Most of France’s education is publicly funded.  As such, you will find that many of the private universities in France offer extremely competitive rates. There are multitudes of schools dedicated to teaching French as a second language. Tuition can run as low as 500 Euros per semester. If you are a visiting researcher, oftentimes you may qualify for up to a 50% reduction on top of that. The Ministry of Education maintains an excellent web resource in English on specific education options. Visit  http://www.edufrance.fr/en/index.htm for detailed information.

Obtaining your visa can be another hurdle. If you are heading to France solely for the assistantship, then you will be contacted in advance with instructions on how to apply for your visa. Follow their deadlines studiously as visa’s can take up to two months to receive.  However, if you plan to come to France early and start school, then you can apply for a student visa at any time. For this, you will need proof of enrollment in a French university in addition to your regular paperwork. French schools will issue this proof after receipt of your deposit. All the other necessary forms can be downloaded at http://www.frenchculture.org/education/france/go/visa.html. (See Link Below)

If you are going to be living in France through the assistantship program, then you will be assigned a region (they can usually honor your request).  In any case, you will be responsible for securing your own lodging. This can be quite difficult in a foreign country, and will usually require a week or more of diligent effort before you find something that works for you.  You may find it helpful to look online before you leave.  Websites such as http://www.colocation.fr/ can be an excellent source for finding studios or roommates, and the searching will familiarize you with the French apartment lingo. (See Link Below)

Most people seek assistance from the city’s apartment hunters.  There are literally hundreds of such agencies who maintain lists of available rentals.  They will usually require a fee somewhere in the neighborhood of one months rent, payable after signing. Some charge a much smaller fee (about 20%) which must be paid up front before they will release any addresses. If you can afford it, the former option will allow you the most flexibility. 

These fees can be quite a shock to newcomers who are used to the landlord covering such expenses. But the good news is that housing can be quite a bit less expensive than you may be used to paying. You can get student housing for virtually nothing, or rent an apartment in town for between 200 and 1000 euros.  If you are taking classes then you may qualify for the student housing subsidy as well.

Within 9 days of arriving in France, you will need to begin the process of applying for your carte de sejour. This is your official residents permit and you will need it in order to remain and work in the country as well as receive government aid.  Having one will essentially make you a temporary citizen. The bureaucracy can be intimidating, but if you persevere, you may be able to do it all in one shot.  Visit your local prefecture for the necessary paperwork. 

Once you arrive, allow yourself plenty of time for errands.  Remember, you are on French time now, so things may take a little longer.  For instance, to obtain a bank account you will need to make an appointment, usually 7 – 10 days in advance.  Your social security health coverage will require similar foresight.  When you arrive in town, your local Maison de Tourisme can be a great source of information and advice on wading through these tasks.

On a final note, the assistantship provides a wonderful but it is not your only option.  If you do not qualify for the assistantship, take heart.  There are plenty of employment opportunities for Anglophones living in France. There are many American corporations with operations in France.  These companies tend to maintain an English-only policy in the workplace. In addition your English skills are compensable through private channels. Many people need help improving their English for school, business, or even help with term papers. With a little bit of advertising, you should easily be able to support yourself. Or, there is always migrant work available. A month of picking grapes on a French vineyard can do wonders for the soul.

Whatever path you choose, I am sure that your time in France will be memorable and fulfilling. Be sure to save copies of everything, relax, and take long breaks. Get yourself a nice café and smile… you will get through it. Bon chance, mes amis!