Published on: May 28, 2025 | Article No: 235 | By: @SpandanaOnteddu
Hello everyone, I’m Spandana from India. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Management at NEOMA Business School, Rouen, France. I came from a Finance background, completed my B.Com degree with a year of work experience in Wells Fargo International Bank.
Like many international students, I completely stepped into a new world – a different language, culture, academic system, and lifestyle. Through this blog, I want to share the real side of the story – not just the social media highlights but the struggles, surprises, lessons, and wins. If you’re a student planning to study in France, I hope this gives you honest insights and helpful tips that you can truly relate to. Let’s dive in!
Importance of Learning French as an International Student
If I could give just one strong piece of advice to anyone planning to study in France – start learning French as early as possible, because it holds a lot of value in all aspects. Before I came to France, I knew French was spoken here, but I didn’t realize how deeply it is integrated into daily life, job markets, and social circles.
One of the biggest misconceptions international students often carry is thinking, “People here don’t respond to me – is it because I don’t speak their language? Or worse, is it racism?” It may be true sometimes, but after living in France for several months, I realized – as we’re in their country, just like how we appreciate when someone puts efforts to learn the language in India, the French expect the same. In fact, once you start speaking even broken French, people smile, help, and respond more warmly. It’s not about perfection, it’s all about showing respect and the willingness to integrate in their culture.
Real struggle starts during Internship and Job search – You may be talented with amazing qualifications/experience, but when it comes to applying for internships and jobs, language becomes a major filter. It’s true that some global companies in France do hire English-speaking students, but here’s the catch – the competition is extremely high. Everyone who doesn’t speak fluent French is applying for the same limited roles. That means even if you’re qualified, you’re competing with all around the world. So relying only on English is risky. I’ve personally seen my applications going unanswered and many opportunities lost just because of this one line in the job description: “Fluent French required”. Rather than regretting not knowing French after coming, it’s better to make efforts to learn the language.
What can you do now: Learning A1 and A2 levels before you arrive can make a huge difference. Trust me, once you’re here – balancing studies, house-hold works, and learning a language from scratch is really hard. So the earlier you start, the better your life becomes in France. Even though it’s difficult, it is absolutely worth it in the end – especially when you start connecting the dots from a career perspective. Living in this reality everyday, I can assure you that learning French is one of the best investments you can make before landing in France.
Key Differences in Academics between India and France
When I first joined NEOMA Business School, I was curious and a bit nervous about how different academics would be in France compared to India.
From Theory to Real-World Application – India gave me a solid academic grounding, and France is helping me expand it in new directions for a new transformation. Back in India, we often focused on theory, exams, and memorization. But in France, the approach is entirely practical. Classes revolve around real-life case studies, market scenarios, and business simulations that push you to think beyond textbooks.
One of my first assignments was solving a real business problem, that’s when I realized – You don’t just learn concepts, you learn how to use them. Professors are very friendly, they encourage students to question and contribute. So there’s no fear of being wrong – it’s about showing curiosity and expressing our thoughts, which improves critical thinking skills. In France, grades don’t depend solely on final exams. Instead, you’re assessed through a mix of presentations, group projects, class participation, and assignments. This helps you stay involved throughout the semester and removes the stress of last-minute pressure.
Teamwork is a Core Skill – projects are a major part of academics. They’re not just about dividing tasks, it includes collaborating, brainstorming, and delivering the output together. Working with international classmates from different countries and mindsets has expanded my knowledge through sharing each other’s perspectives.
Freedom Comes with Responsibility – The French education system gives you a lot of freedom, but you must be responsible for managing your schedule, taking initiative, reaching out for help, and staying on track (without expecting spoon-feeding). This transition helped me to become more organized and a better person – traits that go far beyond academics. I became more vocal and started to research, not just accepting what’s taught. One of my professors told me, This is your learning journey. I’m just the guide.
