France is the Most Attractive Study Abroad Destination in Europe

According to a recent survey conducted by Campus France and the Kantar Public Institute, France is the top study abroad destination in Europe, pulling ahead of the UK, Germany and Spain.

For those of us at AUP, this comes as no surprise. France – particularly Paris – has everything a student could possibly want for a study abroad destination. Beyond the world-class universities, libraries, museums and other academic resources easily accessible (and often free for students!) France is a mecca for all things cultural. It’s no wonder that over 90% of the people surveyed cited ‘culture’ as one of their reasons for choosing France as their study-abroad destination.

The survey, published in December 2017, polled over 14,000 people. These people were part of one of the following three groups: those who have already studied abroad, those who are currently studying abroad, or those who are in the process of choosing a study abroad destination. Here are some of the findings:

• 9 of 10 students who have studied abroad in France recommend their experience.
• Over 90% are attracted by cultural opportunities and interests.
• Over 70% believe their integration into France was easy or very easy.
• 81% found l’art de vivre in France a positive experience.
• 94% found their experience to be personally enriching.
• 87% found their experience beneficial when seeking employment.

As for why they were considering to study abroad in the first place, students typically noted that they were seeking an experience to personally enrich themselves (38%) or to acquire an international experience (37%). Others cited their desire to pursue a diploma (35%) while some other students cited better teaching, language reinforcement or immersion, studying in a potential country of future employment and taking a course that was not available at their home institution as reasons for wanting to study abroad.

When asked why they chose France, most students (46%) cited the excellent level of education available as the most important reason for choosing the country. Other students cited their desire to improve their French (41%), cultural interests (38%) and the reputation of professors and universities (34%) as highly important in their selection.

In short, the survey has confirmed what some of us have known all along! France is one of the best places in the world to experience life as a student and there is no better way to experience all of what France has to offer than to live in its capital – Paris.

An early morning dash into your local boulangerie to grab a quick croissant on the way to class. An international perspective with professors and students from every corner of the world wrestling with today’s real-world issues. Noon picnics spent with new friends along the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame. Afternoon classes held in the hallowed halls of the Louvre, beneath the mysterious gaze of the Mona Lisa. And nights out on the town, enjoying all the music, art and joie de vivre Paris has to offer.

You’ll find all of this and more at AUP.

Click here to read the entirety of the survey.