If you’re planning on attending the Sorbonne, I would advise high proficiency.

Are you looking for a study abroad programme for a semester or a year? Or are you looking for a regular 4-year education?

@luv_the_beach – I am looking to do my PhD studies there. I will be living in Paris for a year and a half before the program begins so I can gain a decent level of proficiency. Could you give any insight on what the Sorbonne is like?

Thanks ever so much.

Haven’t ever experienced your situation. We do have some Korean students here who speak very good english but have some trouble when being instructed. One had a very good presentation in a mathematics class but had trouble fielding questions.

A second one also has some trouble when she asks for help. The professor says it seems like she doesn’t quite understand. This could be because of the different english accents.

Since you’re going to be there a year and a half you should have a attained a fair level of mastery of the french language. There are unis that teach in english as well.

I’m curious though about how you get to stay in France while not in school. Schengen only gives you 90 days. (I’m assuming you’re an american.)

I’m getting ready to study at La Sorbonne this fall, and research and professors agree that education in France is very different from the American system. It is much less personal. You must be very self-motivated, and I would advise very high fluency for graduate studies because, if you begin to struggle, or have trouble with the language barrier, professors are not as accessible as they are in the States and it will be much more difficult to find help. If you want to study in France, go to Campus France and look around. Look at requirements, which schools offer the courses you’d like to take, etc. Then make your decision about La Sorbonne.

I will be on a work Visa sponsored by the French/American Chamber of Commerce.

@LBJ – I have done quite a bit of research on the programs at the Sorbonne and am sure of the one or two I would like to apply for. They are both more doctoral programs in American Studies, btw.

What are you studying there? Is at the Post-Graduate level? Also, are you American? And for the record I heard Campus France is worthless… any thoughts?

I’m an American be studying French literature as an undergrad. Campus France is not great on the advice, but as far as instructions, etc. it’s great. If you’re on a work visa it may not matter, but the government requires you to set up a Campus France account in order to obtain a student visa, so I wouldn’t exactly say it’s worthless. Also, it can direct you to any forms you need to fill out, helpful websites, etc. It’s not super navigable, but if you spend some time on it, they have a lot of useful and necessary information.

I think you are right. I was told I would not need Campus France because I will already be in France. If I may ask, how did you find the application process? Meaning, how responsive was the Sorbonne? I have sent many emails to them without getting a response to finally be told by an acquaintance who went their for undergrad that THEY DONT RESPOND TO EMAILS.

Also, we are both talking about Paris IV right?

Yes, we’re both talking about Paris IV. And you’re right, the Sorbonne itself is not super helpful or responsive. The only way I’ve been able to contact them is through my advisor at the study abroad office. If you don’t have that resource, you have to be really self-motivated about it, find answers to your own questions, make sure you get all the right forms, turn things in on time, etc. Not to push the issue too much, but that’s one place where Campus France might have more information. Here’s a link to their information on the application process.
I know you’ve already graduated, but I know that my college career center helps alumni apply to graduate school and have information about post-graduate studies abroad. You might try contacting the career center or study abroad office at the school where you did your undergrad if you haven’t already.

@LBJ – Thanks for the advice. How long will you be there studying French literature?