The first thing one thinks of when hearing the word "France" is the Eiffel Tower. Indeed, the Eiffel tower is a major reason that students want to go to France to study. First of all, France is very rich in history. The French Revolution in itself has created so many landmarks that a student studying European history would be thrilled to just visit those places. Nevertheless, France is not only for European history students. An international study abroad program looks out for more reasons than just the history of the country.

So what do students look at when choosing a country to study and live in? Well, of course, it is more fun to learn French in Paris or stay in Biarritz than to study French in Idaho. But there are many reasons why international students choose France. We'll count down the reasons for visiting France, starting from Number 5.

Number 5 on our list would be that France is inspiring. How so? Imagine yourself gazing up at the Eiffel tower with your university books in your hand at sunset. The scene ahead of you would simply take your breath away. Adding to that would be the pride of being a student in this wonderful country that produced such a magnificent landmark. An international study abroad program is designed to give students that satisfaction; the pride to be a student in France. Artistically inclined students would be awestruck to see Picasso's work firsthand. Seeing something you have only seen before as copies, or in a book, would be altogether a once in a lifetime experience. What about sipping coffee at the local bistro? In a place as rich in culture as France, that very action requires some confidence, which students will definitely gain while studying in France.

4th on our list would be that France is the perfect place for venturing out and exploring. An international study program is not only about studying. Encouraging students to go on excursions to various parts of the country is very much part of the agenda. France has many places to visit. Students can go to the Alps to ski, take a cruise down the Rhine or even visit the home of French Kings in Fontainebleau. These trips are beneficial in both ways; academically and leisure-wise. Also, from France, it is easy to take trips to major European cities like London, Madrid, Brussels, and Milan.

The 3rd reason on our list is somewhat related to the 5th reason. Paris, the capital of France, is a world famous center of art, fashion, cuisine and culture. By participating in an international study program, not only would a student benefit academically, he/she would also benefit in other ways. For example, France is the homeland of famous fashion designers, such as Yves Saint-Laurent. Students may have grown up hearing his name and wearing his label, but actually staying in the same country as him and experiencing his material first hand is an altogether different story. Christian Dior also hails from France, as does Jean-Paul Gaultier. And why not grab a gift for someone back home (or yourself!) at the Louis Vuitton flagship store near your school in Paris? French cuisine is extremely rich too. It is sheer ecstasy to just taste French cuisine, let alone enjoy it day in day out.

Next on our list, coming in at Number 2, would be that France is an economic center. It is the 2nd European economic power and the 2nd biggest service exporter in the world. Many multi-national companies operate in France and all over the world; and this opens up plenty of doors for students who come here to study. Some multi-national companies include Airbus, L'Oreal, Danone, Renault and Carrefour. These five companies are in five completely different fields, which show the vast range of choice students have when they graduate.

The definite Number 1 reason would be that France provides quality education. It is also a safe country. Its universities are internationally recognized and they provide a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. Students emerge from these education centers as mature adults ready to face the world.

Well, you've come to the end of our Top 5 Reasons to Visit France. Our conclusion: Going abroad on an international study abroad program can provide you a well-rounded way to better yourself, by immersing yourself in a land and culture that is very different from your own. France is indeed an excellent choice for students planning to study abroad.