.
CROUS university restaurants offer subsidized meals for less than $5, a huge benefit for students enrolled in public universities.
Health insurance
Supplementary travel insurance usually costs about $30 to $45 per month. If you’re enrolled in a French public university, you can use the public healthcare system with very low out-of-pocket costs.
Personal expenses
For transport, entertainment, museums, clothing, and everyday expenses, budget around $115 to $230 per month. With a student ID and the Carte Jeune (if you’re under 28), you can get discounts on museums, movies, and transport.
Scholarships and financial aid for students in the U.S.
Financial aid is available. It’s not always easy to get, but there are real options that can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket.
Government Scholarships
- Gilman-France Scholarship: One of the best-known scholarships for U.S. students with financial need. It’s a partnership between the French Embassy in the U.S. and the U.S. government. It gives up to $5,000 to help pay for tuition, travel, and program costs. You must be a U.S. citizen, an undergraduate student, and receive a Pell Grant.
- Fulbright France: For graduate students and postgraduates. It covers almost all costs (tuition, housing, and living expenses). It’s very competitive, but one of the most prestigious programs in the world.
University Scholarships
Your university may also have funding for study abroad. Check with the study abroad office to see if there are any internal scholarships. Many of these aren’t widely advertised, but they do exist.
International mobility programs
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: Funded by the French government, this scholarship is aimed at outstanding master’s and PhD students. The application is submitted by the French university once you’re admitted.
- AATF Study Abroad Scholarship: Up to $3,000 for students studying French at any college or university level. Annual deadline in March.
- Lafayette Fellowship (starting in 2025): A new one-year fellowship for master’s students interested in Franco-American relations.
- Robert B. Bailey Scholarship (CIEE): Up to $5,000 for students from underrepresented groups who apply to CIEE programs.
Additional financial aid
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): Up to $5,000 for undergraduate students with financial need.
- Hostelling International Explore the World: $2,000 for students ages 18 to 30, regardless of destination.
- ASFAP Summer Scholarships: Three $4,000 scholarships for summer studies in French-speaking countries.
Tips for studying abroad from the U.S. to France
Getting your visa approved and booking your flight are only part of the process. Many students arrive in France wishing they had known a few practical things beforehand.
Tips before the exchange
- Apply for your visa early. The French student visa can take 4–8 weeks, so don’t wait until the last month. First, register on Campus France and complete the “Études en France” process if you’re staying more than 90 days.
- Learn some basic French. Even if your program is in English, daily life happens in French. Knowing simple phrases and signs will really help in the first few days.
- Open a French bank account. Using a U.S. card abroad can get expensive because of fees. Once you arrive, you can open an account with BNP Paribas, Société Générale, or N26. You’ll often need a French bank account for housing contracts and utility payments.
- Confirm your credits before you leave. Talk to your advisor and get it in writing which classes in France will count toward your U.S. degree.
Tips for the exchange
- Don’t only hang out with Americans. It’s easy, but real learning happens when you mix with French and international students. Join clubs, sports, and student groups.
- Make the most of being in Europe. Studying in France puts you just a few hours away from Spain, Italy, Germany, or Belgium by train. Long weekends are a chance you won’t get back. Plan ahead and look for Interrail deals or low-cost flights.
- Know how the healthcare system works. In France, you usually need a regular doctor. Sign up for one when you arrive. For urgent care, SOS Médecins can visit you, and hospital emergency rooms are open 24/7.
How can I get internet access during an exchange program in France?
When you get to a new country, having internet right away is essential for finding housing, navigating transport, staying in contact with family, and settling into daily life.
Many U.S. students don’t realize their phone plan won’t work well in France or that roaming can get expensive. You’ll likely get a French SIM after arrival, but you’ll still need internet from day one for maps, orientation, and settling in, so it’s worth planning ahead.
For the first days or weeks, a Holafly eSIM for France is a good option. You pay for the time you need, get unlimited data, and stay connected while you settle in. It’s useful if you don’t have a local SIM yet or you’re only staying for a short program.
For a semester or year abroad, things work a bit differently. A local SIM is fine if you stay in one city, but most exchange students travel during their stay. Holafly’s monthly plans with Always On are built for this, with coverage in 160+ countries, unlimited data, hotspot use, and one eSIM that lasts the whole semester.
Frequently asked questions about study abroad programs in France
A semester can cost between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the program, city, and whether housing is included. On top of that, budget around $760 to $1,950 per month for living expenses.
It depends on the program. Some universities require a B2 level, but there are also exchange programs with classes taught in English or that include French courses.
Yes. Some options include the Gilman-France Scholarship, the Fulbright France program, the Lafayette Fellowship, and scholarships from organizations such as the AATF.
The most common options are CROUS student housing, shared apartments, and host families. Public student residences can start at around $215 a month, though prices in Paris are usually higher.
You usually need a valid passport, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, a recommendation letter, and proof of language ability. For longer stays, you’ll also need an acceptance letter, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
If you’re staying for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. For a semester or academic year, you must apply for a VLS-TS student visa before traveling.
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