USA

WHERE DO I STUDY? FRANCE OR THE US?

France and the US are two great places to study abroad. France, the second most attractive destination for international students, offers a high quality of education, low tuition fees, and an excellent life in a french way. France ranks regularly high in international university rankings. On the other side, the USA is full of culture that boosts intellectualism, career opportunities, and top-notch research facilities. Here, we will see the difference in studying in both of these countries.

Period of Terms:

In the US, some colleges start in September but the semester in most universities begins in August. The semester ends around mid-December and the second semester begins around 15th to 20th January. In late November, universities go on a winter break but this only applies to universities that have a trimester or quarter based structure. In France, the academic year usually starts in September and ends in May or June. Generally, the holidays are seen in July and August.

Duration of Programs:

In France, the degrees are classified into three types. They are License degree (UG), Master degree (PG), and Doctorate. A license degree can be gained by studying six semesters for three years. Masters degree includes an additional four semesters (2 years). A doctorate can be gained by studying for three years (6 semesters) additionally. Internship referral systems and career service offices are available in all universities, that help in finding recent job and internship opportunities. In the US, an undergraduate degree can be gained by studying for four years. In the US, students can study a Ph.D. after finishing the undergraduate degree program without doing a Master's degree.

 

University Structure and Organization:

In the USA, for the first year of their studies, students apply to the main university and then they attend class on different subjects. They can choose a major at the end of the first year. Departments and schools for Science and Arts are also available. In the US, gaining knowledge and learning outside the major subject area of the main focus of the education system. In France, higher education is divided into two types. One is

Grandes Ecoles and the other one is public universities. Students can gain a license degree, ie. Bachelor’s degree, after completing 3 years of study and 180 ECTS credits should be certified. To gain a Master’s degree, the criteria and decision are purely universities’ discretion. They are free to set their conditions.

Finding Accommodation:

In France, there are several accommodation options available such as crous, university-owned accommodation, students staying in residence, and accommodation portals. The cost of renting is beyond the international average, ie. 200 EUR - 300 EUR per month. The renting cost mainly depends on where you are and the level of luxury and comfort you choose. Students can also rent a room through an estate agent or an individual. In the US, off-campus and on-campus accommodations are available. On-Campus accommodations have easy access to the cafeteria and other eating places. Off-campus options include leasing an apartment, homestays, and private renting.

 

Assignment and Grading:

In France, the grading system is standardized. All the assignments, tests, and exams are out of 20. The pass mark is ten (10). When a student scores 10 - 11.99, it is a simple pass, 12 - 13.99 is a good pass score, 14 - 15.99 is a pass with merit, and 16+ is treated as a pass with distinction. Students, who are getting between 8 to 9.99, are entitled to write the exam again after a few weeks. In the US, students' performance in projects and take-home tests decide their marks. Each time when a student completes and submits an assignment, the instructor will put a letter (grade) at the top of the answer sheet. The grades start from A to F, excluding E. The highest grade is A and the lowest is F. In the US, a student’s course grades are determined by assignment performance and final examination.

 

Cost of Education:

In the US, the private and public colleges’ tuition fee is around USD 32,500 and USD 25,000 per year. The fees depend on the type of college (private or public). The average tuition fees range from USD 4,500 to USD 50,000 per year. In France, the tuition fees are very low. It only costs 200 EUR per year to get a License’s degree from a public university. But sometimes depending on the program, the cost fluctuates.

Medicine costs 450 EUR per year whereas Engineering programs cost around 620 EUR. The expensive ones are Masters and Ph.D. programs starting from 250 EUR for the former, and 400 EUR for the latter. Private institutions charge higher.

If you wish to study in a foreign country, contact Whizstorm for the best study abroad plan.