Study in Nice, France

Study in Nice, France

Nice is a small, beautiful city spread out along the pristine seafront of the French Riviera. It has a warm, mild climate year-round, a charming appearance, and a well-deserved reputation for friendliness and hospitality.
 
The city is home to a large number of study-abroad programs and French language academies, and is one of the most popular places to study the French language due in large part to its relaxing atmosphere.
 
Although it is possible to find people who speak English – especially young people, who study the language in school – French is still the main language of the locals. You can get around in English if absolutely necessary, but don’t assume that everyone can speak it. It’s always a good idea to learn some French if you can. This will be considered a sign of respect among the locals, who are proud of the French language, and will also help you enormously if you are looking for work.
 
Nice is well-accustomed to catering to tourists, since huge numbers of foreigners from around the world congregate in the city for their vacations. This is something of a double-edged sword, since it makes the city extremely vibrant and lively, but at the same time can make it seem overcrowded and hectic. Nonetheless, living in Nice will give you a good idea for why it is so popular with foreigners. Between its warm, sandy beaches, its nightlife, the excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby hills, and its historic buildings, castles, and museums, Nice has a little bit of something for everyone. One of the first things many visitors do when they arrive in Nice is climb the stairways to Colline du Chateau, a small hill in the center of town that provides breathtaking views of the city and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
 
Another advantage of living, studying, and working in Nice is the ease of getting from one place to another. The city is the main transportation hub for the French Riviera, so trains along the coast are common and it’s easy to get to Monaco, Marseilles, or Northern Italy for a day trip or a weekend vacation. Within the city, transportation is provided by a brand new tram system designed to connect the city center with surrounding suburbs, as well as an inexpensive bus system. Despite all these transportation options, the best way to get around Nice is simply to walk. The city is extremely compact (especially the city center where most of the shopping and sightseeing are to be found), and unless your housing happens to be a long way from town, you may never need to set foot inside a bus. It’s also very popular to rent bicycles or, if you are planning to be here for an extended stay, to buy one.