Thinking about your future abroad? If you plan to prepare to study in France, this summer is the perfect time to get a head start. Even if you haven’t applied yet, there are easy and smart things you can do now to build your confidence, improve your skills, and understand French culture better. Here’s how.
1️⃣ Improve your French or English
Even basic French helps daily life in France.
Practice with free tools like Duolingo or Babbel, or learn with a tutor in Vietnam through our partner FV Academy for tailored language support
2️⃣ Discover French culture beyond Paris
To better prepare to study in France, explore regions beyond Paris such as Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux. Watch documentaries and cultural programs on TV5MONDE to get authentic insights into French traditions, history, and everyday life across these regions. You can also try your hand at cooking French recipes from popular sites like Marmiton to experience French cuisine firsthand. This cultural exploration will enrich your understanding of France and help you adapt more easily once you arrive.
3️⃣ Follow industry trends in fashion, luxury, or hospitality
To prepare to study in France effectively, stay updated on the latest industry trends by reading trusted sources. For fashion and luxury, check out Business of Fashion, a leading platform for news and analysis. For hospitality insights, explore HospitalityNet, which offers valuable articles on global hospitality trends. Regularly following these sites helps you build industry knowledge, which will impress admissions teams and prepare you for your future studies.
4️⃣ Connect with students already studying in France
One of the best ways to prepare to study in France is to connect with current students. Join Facebook groups such as Vietnamese Students in France where you can ask questions, get advice, and hear firsthand experiences. You can also attend webinars hosted by French schools like Mod’Art International Paris and IFA Paris to learn more about their programs and student life. Building these connections early will give you valuable insights, reduce any anxieties about studying abroad, and help you feel part of the community before you even arrive.
5️⃣ Build a small personal project
Admissions teams love to see genuine passion and initiative. To stand out and better prepare to study in France, start a creative project such as a fashion lookbook, blog, or photo series that showcases your skills and reflects your career goals — whether in fashion, luxury, or hospitality. For students interested in hospitality schools, consider documenting your experiences with customer service, event planning, or culinary experiments to demonstrate your dedication. These passion projects not only show your commitment but also help you build a tailored portfolio that aligns with what French schools look for. By engaging in such activities before applying, you develop relevant skills and a deeper understanding of your chosen field, essential steps to prepare to study in France successfully. These projects can also serve as powerful conversation starters during interviews and significantly strengthen your application.
Final advice: Students who succeed abroad often prepare to study in France through small, consistent steps before leaving. Make this summer count.
👉 Contact IHEMIL for tailored advice and program options.
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