Backpacking in France?

• Backpacking in Europe (from the point of view from the Netherlands it is closeby) is far from boring! France is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Experience ancient castles, beautiful cities and eat your fill. 
• Characteristics: lots to do, great food, easy to travel, expensive (especially in summer), cozy with other backpackers.  

Traveling in France?

• When traveling in France, think haute cuisine, intense nature from coast to Alps, traditions, medieval splendor and, of course, baguette, baguette, croissant, camembert every day.
• City spotting: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Carcassonne, Nice, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Lille, Dijon, Colmar. 
• Activities spotting: mountain climbing, multi-day trekking, visiting cities, viewing castles and playing knight, snorkeling, surfing, winter sports, water sports (canyoning, canoeing, rafting etc) and of course eating, eating, eating. 
• Nature spotting: the deepest gorge in Europe - Gorge du Verdon, the highest mountain in Western Europe - Mont Blanc, Calanques national Park for bizarrely beautiful cliffs and clear blue water, the wetlands of Camargue with flamingos (!), Île de Ré, the Vosges, Pyrenees, Corsica and much, much more. 
• Animal spotting: Iberian wolf, brown bear, red deer, lammergeier, lynx, Alpine ibex, Corsican muflon, fire salamander, beaver, dolphins and whales and, of course, the flamingo. 

Study in France?

• Education in France: higher education in France is internationally well regarded, it is also relatively inexpensive for EU students. 
• Language: teaching is mainly in French. However, nowadays there are also many programs in English, especially at Master level. 
• Studies: there is a wide range of educational opportunities. 
• Study cities: Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, etc. 
• Study culture: there is a lot of focus on theoretical knowledge, independence and (critical) student participation, but of course there are also the lively discussions accompanied by a delicious glass of wine. Furthermore, the culture is more formal than you are used to, with a hierarchical relationship between teachers and students. 
• Language learning: depending on your field of study, you don't need to learn French, but it will help tremendously in your social life! 

Internship in France?

• Internships: there are an awful lot of internship opportunities, from research internships at universities to professional and international internships at all kinds of companies and organizations. France is also known for art and culture, so there are many internships in this sector as well. 
• Internship cities: Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille.
• Characteristics: many options, opportunities for paid internships, competitive and good for your resume. 
• Competencies: English language skills, critical thinking, experience with hierarchical and business manners, learning to appreciate a long lunch break (with a glass of wine).  

Volunteering in France?

• Volunteer work can be found in social organizations, conservation projects, cultural events, humanitarian aid, agriculture, tourism, education and health care, among others.
• Animals/nature projects: especially focusing on stray animals. 
• Characteristics: full-time volunteering can be found mainly through individuals and volunteering websites that individuals can sign up for. 

Work in France?

• Jobs: you can find all kinds of jobs in France. From temporary jobs (for which you often need to know some French) to long-term work for companies, NGOs etc. And the great thing is, you don't need a special visa! 
• Work culture: on the work floor you will find clear hierarchical structures and formal communication. Quite different from the Netherlands. On the other hand, the work-life balance is very important with a shorter working week (35 hours) and relatively many vacations! Social networks and personal relationships are important, and you get good long lunch breaks to work on these!
• Characteristics: many opportunities, formal, social and personal, good private-work balance. 

Working as a digital nomad in France?

• A great country for digital nomads, with everything you could wish for, can be a bit pricey though, depending on where you stay.
• Favorite locations: Paris, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Dijon, Lyon.
• Features: it's not cheap, but it's cozy and nice. The facilities are good and you can alternate your digital nomad life with long lunches and lots of adventures. 

Living in France?

• France is a beautiful country to live in with a region of interest for everyone. It is not for nothing that many Dutch people move to France! It does help to speak the language, because the French are known for their stubbornness and pride regarding their culture and language.
• Language: if you want to get by in the countryside and smaller towns, really make sure you speak a word of French. In the cities, you can usually get by with English as well. 
• Quality of life: the quality of life is high. There is a good work-life balance, excellent public facilities and a relaxed lifestyle. There is also an awful lot to do wherever you are. The cost of living varies greatly depending on the region. 
• Culture: a mixture of cordiality to friends and family and formal etiquette and politeness in professional contexts. 
• Characteristics: lots to do, easy to travel and good connections with other countries, delicious food, French is important and warm connections. 
• Health care: the quality of health care is excellent, with both public and private institutions. Do arrange your own (international) health insurance well.

Stories, tips and experiences from France