The right school depends on your unique goals, budget, desired location, and preferred learning style. What works for someone else might not be the best fit for you.
Here are the most important considerations to think about when choosing the right French language school:
- Goals
- Budget
- Location
- Schedule
- Intensity
What are your goals?
You might already know that setting clear and realistic goals is important if you want to learn French seriously. Consider what you want to achieve during your time in France, as this will help you pick the right school.
Do you want to find a job in France? Do you want to go to university in France? Do you want to pass a language certification? For example, if you plan to continue your studies after language school, look for a school that offers University Pathway Courses or prepares you for the DELF or DALF exams.
What is your budget?
School fees vary depending on the school and how long your course lasts. You’ll also need to budget for accommodation, utilities, groceries, transport, entertainment, and travel.
France requires students to have at least 615€ per month while staying in the country. This is considered the minimum needed to live and study in France, but we recommend saving as much as you can before applying. To get a more accurate estimate, you can use our Cost of Living Calculator.
Note that you can work part-time while on a student visa, which can help you boost your finances. However, even if you plan to work part-time while studying, you still need to show you have enough funds for your entire stay when you apply for your visa.
Where do you want to study?
Where you live in France will affect your budget and is an important part of choosing the right school. Go! Go! France works with over 10 accredited schools in 9 different cities, and each city has its own character, so it’s important to pick the one that fits you best.
Paris is a large and exciting city with plenty to do, but it’s also the most expensive place to live in France. If you don’t enjoy big cities, it might be harder to feel connected to the local community. There are many other cities in France, both large and small, that offer city life without the crowds and distance you might find in a big metropolis. Cities like Montpellier, Toulouse, or Bordeaux are great if you want city living but also want to be close to nature.
Read our city guide on how to choose the best city to live and study in France
How long do you want to study?
Once you know your goals and budget, think about how long you want to study. All our partner schools offer semi-intensive and intensive French courses, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1 or C2) levels.
Most language schools offer many sessions, with new classes starting every Monday, but complete beginners have fixed start dates. Course length is flexible, and students can usually apply for anywhere from 1 week to 1 year. Keep in mind that, in most cases, applicants who receive a long-stay student visa to complete a French language program have at least 20 hours of classes per week and stay for at least 6 months.
Universities are usually much cheaper, but they aren’t as flexible as language schools. They have fixed start dates, and courses usually last 6 months or 1 year, with most starting in September or October. Some universities also offer short-term programs for 1, 2, or 3 months.
Intensity of study
Most schools offer both semi-intensive and intensive courses. Semi-intensive or standard courses are about 15 hours per week, while intensive programs are usually 20 hours or more per week.
If you don’t need a visa and want more free time to explore France, a school with semi-intensive courses might suit you. If you want to go into higher education or work in France, you may need a more intensive school to improve your language skills quickly.
Note: If you want to apply for a long-stay student visa in France, you’ll probably need to enroll in an intensive course with at least 20 hours of classes per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a student visa to study French in France?
Yes, you can get a student visa if you enroll in an eligible French course. Visa approval depends on the program’s intensity, schedule, and school accreditation. All of our partner schools offer visa-compatible programs with at least 20 hours of classes per week.
Which language schools does Go! Go! France work with?
We partner with 10+ accredited schools across 9 cities in France. All are accredited by Campus France and hold the FLE Quality Label, a certification granted by the French Ministry of Education for excellence in teaching French to non-native speakers.
See our schools: Language Schools & Universities
How does Go! Go! France select its partner language schools?
We personally visit and evaluate each partner school to ensure it meets our high standards. Each school is carefully selected by our team based on teaching quality, course variety, and student experience. All are approved by the French Ministry of Education.
Can I apply to a language school not listed on your website?
No, we only support applications to our listed partner schools because we know their processes and requirements.
How can I apply to a French language school through Go! Go! France?
Just contact us and we’ll guide you through the entire application process. We’ll help you choose a school, submit your application, and help you complete all the required paperwork.
If you need advice or help with your options, you can contact our team.
For more tips and information about studying in France, check out our blog.
