Semester Abroad Programs in France

Throughout the ages, few countries have captivated the imagination as widely and as thoroughly as France. Whether it's the language-often called the most beautiful in the world-the food, or the deep and proud history of intellectual and artistic achievement, France has been as central to the development of modern civilization as anyplace in the world. And even more than the nation as a whole, Paris, that city of light and love, has stood as a beacon of all things civilized through some of the darkest days of man's history, offering the hope that at least somewhere, no matter what else was happening in the world, some sense of civility and joie de vivre (literally, "joy of life") still existed.

A Rich and Diverse Culture

The country as a whole is not terribly large-geographically speaking, it is "slightly less than twice the size of Colorado" (www.cia.gov)-but its natural terrain and range of cultures is nothing short of astounding. "Metropolitan France possesses a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal plains in the north and west to mountain ranges in the south-east (the Alps) and the south-west (the Pyrenees). The French Alps contain the highest point in western Europe, Mont Blanc at 4810 m" (www.en.wikipedia.org). And from the Bretons in the north to the inhabitants of Provence towards the south, the range of manifestations of "Frenchness" is nothing short of amazing.

Perhaps more than any other country in the world, France is known for its food and wine. The cooking techniques developed there and the recipes that have been used for hundreds of years have formed the basis of much of the western world's expectations of culinary excellence. And France still produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world, from exciting and festive Champagne to subtle, silky Bordeaux. It is not an overstatement to say that the French consider it their inalienable right to enjoy a great meal and a good bottle of wine on a regular basis.

France: A Great Destination for Study Abroad

More than 130,000 students study abroad in France every year, and they come from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the country, then, spending a semester abroad or a year there is bound to be a truly international experience. And most American universities either have their own program in France or are affiliated with a school that does. Because with so much to offer-from culture politics, from food and wine to history-France is sure to provide an unparalleled experience for any and all students who choose to study there.