Overall, studying in France has been a truly interesting and eye-opening experience for me. It’s not just about gaining academic knowledge, it also develops skills for life. The learning style here empowers you to think independently, speak confidently, and solve problems creatively.
Initially, I struggled to adapt from language barriers to understanding the new academic environment, everything felt overwhelming. But over time, I realized every challenge had a purpose. I suggest everyone make full use of every single resource you get here – whether it may be university facilities, career fairs, networking events, internships, or even casual conversations with people from different cultures. Every Euro you’re spending in your education holds value – not just for academics, but for the life experience you’re building. You never know where opportunities lie – so show up, engage, and keep your presence felt in everything.
If anyone is having second thoughts, whether studying abroad might be too tough or if they can meet the standards – don’t hold back. It’s absolutely manageable when you have the desire to learn and the attitude to achieve something big in life.”
Adjusting to Student Life in France
Stepping into a new country as an international student is exciting, but there’s a lot behind that. When I first landed in France, it felt like the world around me was spinning faster than I could catch up. The chilly weather, unfamiliar language, food and the lifestyle was completely new. In India, we have family around, meals ready, and a support system within reach. But here, I had to build everything from scratch, fortunately it became a wonderful journey of self-discovery.
That’s where the real growth begins – From cooking your own meals, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and keeping your room organized, you become fully responsible in your day-to-day life. You might feel overwhelmed initially, but you heartfully get a feeling of satisfaction in managing things independently. Arranging things brings a structured mind, and even budgeting starts to feel like a small win. There’s a joy in exploring the city by walking through historic streets, trying cafes, and visiting weekend markets. It keeps you more peaceful and active.
Socializing helps you stay mentally refreshed and builds your network. Whether it’s a casual evening with classmates or a deep conversation with a friend, every interaction adds meaning to your journey. While it’s important to stay open and friendly, it’s equally wise to be thoughtful about whom you trust. Not everyone will have the same intentions, so take your time to truly get to know people. Create a supportive circle by building genuine connections.
One important tip I learned early on, Don’t delay essential administrative tasks like opening a bank account, applying for SSN, etc. If you postpone these, other important things interlinked to them will also get delayed, causing unnecessary complications down the line.
No matter how busy life gets, stay connected with your family. Their support and encouragement gives you strength and comfort, even from far. If you ever find yourself stuck or feeling down, don’t stress yourself. Take a moment to research, reach out for help, or explore different options – solutions are often closer than you think. Take care of your mental health.
Managing Finances & Budgeting, Money management is a skillful art. Saving money has been a game changer for me. There are a lot of financial benefits available, which many people don’t realize, utilizing them effectively makes you wise enough to manage your expenses. Applying for APL (from CAF) early to reduce rent, preparing meals at home without purchasing outside frequently, availing free groceries/low-cost options, unlocking discounts through student ID, and much more.
Whenever you’re about to spend on anything – big/small, just ask yourself: Is there a better affordable way I can look at to save money? Make a habit to note and track all your expenses to avoid unnecessary expenditure. It’s easy to fall into the social spending nature when making new friends, just be a little cautious. Handling your finances smartly leads to thoughtful decisions that allow you to fully focus on your journey while staying free from financial stress.
Conclusion
Finally, studying abroad is much more than academics – it’s about growing into a confident, independent individual who can adapt, learn, and survive in a new environment. Your days may get packed with professional and personal demands, but when you overcome those challenges with a positive mindset and manage your time efficiently, it becomes a beautifully balanced life.
“Remember, your success depends on the effort you put in – Be Ethical, Work Hard, Manifest your Goals, and turn your Dreams into Reality!”
Thank you so much for taking time to read about my experiences. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the experts for giving me this opportunity. For clear and reliable information about studying and living in France, I highly recommend checking out this dedicated platform that brings everything together in one place. It’s been incredibly helpful in my own journey.
If you’re stepping into a new chapter abroad or simply curious to know, I’m here to genuinely share real insights, tips, and support. You’re not alone, let’s grow and succeed together – Feel free to connect on LinkedIn
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