5 Reasons to Study Business in France

The French economy is huge. As of 2014 it was the third largest in Europe and the second largest in the eurozone. As mentioned earlier, Paris boasts Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, La Défense, a cluster of sleek skyscrapers home to some of the continent’s largest companies. AXA, Total, Carrefour, PSA Peugeot Citroën… the list of leading French businesses goes on, spanning a wide range of different sectors.

It’s well known that France in general and Paris in particular are considered world centers for fashion. France is also the second-largest exporter of agricultural products and services worldwide, one of the world’s largest investors in research and development, and a global leader in telecommunications. Like “The City” district of London, big firms gravitate towards La Défense, especially those working in the financial services. Nonetheless, their presence can be felt across France. This means a promising selection of exciting companies at which to seek internships while you study – and perhaps even at which to launch your career after graduation.

One of the reasons France is such a popular destination among tourists is that it is simply a beautiful land. From the ancient grandeur of the monastery-fortress Mont Saint-Michel to the wild, rural splendor of the Limousin region, France has sights to please all tastes.

As it happens, many French universities and business schools are located in very scenic areas. EM Normandie has a number of campuses across Normandy’s Côte Fleurie (Flowery Coast), while students at Parisian business schools may even get a view of the Eiffel Tower from their classrooms!  The south of France, and particularly the French Riviera, is renowned for its sun, sea and spectacular coastline. This region is home to SKEMA Business School’s  Sophia-Antipolis campus, and much more.  Although it is technically a different country, the ritzy city-state of Monaco is also on the south coast.  If you want to live the life of luxury associated with this famously rich city, consider studying your degree at the International University of Monaco!

France is a feast for the eyes. Outdoorsy individuals will adore the rolling hills and dramatic mountains its interior has to offer, while urbanites can bask in the cosmopolitan glory of Paris’ regal architecture – not to mention the city’s disproportionately high population of statuesque models… And of course, given France’s storied past, history buffs will have more castles, mansions and courts to visit than they have time for.

French is one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide. Not only is it one of the official languages of the United Nations, but there are 29 countries where French is an official language.  From Canada to Comoros, Madagascar to Monaco, French is a language that opens doors. After all, it’s spoken and understood by roughly 274 million people…

In order to study business in France, you’ll usually need at least a bit of French language comprehension – and of course you’ll need to be fluent if you plan to study your entire degree in French. However, there are a growing number of degrees taught in English at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Courses with English as the language of instruction are more common at master’s and MBA level. EM Normandie, for example, offers four 100% English-taught master’s degrees. Other institutions provide options to study in even more languages, with ESCE International Business School offering courses taught in different languages depending on the specialization. Many business schools, including ESCE, offer students courses to help improve their French while they study.

It is less common for undergraduate courses to be taught in English. There are exceptions though, including SKEMA Business School’s Bachelor in Global Management. SKEMA has a big focus on international business in its curriculum – and as a general rule, more ‘international’ schools are more likely to teach classes in English.

No matter what language your degree is taught in, knowing some French before you arrive will come in handy, just for day-to-day life. Being immersed in a language is the best way to learn it, so if you make an effort, you could end up becoming fluent – a hugely valuable asset for your future career options and personal life.

What is the first thing you think of when France comes to mind? Even if its economy and top universities do feature, surely your first thoughts would be of the artists, great thinkers, fine wine and gourmet food France has given to the world?

In the French hall of fame, philosophers and scholars like Voltaire rub shoulders with scientific pioneers such as Marie Curie, as well as modern master chef Raymond Blanc. These are just three names from a list far too long to fit into one article. France is also home to leading minds in fashion, art, literature and much more. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee you’ll meet any of them… but you’d have a hard time missing their great works.

France is criss-crossed with grand museums and galleries, of which the most famous is surely the Louvre. If art isn’t your scene, trek out to one of the country’s vineyards and enjoy the (fermented) fruits of their labors. If you’re looking for something to do during your winter break, look no further than an adrenaline-soaked ski trip to the French Alps! Many universities and business schools organize ski trips for students, which are almost always far more affordable than going independently.

Oceans of ink have been spent praising France’s many virtues (this is online, so technically it doesn’t count towards that total…), and for good reason. So, to reiterate:  study business in France and you’ll have a huge selection of innovative courses and respected institutions to choose from, along with an exciting selection of international companies to intern at. While living in France, you’ll have the chance to acquire highly valuable French language skills, and never be more than a short trip away from some sort of cultural offering, awe-inspiring sight, or taste bud-teasing delight.

If this hasn’t convinced you about the benefits of studying business in France, we don’t know what will!