If I go to France, do I have to learn French before going?
No, you do not have to learn French before going, since English works well in Paris and other major university hubs. Learning basic phrases like Bonjour and Merci still helps a lot, and a translation app becomes essential once you travel outside the big cities into smaller towns.
No, you do not need to learn French before moving there, since English gets you through daily life in Paris and other major hubs where hotel staff, university administrators, and younger locals generally speak it well. That said, a handful of polite French phrases will make your day-to-day interactions noticeably smoother.
Where English Works and Where It Does Not
| Situation | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Major cities and university hubs | Good English generally spoken by staff and younger locals |
| Smaller towns and rural areas | English becomes far less common; a translation app becomes essential |
| Shops and service counters | Greeting with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" before speaking is expected local etiquette |
Essential Phrases and Tools to Carry
- S'il vous plait (please), Merci (thank you), Parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?), and Excusez-moi (excuse me) will carry you through most situations.
- Download a translation app such as Google Translate or DeepL, using the camera feature for menus and signs and conversation mode for live translation.
- Always greet shopkeepers and staff first before switching to English; skipping this is considered impolite.
My Advice
Spend even one weekend before you leave learning ten basic French phrases and greetings, since that small effort changes how locals treat you from your very first interaction, especially outside the big university cities where your English alone may not carry you as far.
Looking for a specific course in France?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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