Arrangements for your stay in France
The French Embassy and Consulate help you with arrangements for your stay and inform you about living conditions in France.

Before leaving, check that you fulfill all required conditions:
. Hold a degree recognised by a French institution.
. Have sufficient public or private funds for a long-term stay.
. Acquire a satisfactory level of French: It is advisable to begin by learning French before leaving. On arrival, you may undertake, for several months, an intensive course delivered by French universities.

Work permit
French law allows foreign students to work under the following conditions: - A maximum of 884 hours per year can be worked: During the school year: Part-time (19.5 hours per week, or 84.5 hours per month). During vacation periods: Full-time within the 884-hour yearly limit. A provisional work permit must be requested from your local prefecture. The minimum hourly wage in France is 8.27 Euros gross.

Note: Au pair work: students may find housing with a family (either in their apartment or in a separate room) in exchange for several hours of childcare or household tasks per week. More information is available at the AFJE (Accueil Familial des Jeunes Etrangers) website: http://www.afje­paris.org