Cultural Excursions
Monthly group trips to French cultural landmarks: Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel, the Loire Valley châteaux, and regional wine estates.
// Student LifeLife in France
Life in France
is the curriculum.
01/
// Campus ExperienceStudy where history
Study where history
was made.
DUEF students have full access to their host university's facilities: libraries, sports centers, student unions, cafeterias (Restaurants Universitaires — RU), and digital learning resources.
Classes are held in the same buildings as French degree students, providing immediate daily immersion and opportunities to form friendships with local and international students alike.
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University Libraries
Full access to academic databases, physical collections, and 24/7 reading rooms.
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Sports & Recreation
Discounted access to university sports centers, swimming pools, and team sports.
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Student Restaurants
Subsidized meals at CROUS restaurants — full lunch for under €4.
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Digital Resources
Access to French academic databases, e-libraries, and language lab software.
// AccommodationFinding your home
Finding your home
in France.
Recommended
CROUS Residence
€150 – €400/month
University-managed student residences, located on or near campus. Single rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Apply through the CROUS portal as early as possible — spaces are limited and competitive.
Most affordable option
Close to campus
Student community
Utilities included
Private Student Residence
€400 – €700/month
Private residences catering specifically to students, offering more amenities than CROUS. Typically include furnished studios with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and common areas.
More privacy
Modern facilities
Flexible lease terms
Often near transport
Private Apartment (Shared)
€350 – €600/month
Sharing a private apartment with other students. Offers the most authentic French living experience. Use platforms like PAP.fr, Leboncoin, or university housing boards.
Most authentic experience
Flexibility
Full kitchen access
Neighborhood integration
Best for immersion
Host Family (Homestay)
€500 – €900/month
Live with a French family, with meals included. The fastest way to improve spoken French and understand French domestic culture. Arranged through the university or specialist agencies.
Maximum French immersion
Meals included
Cultural integration
Safe for first-time arrivals
// Cultural LifeFrance is your
France is your
classroom.
Learning French is inseparable from living French. Our program embeds cultural experiences into the academic calendar.
Language Exchange (Tandem)
Weekly language exchange sessions pairing DUEF students with French students learning their native language. The most effective way to develop conversational fluency.
French Cinema Club
Bi-weekly screenings of French films from the Nouvelle Vague to contemporary cinema, with discussion sessions led by faculty.
Integration Events
Orientation week, welcome dinners, international student fairs, and end-of-year graduation ceremony bring the DUEF community together throughout the year.
// Student SupportYou are never
You are never
alone here.
Moving to a new country is a significant undertaking. Our support infrastructure is designed to remove every administrative obstacle so you can focus entirely on learning.
Talk to an Advisor🏥
Health Insurance
All students under 28 are automatically enrolled in the French student social security scheme (CPAM) at no extra cost. Coverage includes GP visits, specialist referrals, hospitalization, and prescriptions.
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Visa & Residence Permit
Our international student office guides you through the OFII validation process upon arrival, residence permit renewal, and any changes to your status during the academic year.
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Housing Allowance (CAF)
Most international students are eligible for a housing allowance (APL) from the CAF — the French family allowance fund. This can reduce your monthly rent by €50–€200 depending on city and income.
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Arrival Support
Airport pickup coordination, guided city orientation, bank account setup assistance, and a dedicated buddy assigned from the French student community — all arranged before you land.
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Psychological Counseling
Free and confidential psychological support is available at all partner universities. Culture shock and adjustment difficulties are normal — trained counselors are available in multiple languages.
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Administrative Assistance
Navigating French bureaucracy is notoriously complex. Our administrative team helps with prefecture appointments, tax declarations, bank correspondence, and official document translation.