Studying at La Sorbonne

If you are currently a student at a major university in the states, studying in France shouldn't really be a problem for you. Most schools already have connections with various universities in France and set up the package for you: Visas, timing, enrollment, housing, etc.

If you're not one of those lucky few and/or would like to do it on your own, all is not lost. It's a bit harder, but I like to think that much more rewarding.

If you know anything about France or have ever heard reference to schooling there, the name SORBONNE probably sounds familiar - with all its due prestige - especially to those of us from the States. Sorbonne, which once referred to the entirety of the University of Paris, now, in actuality, only refers to the gorgeous building in Paris' 5eme arrondissment. Enough with the history, if you want all the background, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorbonne

If you want to study at the Sorbonne, the easiest way for foreigners is through Les Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. Basically, classes about French culture for foreigners. About transferring college credit, you'll have to check within your own university, but that would likely not be through this department.

You can always visit the Sorbonne's official site Paris IV, but trust me, its a maze!

http://www.paris-sorbonne.fr/en/

Believe it or not, they have a site dedicated for the CCF in ENGLISH. It took me forever to find, but once I got it, I wasn't going to let it go:

http://www.ccfs-sorbonne.fr/sommaire.php3?lang=en

There you will find all the courses offered through that branch of the Sorbonne, there start and end dates, registration periods and, most importantly, a pre-registration form.

You will need to preregister in order to get a certificate stating you will be attending la Sorbonne so you can take it to your local prefecture and secure a student visa before departure. (http://hubpages.com/hub/Move_to_France).

After you have reviewed the how to secure your visa, there are a few additional notes on student visas I want to sum up for you, since it took me a long time to figure out.

It is now required all students studying in France must first enroll themselves in "CampusFrance" in order to obtain a student visa.

You will need to obtain a proof of payment from campus france, before you can apply for a student visa. To contact campus france:

www.usa.campusfrance.org or e-mail: campusfrance@ambafrance-us.org.

The consulate also goes on to note:

This subject only concerns :

- the studies for a period of time superior to three months (including doctorate studies),

- the studies after the high-school education.

As far as I can tell, it's a way to get more money out of you, but rules are rules, I guess. So far, Campus France was the only completely not helpful organization I delt with.

You'll need your visa to register, along with these other items:

-the translation of your secondary school diploma

-a copy of your pre-registration certificate

-your visa

Note: you also must be 18 years or older

Also, if you intend to work: French law allows foreign students to work a maximum of 964 hours per year, but you will only be able to work with this visa.