How to Study More Effectively in France

When studying in France, the main focus is still learning. So what are the differences between studying in France and studying at home? How can you study more efficiently?

To start with the differences, the French system of study and assessment, including course scheduling, is very different from what you are used to in China. In most cases, classes are taught in French, which can feel unfamiliar at first. As a result, many students feel a bit panicked when they first arrive in France. That is completely normal.

Today, we are sharing some study tips to help you improve your efficiency while studying in France.

1. Take notes diligently

Studying in France does not come with as many outlines or textbooks. Every teacher has their own teaching style. Although teachers will also provide a reading list, it is completely different from the actual course materials. If you want to fully absorb what is covered in class, good notes are absolutely essential. Also, if you do not manage to take good notes in class, be sure to ask a French classmate to copy theirs, otherwise you may run into serious problems during exams later on.

2. Complete your assignments carefully

In France, besides formal lectures, there are also tutorial sessions and assignments. The core idea is basically the same as in China. Tutorials are there to answer questions and clear up confusion. If you have doubts, you need to resolve them during the tutorial session as much as possible, otherwise things will become much more difficult after class. In addition to assignments, there are occasional quizzes to test students, and these should not be taken lightly either, because they affect your final grade.

3. Take part in peer support groups

When they first enroll, many students are unable to adapt quickly to studying in France, and some even fall behind academically. In that case, we recommend taking part in the school’s peer support groups. These are usually organized by senior students or by younger faculty members to help students who are having difficulty with their studies. There, you can usually gain first-hand experience and verify practical techniques that actually work.

4. Communicate more with your teachers

It is not easy to communicate with teachers while studying in France, because most of the time they seem to appear and disappear without warning, and you cannot simply find them in their offices. However, each semester they do accept consultations from students once or twice. So if you get the chance, be sure to arrange a few one-on-one meetings with your teachers, prepare your questions in advance, and ask them about your studies one by one.

In short, beyond asking for advice, you also need to internalize and apply what you learn in your own way in order to achieve better results.